Columbus State University is a public 4-year college in Columbus, Georgia with 5,625 undergraduates. It admits 99% of applicants, costs an average of $15,711 a year after grants and graduates 42% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
Columbus State University acceptance rate and admissions
Columbus State University admitted 99% of applicants for fall 2024. The median acceptance rate at 4-year colleges is 77%.
Test scores: Considered but not required (as reported for fall 2024 admission). That means you can apply without SAT or ACT scores. Check the admissions office for the current policy.
The colored band is the middle 50% of enrolled students in fall 2024 (reading and writing 440 to 530, math 360 to 530). The tick marks the typical 4-year college. Check how your scores fit.
Columbus State University tuition, cost and net price
| Tuition and fees, in-state (2025-26) | $5,898 |
|---|---|
| Tuition and fees, out-of-state (2025-26) | $17,946 |
| On-campus housing and food (2025-26) | $12,070 |
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $24,545 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $15,711 |
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $15,711 a year after grants and scholarships, $8,834 less than the full cost of attendance. This figure covers in-state students.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students paying in-state tuition, by family income (2024-25):
Your own price depends on your family's full situation. Run Columbus State University's net price calculator for a personal estimate, or make a "what it costs us" card.
Columbus State University graduation rate, earnings and debt
- 42% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years (students who started in 2019).
- Former students earned a median of $49,706 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $23,968 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Debt compared
Median debt is 48% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
Columbus State University majors and what graduates earn
Columbus State University awarded bachelor's degrees in 32 fields recently. The best-paid graduates four years out came from nursing ($89,659).
All 32 majors at Columbus State University
| Major | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Earnings 4 yrs after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing | 113 | $81,797 | $89,659 | $19,146 |
| Computer and information sciences | 62 | $56,831 | $80,694 | $27,750 |
| Finance | 21 | $45,526 | $65,380 | $17,662 |
| Management information systems | 5 | n/a | $63,514 | n/a |
| Accounting | 15 | $39,665 | $61,389 | n/a |
| Political science | 10 | n/a | $57,008 | n/a |
| Business | 38 | $47,987 | $53,246 | $20,500 |
| Marketing | 18 | $41,667 | $52,588 | $20,937 |
| Geology and earth sciences | 14 | n/a | $50,864 | n/a |
| Criminal justice | 47 | $39,323 | $49,956 | $26,000 |
| Kinesiology and exercise science | 27 | $37,540 | $49,912 | $26,000 |
| Business administration | 24 | $40,394 | $49,673 | $21,000 |
| Communication | 63 | $37,729 | $48,499 | $21,506 |
| Teacher education by subject | 24 | $42,264 | $48,125 | $25,525 |
| Biology | 55 | $35,419 | $47,819 | $23,098 |
| Teacher education by grade level | 49 | $42,346 | $46,723 | $27,000 |
| Health professions, general | 67 | $31,138 | $45,997 | $27,000 |
| Sociology | 33 | $31,621 | $44,506 | $27,221 |
| English | 24 | $35,447 | $42,316 | $19,000 |
| Psychology | 41 | $31,358 | $41,266 | $22,512 |
| Fine and studio arts | 29 | $32,437 | $35,560 | $24,000 |
| Theater | 16 | $28,268 | $34,931 | $27,000 |
| Music | 24 | n/a | $18,218 | $22,934 |
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General | 53 | n/a | n/a | $18,750 |
| History | 25 | n/a | n/a | $26,625 |
| Special education | 16 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Mathematics | 12 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Chemistry | 12 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| IT and network administration | 7 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering | 5 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Liberal arts and general studies | 3 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Linguistics | 2 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Four-year earnings: graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, measured in 2022 and 2023, in 2024 dollars. Fields with few graduates have no published earnings.
Graduate programs at Columbus State University
18 graduate programs awarded degrees recently. Largest first.
Show 18 graduate programs
| Program | Degree | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher education by grade level | Master's | 98 | $55,262 | $27,198 |
| Nursing | Master's | 90 | $105,475 | $40,673 |
| Criminal justice | Master's | 79 | $85,412 | n/a |
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other | Master's | 68 | $84,070 | $31,380 |
| Computer and information sciences | Master's | 42 | $80,263 | n/a |
| Education leadership | Master's | 25 | $64,573 | n/a |
| Teacher education by subject | Master's | 23 | $55,130 | n/a |
| Social Sciences, Other | Master's | 22 | $70,039 | $41,000 |
| Music | Master's | 17 | n/a | n/a |
| Education, Other | Doctoral | 16 | $92,974 | $55,261 |
| Business administration | Master's | 14 | $58,489 | n/a |
| Special education | Master's | 11 | $59,703 | $29,400 |
| School counseling and student services | Master's | 11 | n/a | $37,771 |
| Environmental science | Master's | 7 | n/a | n/a |
| Public relations and advertising | Master's | 7 | n/a | n/a |
| Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering | Master's | 4 | n/a | n/a |
| Public health | Master's | 3 | n/a | n/a |
| Kinesiology and exercise science | Master's | 1 | n/a | n/a |
Students and location
- 5,625 degree-seeking undergraduates (fall 2024)
- 57% women, 43% men
- 16 students for every faculty member
- Setting: midsize city
- Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Frequently asked questions
What is the acceptance rate at Columbus State University?
Columbus State University admitted 99% of applicants for fall 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
How much does Columbus State University cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $5,898 for in-state students and $17,946 for out-of-state students. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $15,711 a year in 2024-25.
What SAT score do you need for Columbus State University?
The middle 50% of enrolled students scored 440 to 530 in reading and writing and 360 to 530 in math, and 16 to 22 on the ACT. Scores inside these ranges are typical for admitted students.
Is Columbus State University test-optional?
For fall 2024 admission, Columbus State University reported that test scores were: considered but not required. Policies change, so confirm with the admissions office.
What is the graduation rate at Columbus State University?
42% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years.
How much do Columbus State University graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $49,706 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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More: all colleges in Georgia · Columbus State University on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, data release of October 15, 2026. What each figure means and the year it covers.