Purdue Global vs Columbia Southern University

Purdue University Global and Columbia Southern University, both offering flexible online learning, stand out as prominent choices for students seeking higher education. While they share common traits, such as affordability and a commitment to online education, they also possess distinct characteristics that cater to different student needs. Purdue University Global boasts a higher acceptance rate, welcoming a broader range of students, while Columbia Southern University maintains a smaller student body, fostering a more intimate learning environment. Explore the detailed comparison table to delve into further differences, including popular majors, student demographics, and graduation rates, to determine which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Columbia Southern University	Purdue University Global
Overview
Location	Orange Beach, Alabama	West Lafayette, Indiana
Campus setting	Town: Fringe	City: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (For Profit)	Public
Calendar system	Non Traditional	Non Traditional
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	40.0%	75.0%
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	In state: $17,985 Out of state: $22,296
Average net price	$12,474	$3,802
Tuition	$5,640	In state: $10,080 Out of state: $13,356
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	93.0% Average amount $8,251
Students receiving federal student loan	41.0% Average amount $5,701	36.0% Average amount $6,362
Students taking out private loans	0.0% Average amount $0	0.0% Average amount $0

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	11,672 Men 65.2% Women 34.8%	32,477 Men 39.6% Women 60.4%
Graduate students	4,740 Men 53.9% Women 46.1%	10,981 Men 26.8% Women 73.2%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Moderate
Out-of-state students	N/A	90.9%
International students	0.0%	0.3%
Campus local/setting	Town: Fringe	City: Small
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	Texas Indiana Georgia Florida Pennsylvania

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Law Enforcement and Firefighting Engineering Technologies Health Professions Computer and Information Science	Health Professions Business Computer and Information Science Law Enforcement and Firefighting Multidisciplinary Studies
Students to faculty ratio	31:1	27:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	33.4%	28.7%
Dropout rate	57.6%	55.4%
Transferred out	2.2%	14.8%
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 (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: $92,778 Year 2: $101,792 Year 3: $105,379 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $91,860 Year 2: $97,579 Year 3: $98,242 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $68,216 Year 2: $73,792 Year 3: $77,623 Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $68,219 Year 3: $76,422 Educational Administration and Supervision (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $74,228 Fire Protection (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $73,459 Year 2: $73,446 Year 3: $69,334 Law (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $65,825 Year 2: $64,493 Year 3: $65,353 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: $56,925 Year 2: $58,673 Year 3: $62,559 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $58,990 Year 2: $63,997 Year 3: $61,514 Fire Protection (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $68,511 Year 2: $63,005 Year 3: $61,002

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary differences between Purdue University Global and Columbia Southern University?

Purdue University Global (PG) is part of the Purdue University system, a well-established public institution known for its strong STEM programs. PG focuses primarily on online education for working adults. Columbia Southern University (CSU) is a private, for-profit institution also specializing in online education, with a strong emphasis on safety and emergency services programs. The key difference lies in their institutional structure and program focus: PG leverages the reputation of a major public university, while CSU is a private institution with a niche in specific professional fields.
Which university is better known for its academic reputation?

Purdue University Global generally benefits from the strong academic reputation of its parent institution, Purdue University. While Purdue University Global is a separate entity, its association with Purdue lends it credibility. Columbia Southern University, while accredited, doesn't have the same level of brand recognition or academic prestige as a university affiliated with a major public research institution.
How do the program offerings compare between Purdue University Global and Columbia Southern University?

Purdue University Global offers a broader range of programs, including business, IT, nursing, and criminal justice, leveraging Purdue's expertise in various fields. Columbia Southern University specializes in areas like occupational safety and health, fire science, and criminal justice. If you're looking for a wider selection of programs, Purdue University Global might be a better fit. If you're interested in safety-related fields, Columbia Southern University is a strong contender.
What is the tuition structure like at Purdue University Global and Columbia Southern University?

Both Purdue University Global and Columbia Southern University offer competitive tuition rates for online programs. Purdue University Global's tuition can vary depending on the program and prior learning credits. Columbia Southern University often has straightforward tuition rates per credit hour. It's best to check each university's website for the most up-to-date tuition information and any available financial aid or scholarship opportunities.
Are Purdue University Global and Columbia Southern University accredited?

Yes, both Purdue University Global and Columbia Southern University are accredited institutions. Purdue University Global is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Columbia Southern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Accreditation is crucial as it ensures the quality and credibility of the education you receive.
Which university is more suitable for working adults?

Both Purdue University Global and Columbia Southern University are designed to cater to working adults. They both offer flexible online learning options. The best choice depends on your specific program interests and learning style. Consider which university offers the program that aligns best with your career goals and provides the support services you need to succeed as a working student.
What kind of student support services do Purdue University Global and Columbia Southern University offer?

Both universities provide a range of student support services, including academic advising, tutoring, career services, and technical support. Purdue University Global, as part of the Purdue system, may offer access to a wider network of resources. Columbia Southern University focuses on providing personalized support to its students, particularly those in safety-related fields. It's recommended to explore the specific support services offered by each university to determine which best meets your needs.
How do the faculty and instructors compare between the two universities?

Both Purdue University Global and Columbia Southern University employ faculty with relevant academic credentials and professional experience. Purdue University Global's faculty may include professors with ties to Purdue University's main campus. Columbia Southern University's faculty often have extensive practical experience in their respective fields, particularly in safety and emergency services. Researching the faculty profiles in your specific program of interest can help you make an informed decision.
Which university has a stronger focus on career placement and job opportunities?

Both universities offer career services to assist students with job placement. Purdue University Global benefits from Purdue's extensive alumni network and industry connections, potentially providing broader career opportunities. Columbia Southern University's strong focus on specific industries, like safety and emergency services, can lead to targeted job opportunities in those fields. Consider which university's career services and industry connections align best with your career aspirations.
What are the key similarities between Purdue University Global and Columbia Southern University?

Both Purdue University Global and Columbia Southern University are primarily online institutions catering to adult learners. They both offer flexible learning options, accredited programs, and student support services. They both aim to provide accessible and career-focused education to help students achieve their professional goals. The main difference lies in their institutional structure, program focus, and brand recognition.

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