2025 Compare Cities Education:
Charlotte, NC vs Columbia, SC

Change Cities
Highlights
- Columbia spends 36.0% more per student than Charlotte.
- The Student Teacher Ratio is 5.2% lower in Columbia than in Charlotte. (lower means fewer students in each classroom).
- Columbia had 0.8% more residents who had graduated High School compared to Charlotte
 Charlotte, NCColumbia, SCUnited States
 Expend. per Student  Unlock$17,157$15,905
 Educ. Expend. per Student$9,703  Unlock$13,142
 Instr. Expend. per Student  Unlock$9,360$7,999
 Pupil/Teacher Ratio16.21  Unlock16.23
 Students per Librarian  Unlock5744573
 Students per Counselor307  Unlock530
 Grade School Educ.  Unlock2.2%4.8%
 Some High School Educ.5.0%  Unlock6.3%
 High School Educ.  Unlock90.5%88.9%
 Some College Educ.19.2%  Unlock20.0%
 2 yr College Grad.  Unlock7.7%8.7%
 4 yr College Grad.45.7%  Unlock33.7%
 Masters Grad.  Unlock11.7%9.3%
 Professional Degree2.9%  Unlock2.2%
 Doctorate Degree  Unlock3.3%1.5%
Reviews for Charlotte    305 Reviews

My favorite city to live year round with 4 seasons. We love Charlotte  More

   |    Reply

Over 3 years ago

This city has a lot of potential, but it could use some work. For example, it seems to lack things that other cities have. And there is a lack of atmosphere and charm.  More

   |    Reply

Over 4 years ago

Very new transplant (~6 weeks) so first impressions and reasons why I moved here: -great year-round weather, if you don't mind humidity-- less hot in summer than TX/AZ  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Charlotte

Reviews for Columbia    50 Reviews

Over 2 years ago

I love living in Columbia! I recently graduated from USC and plan to stay. I read the reviews posted here and it shows that like many cities, your experience will depend  More

   |    Reply

Loved living in Columbia, SC prior to my job transfer. It's the perfect size - plenty to do, but still a laid back place. People are extremely friendly, there are  More

   |    Reply

Columbia is such a unique and underrated place. It has a lot of character and history, and good nature trails. Everything feels accessible (by car) and you can get from  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Columbia


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.