Columbia Southern University vs Bryant University
Columbia Southern University and Bryant University, while both offering quality education, present distinct characteristics that cater to different student preferences. Columbia Southern, a primarily online university, boasts an open admissions policy, making it accessible to a wider range of students. Bryant, on the other hand, is a traditional brick-and-mortar institution with a selective admissions process. In terms of student demographics, Columbia Southern's online format attracts a diverse population, including working adults and military personnel, while Bryant's residential campus fosters a close-knit community. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover further differences in acceptance rates, popular majors, graduation rates, and more, helping you make an informed decision about which university aligns best with your academic goals and personal preferences.
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![]() Bryant University |
![]() Columbia Southern University |
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Overview |
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Location | Smithfield, Rhode Island | Orange Beach, Alabama |
Campus setting | Suburb: Large | Town: Fringe |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Private (Non Profit) | Private (For Profit) |
Calendar system | Semester | Non Traditional |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 90.0% | 40.0% |
![]() |
Yes | No |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 73.6% | Open Admission |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$50
Graduate:
$80
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SAT range | 1120 - 1300 | N/A |
ACT range | 26 - 30 | N/A |
Students submitting SAT score | 30.0% | |
Students submitting ACT score | 4.0% | |
Total number of applicants | 6,985 | |
Total number of admissions given out | 5,142 | |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 671 | |
Yield rate | 13.0% | |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | Not required |
High school GPA | Required | N/A |
Recommendation letters | Required | N/A |
High school transcript | Not required | N/A |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | N/A |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price | $62,682 | $19,177 |
Average net price | $40,310 | $12,474 |
Tuition | $46,885 | $5,640 |
Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$9,781
Meal plan:
$6,747
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
97.0%
Average amount $24,147 |
56.0%
Average amount $3,123 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
55.0%
Average amount $5,328 |
41.0%
Average amount $5,701 |
Students taking out private loans |
22.0%
Average amount $24,608 |
0.0%
Average amount $0 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
3,063
Men 63.1% Women 36.9% |
11,672
Men 65.2% Women 34.8% |
Graduate students |
378
Men 51.3% Women 48.7% |
4,740
Men 53.9% Women 46.1% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Very Low
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Low
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Out-of-state students | N/A | N/A |
International students | 4.5% | 0.0% |
Campus local/setting | Suburb: Large | Town: Fringe |
Dormitory capacity | 2,974 | N/A |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | N/A |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | N/A | N/A |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 13:1 | 31:1 |
Institutional accreditation | New England Commission on Higher Education | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 83.6% | 33.4% |
Dropout rate | 4.0% | 57.6% |
Transferred out | 12.4% | 2.2% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
Applied Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees)
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
International Business (Bachelor's Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Marketing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians (Master's Degrees)
Public Administration (Master's Degrees)
Homeland Security (Master's Degrees)
Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees)
Fire Protection (Bachelor's Degrees)
Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians (Associate's Degrees)
Fire Protection (Associate's Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Natural Resources Conservation and Research (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
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