Columbia International vs Southern Wesleyan University (SWU)

Columbia International University and Southern Wesleyan University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Columbia International University, rooted in a Christian worldview, boasts a tight-knit community and a focus on spiritual growth. Southern Wesleyan University, known for its strong liberal arts foundation, emphasizes experiential learning and career preparation. With acceptance rates of 68% and 75% respectively, both universities welcome a diverse student body. While Columbia International University's student population is predominantly female, Southern Wesleyan University maintains a more balanced gender ratio. Explore the comparison table to delve into further details, including popular majors, graduation rates, and additional factors that may influence your decision in choosing the university that best aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
Columbia International University logo

Columbia International University

Southern Wesleyan University logo

Southern Wesleyan University

Overview

Location Columbia, South Carolina Central, South Carolina
Campus setting City: Midsize Suburb: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 64.0% 72.0%
Common app member No No
Religious affiliation Methodism

Admission

Acceptance rate 45.6% 56.6%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $25

Graduate: $25
Undergraduate: $25

Graduate: $25
SAT range 940 - 1135 980 - 1168
ACT range 17 - 24 18 - 24
Students submitting SAT score 39.0% 45.0%
Students submitting ACT score 21.0% 36.0%
Total number of applicants 526 749
Total number of admissions given out 240 424
Admitted students who chose to enroll 176 163
Yield rate 73.3% 38.4%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Not required Not required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $38,700 $35,643
Average net price $20,088 $19,479
Tuition $24,490 $25,748
Room & board $8,950
Room/dormitory: $4,234

Meal plan: $5,018
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

96.0%
Average amount $17,706
100.0%
Average amount $18,506
Students receiving federal student loan 66.0%
Average amount $5,128
68.0%
Average amount $5,469
Students taking out private loans 7.0%
Average amount $9,004
12.0%
Average amount $8,327

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 905
Men 46.2% Women 53.8%
1,043
Men 33.9% Women 66.1%
Graduate students 1,433
Men 47.6% Women 52.4%
257
Men 20.2% Women 79.8%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Low
Out-of-state students 47.6% N/A
International students 14.2% 1.2%
Campus local/setting City: Midsize Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity 400 570
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from South Carolina Florida North Carolina Georgia Texas N/A

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Theology
  • Education
  • Business
  • Psychology
  • Liberal Arts
  • Business
  • Education
  • Liberal Arts
  • Family and Consumer Sciences
  • Public Administration and Social Service
Students to faculty ratio 16:1 13:1
Institutional accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome

Graduation rate 62.1% 52.1%
Dropout rate 16.8% 47.9%
Transferred out 19.0% N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Theology and Religious Vocations, Other (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $28,960
  • Year 3: $43,723
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $30,119
  • Year 3: $33,137
Bible/Biblical Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $27,420
  • Year 2: $24,421
  • Year 3: $25,579
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: $23,982
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $21,964
  • Year 3: $23,347
Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $24,035
  • Year 3: N/A
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $33,993
  • Year 3: N/A
Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $24,421
  • Year 3: N/A
Theological and Ministerial Studies (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $35,420
  • Year 3: N/A
Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $23,351
  • Year 3: N/A
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $48,550
  • Year 2: $53,045
  • Year 3: $55,845
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $43,273
  • Year 2: $44,021
  • Year 3: $48,165
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $42,512
  • Year 2: $46,556
  • Year 3: $47,813
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $61,583
  • Year 2: $42,682
  • Year 3: $44,880
Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $52,637
  • Year 2: $57,318
  • Year 3: $43,594
Human Services, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $27,018
  • Year 2: $30,771
  • Year 3: $34,205
Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $18,309
  • Year 3: N/A
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $33,561
  • Year 2: $28,598
  • Year 3: N/A
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $33,138
  • Year 3: N/A
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $30,120
  • Year 2: $24,035
  • Year 3: N/A

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