Head-to-head · 2026
Auburn University at Montgomery vs Columbia Southern University
Compare average net price ($13,224 at Auburn University at Montgomery; $14,580 at Columbia Southern University), ROI score (8.39 vs 10.89), ten-year median earnings ($44,391 vs $63,534), and admissions context (91.6% at Auburn University at Montgomery; Open / not reported at Columbia Southern University) using federal College Scorecard data. Columbia Southern University has a 4-1 metric-level edge. Columbia Southern University leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Auburn University at Montgomery | Columbia Southern University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.39 | 10.89 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $13,224 ✓ | $14,580 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $44,391 | $63,534 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 91.6% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 32.6% | 33.3% ✓ |
| Median debt | $25,000 | $21,339 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 2,542 | 12,176 |
| Ownership | Public | Private For-Profit |
| Avg SAT | 1093 | — |
| Metric advantages | 1 | 4 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Columbia Southern University costs $1,356 more per year than Auburn University at Montgomery ($14,580 vs $13,224). Columbia Southern University graduates report $19,143 higher median earnings after ten years ($63,534 vs $44,391). On EduGradify's model that puts Columbia Southern University ahead on projected ROI (10.89 vs 8.39, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (Columbia Southern University) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, Auburn University at Montgomery reports 91.6% acceptance; Columbia Southern University does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Auburn University at Montgomery vs Columbia Southern University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Auburn University at Montgomery or Columbia Southern University the better value?
Columbia Southern University has the higher EduGradify ROI score (10.89 vs 8.39), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Auburn University at Montgomery is cheaper — average net price $13,224 per year vs $14,580 at Columbia Southern University. The annual difference of $1,356 adds up to about $5,424 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Columbia Southern University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $63,534 vs $44,391 at Auburn University at Montgomery. The annual gap in the federal data is $19,143.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Auburn University at Montgomery reports a B value grade; Columbia Southern University reports A.