Columbus State University
Columbus State University is a public university located in Columbus, GA. It is a medium-sized institution with approximately 5,537 undergraduate students. The university is accessible with an acceptance rate of 99.2%. The average SAT score is 994. Annual tuition for out-of-state students is $16,805. The graduation rate is 42.6%.
- Acceptance Rate
- 99.2%
- SAT Range
- 860–1100
- ACT Range
- 17–24
- Avg GPA
- 3.1
- Size
- Medium (5,537 students)
- Type
- Public
- Student:Faculty
- N/A
- Setting
- urban
- Graduation Rate
- 42.6%
- Retention Rate
- 72.7%
- Tuition (In-State)
- $5,751
- Tuition (Int'l)
- $16,805
Academic Programs
STEM
Business
Arts
Humanities
Social Sciences
Other
Health
Key Highlights
- Public research university with state support
- Mid-size city location with balance of urban amenities
- Research-intensive with extensive graduate programs
- Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines
Student Life & Environment
Student life at Columbus State University reflects its commuter-heavy enrollment while offering residential options and engagement opportunities that build community among the diverse student body. Many students balance education with employment, family responsibilities, and military service, creating a mature campus culture focused on academic achievement and professional development. Residential students enjoy modern housing options and programming designed to create community among those living on campus. Student organizations address interests from honor societies to cultural groups, service organizations to recreational clubs. Greek life provides social connection and leadership development opportunities for interested students. Athletic programs compete in NCAA Division II as the Cougars, with baseball, softball, basketball, and other sports generating campus spirit. The RiverPark Campus downtown places performing arts students in a professional-quality venue where they produce theatre and music performances open to the community. Intramural and recreational sports provide fitness and social opportunities for non-varsity athletes. Student veterans find support services and a welcoming community that understands military experience. Career services connect students with internship and employment opportunities throughout the Columbus region and in Atlanta. The Chattahoochee River provides outdoor recreation options including kayaking, fishing, and whitewater rafting on the world's longest urban whitewater course.
Location & Surroundings
Columbus, Georgia positions the university within a metropolitan area of approximately 200,000 residents offering affordable cost of living, diverse employment opportunities, and distinctive Southern culture. The Chattahoochee River forms the border with Alabama and provides recreational opportunities that distinguish the city's quality of life. Fort Moore, one of the Army's largest installations, drives significant economic activity and creates unique partnerships with the university addressing military education needs. Columbus's manufacturing sector includes automotive suppliers, textile operations, and food processing companies that employ graduates and provide internship opportunities. The healthcare sector, anchored by Piedmont Columbus Regional, represents a major employer for nursing and health sciences graduates. Synovus Financial Corporation, headquartered in Columbus, connects business students with financial services career opportunities. The revitalized downtown features restaurants, entertainment venues, and cultural institutions including the Springer Opera House and Columbus Museum. The university's RiverPark Campus contributes to downtown vitality through performing arts programming. Atlanta, accessible via Interstate 85 in less than two hours, provides additional employment options and cultural resources. The mild Georgia climate features short winters, long springs and falls, and hot summers typical of the Deep South. Cost of living significantly below national averages makes Columbus attractive for students and young professionals managing educational expenses and early-career finances.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Columbus State University provides exceptional value as a public institution within the University System of Georgia, with tuition and fees substantially below national averages for four-year universities. Georgia residents benefit from the state's HOPE Scholarship program, which covers tuition for students meeting GPA requirements and significantly reduces educational costs. Out-of-state students pay higher tuition that remains competitive with public institutions in neighboring states. Federal financial aid, institutional scholarships, and work-study opportunities help students manage educational expenses. Military tuition assistance and GI Bill benefits make Columbus State particularly affordable for service members and veterans. The university's affordable pricing combined with quality programs produces strong return on investment for graduates entering regional workforce markets. Career services connect students with internship opportunities at Fort Moore, regional employers, and Atlanta-area organizations. Business graduates find employment with local financial services, manufacturing, and healthcare employers. Nursing graduates enter a regional healthcare market with strong demand for qualified professionals, with starting salaries reflecting nursing's competitive compensation. Education graduates fill teaching positions in Muscogee County and surrounding school districts. Criminal justice graduates pursue careers with military police, local law enforcement, and corrections agencies. The university's alumni network, while still developing compared to older institutions, provides growing connections for career advancement and mentorship.
Campus Location
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