Columbia Southern University vs Walden

Columbia Southern University and Walden University, both esteemed online institutions, offer distinct educational experiences. Columbia Southern boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it more accessible to aspiring students. Walden University, on the other hand, has a more diverse student body, with a significant proportion of female and minority students. While Columbia Southern excels in programs like business and criminal justice, Walden University shines in psychology and education. Both universities offer flexible online learning, but Walden University's higher graduation rate suggests a stronger focus on student success. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover which university aligns best with your academic goals and preferences.

	Columbia Southern University	Walden University
Overview
Location	Orange Beach, Alabama	Minneapolis, Minnesota
Campus setting	Town: Fringe	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (For Profit)	Private (For Profit)
Calendar system	Non Traditional	Quarter
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	40.0%	25.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	Open Admission	Open Admission
Application fees
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	N/A	N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants
Total number of admissions given out
Admitted students who chose to enroll
Yield rate
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	Not required	Not required
High school GPA	N/A	N/A
Recommendation letters	N/A	N/A
High school transcript	N/A	N/A
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	N/A	N/A

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$19,177	$24,240
Average net price	$12,474	$18,772
Tuition	$5,640	$11,700
Room & board
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	56.0% Average amount $3,123	100.0% Average amount $5,468
Students receiving federal student loan	41.0% Average amount $5,701
Students taking out private loans	0.0% Average amount $0

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	11,672 Men 65.2% Women 34.8%	7,119 Men 16.1% Women 83.9%
Graduate students	4,740 Men 53.9% Women 46.1%	39,336 Men 18.6% Women 81.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Moderate
Out-of-state students	N/A	N/A
International students	0.0%	1.6%
Campus local/setting	Town: Fringe	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	N/A	N/A
First year students are required to live on campus?	N/A	N/A
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	North Carolina Maryland Texas Georgia Ohio

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Law Enforcement and Firefighting Engineering Technologies Health Professions Computer and Information Science	Health Professions Education Public Administration and Social Service Business Psychology
Students to faculty ratio	31:1	14:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	33.4%	N/A
Dropout rate	57.6%	N/A
Transferred out	2.2%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $79,983 Year 2: $68,880 Year 3: $78,451 Public Administration (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $57,300 Year 2: $61,516 Year 3: $75,520 Homeland Security (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $75,707 Year 2: $71,473 Year 3: $73,060 Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $68,385 Year 2: $67,304 Year 3: $72,485 Fire Protection (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $70,128 Year 2: $69,691 Year 3: $71,770 Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $71,839 Year 2: $69,785 Year 3: $67,888 Fire Protection (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $66,269 Year 2: $61,922 Year 3: $65,587 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $47,097 Year 2: $58,092 Year 3: $62,377 Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,105 Year 2: $62,260 Year 3: $59,697 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $60,526 Year 2: $58,990 Year 3: $59,493	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $114,492 Year 2: $108,649 Year 3: $123,708 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $93,694 Year 2: $94,227 Year 3: $98,267 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $76,573 Year 2: $88,588 Year 3: $91,407 Public Administration (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $77,767 Year 2: $90,412 Year 3: $83,405 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $76,141 Year 2: $77,487 Year 3: $81,477 Education, General (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $71,994 Year 2: $80,219 Year 3: $80,275 Public Health (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $75,638 Year 2: $72,546 Year 3: $71,950 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $64,766 Year 2: $62,012 Year 3: $69,892 Management Information Systems and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $52,969 Year 2: $67,660 Year 3: $69,365 Medical Illustration and Informatics (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $64,492 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $68,414

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary differences between Columbia Southern University (CSU) and Walden University?

The main differences lie in their focus and program offerings. CSU is known for its strong emphasis on online programs in fields like fire science, occupational safety and health, and criminal justice, often catering to working professionals in those areas. Walden University offers a broader range of programs, including those in healthcare, education, and social work, and generally has a larger student body. Walden also tends to have a stronger focus on research and doctoral programs.
Are both universities fully online?

Yes, both Columbia Southern University and Walden University primarily deliver their programs online, making them accessible to students worldwide. This online format allows for flexibility and convenience, catering to the needs of working adults and those with other commitments.
How do the tuition costs compare between CSU and Walden?

Tuition costs can vary depending on the specific program and the number of credits taken. Generally, Columbia Southern University tends to have a lower tuition cost per credit hour compared to Walden University. However, it's essential to check the specific program costs on each university's website, as costs can change.
What types of programs are offered at Columbia Southern University?

Columbia Southern University specializes in programs geared towards public safety and related fields. They offer associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in areas such as fire science, occupational safety and health, criminal justice, and business administration. They are a good choice if you are looking for a career in these specific areas.
What programs does Walden University offer?

Walden University offers a wider variety of programs, including those in healthcare (nursing, public health), education (teaching, educational leadership), social work, psychology, business, and technology. They offer programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels, with a strong emphasis on doctoral programs.
How do the accreditation statuses of CSU and Walden compare?

Both Columbia Southern University and Walden University are regionally accredited. Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), while Columbia Southern University is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). Regional accreditation is generally considered more prestigious, but both accreditations are recognized and accepted.
Which university is better for a doctoral degree?

Walden University is generally considered to have a more established and extensive doctoral program offering. They have a wider range of doctoral degrees and a stronger emphasis on research. While CSU offers some master's degrees, Walden is the better choice if you are specifically seeking a doctoral program.
How do the student support services differ?

Both universities offer online student support services, including academic advising, career services, and technical support. The specific resources and the level of personalized support may vary. It's recommended to explore the student support sections of each university's website to understand the services offered.
Which university is better for career advancement?

The best university for career advancement depends on your chosen field. CSU is a strong choice if you are in public safety or related fields. Walden University's broader program offerings may be advantageous if you are pursuing a career in healthcare, education, or social work. Consider the specific career goals and the reputation of each university within your desired industry.
How do I decide between Columbia Southern University and Walden University?

Consider your career goals, the specific programs offered, tuition costs, and the level of support you need. If you are interested in public safety or related fields and value lower tuition, CSU might be a good fit. If you are looking for a broader range of programs, especially at the doctoral level, and are willing to invest more, Walden University could be a better choice. Research the programs in your field of interest at both universities and compare their curricula and faculty.

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