Columbia Southern vs Excelsior
Side by side: Mass and confession times, faith grades, academics, cost after aid and outcomes.
Columbia Southern UniversityOrange Beach, ALCatholic life on campusExcelsior UniversityAlbany, NYCatholic life on campus
At a glance
- Median earnings ten years after entry are higher at Excelsior: $78,493, against $63,534 at Columbia Southern.
- Median debt is lower at Excelsior: $13,769, against $21,339 at Columbia Southern.
The college
Control
Private for-profit
Private nonprofit
Location
Orange Beach, AL
Albany, NY
Setting
Town
City
Students
18,487
14,477
Academics
Academic Excellence grade
FAcademic Excellence: Minimal (grade F): 0 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
Graduation rate
33%
First-year retention
71%
Cost and outcomes
Average net price a year
$14,580
Net price, up to $30,000 income
$12,913
Net price, $30,001–$48,000 income
$13,455
Net price, $48,001–$75,000 income
$15,569
Net price, $75,001–$110,000 income
$16,226
Net price, over $110,000 income
$17,408
Median debt
$21,339
$13,769
Median earnings 10 years after entry
$63,534
$78,493
The grades and the Compass Score are Catholic School Compass ratings from documented sources; each college’s page lists its sources. Cost, admission, graduation, earnings and debt are federal data. This page does not rank the two colleges.