Columbus State University
The Vibe Check
Columbus State University offers an accessible, close-knit urban campus experience where students receive personalized attention from faculty. The vibe is practical and community-oriented, with a strong focus on real-world application and regional engagement. It feels like a place where you can easily get involved and find support while navigating your college journey.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
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⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
CSU's academic strengths lie in career-focused fields like Health Professions, Business, and Criminal Justice, with a notable arts program anchored by the acclaimed RiverCenter for the Performing Arts. Class sizes are generally small, fostering direct interaction with professors who are invested in student success. Research opportunities, particularly in STEM and regional history, are available through dedicated centers and faculty mentorship.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Columbus
Life in Columbus offers a mix of outdoor adventure and cultural activities, with students frequenting the Chattahoochee Riverwalk for biking and kayaking. The city's Uptown district provides a variety of restaurants, coffee shops, and local music venues. On campus, students can get involved with over 120 student organizations, including the popular CSU Activities Board.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($44,544):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The university maintains a dedicated University Police Department and offers resources like a campus safety app and emergency blue-light phones. While the urban setting requires standard city awareness, the campus itself is generally considered safe, with security patrols actively monitoring the area.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Extremely affordable tuition, especially for in-state students.
- ✓ High acceptance rate makes it an accessible option for many.
- ✓ Strong, career-oriented programs in high-demand fields like health and business.
- ✓ Intimate class sizes foster personal relationships with professors.
Cons
- ✗ Graduation and retention rates are below the national average.
- ✗ As a commuter-heavy campus, traditional 'college town' social life can be limited.
- ✗ The 10-year median earnings are modest compared to national averages.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
Columbus State University is particularly known for its affordable and accessible education, with standout programs in Health Professions, Business & Marketing, and Visual & Performing Arts. Its RiverCenter for the Performing Arts is a notable cultural hub for the region. The university also has a strong focus on community engagement and practical, career-ready skills.
No, Columbus State University is not hard to get into. It has an extremely high acceptance rate of 99.24%, making it an accessible option for most applicants. The average SAT score for admitted students is around 994, which is below the national average, further indicating an open admissions policy for most qualified candidates.
Campus life at CSU is active but reflective of its urban, commuter-focused setting. Students can join over 120 student organizations, including honor societies, cultural clubs, and the CSU Activities Board, which hosts events throughout the year. The campus is located near downtown Columbus, giving students easy access to the city's restaurants, nightlife, and the scenic Chattahoochee Riverwalk.
For in-state students, Columbus State University is an outstanding financial value. With a low in-state tuition of $5,751 and an average net price of $11,889, the barrier to entry is minimal. Given the 10-year median earnings of $44,544, the degree offers a solid return on investment, especially for those pursuing high-demand fields locally.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Public
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 7,156
- In-State Tuition $5,751
- Out-of-State $16,805
- Zip Code 31907
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With a remarkably low in-state tuition of $5,751 and an average net price of $11,889, CSU provides exceptional affordability, especially for Georgia residents. The 10-year median earnings of $44,544 for graduates offer a solid return on investment, particularly given the low cost of attendance. For out-of-state students, the $16,805 tuition still represents a competitive value compared to many public universities.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.