| Index | Columbia | South Carolina | National |
| Average Test Scores | 41% | 46% | 49% |
| Student/Teacher ratio | 16:1 | 16:1 | 16:1 |
| Total public schools | 73 | 932 | 79,221 |
| Total private schools | 39 | 369 | 24,874 |
| Total post-secondary schools | 14 | 96 | 7,963 |
| Index | Columbia | South Carolina | National |
| Completed 8th grade | 85.0% | 83.0% | 84.3% |
| Completed high school | 84.2% | 81.6% | 83.0% |
| Completed some college | 67.5% | 56.6% | 59.4% |
| Completed associate degree | 48.6% | 35.6% | 38.5% |
| Completed bachelors | 41.6% | 26.5% | 30.3% |
| Completed masters | 18.3% | 9.6% | 11.5% |
| Completed professional degree | 5.9% | 2.5% | 3.3% |
| Completed doctorate | 2.1% | 1.1% | 1.3% |
There are a total of 73 public schools, 39 private schools and 14 post-secondary schools in Columbia. Using the proficiency score averages, the average test scores for Columbia, SC schools is 41%. The average student to teacher ratio is 16:1. In Columbia, SC, an average of 85.0% of students have completed 8th grade and an average of 84.2% have completed high school.
| City, State | Population | Avg. Test Scores | National Avg. |
| Lake Murray of Richland, SC | 5,798 | 69% | 40% |
| Lexington, SC | 20,315 | 65% | 32% |
| Irmo, SC | 11,851 | 58% | 18% |
| Blythewood, SC | 2,612 | 58% | 17% |
| Forest Acres, SC | 10,571 | 55% | 13% |
| Columbia, SC | 132,537 | 41% | 16% |
| City, State | Population | Avg. Test Scores | National Avg. |
| Olathe, KS | 132,787 | 51% | 3% |
| Sterling Heights, MI | 131,674 | 46% | 7% |
| Miramar, FL | 133,741 | 51% | 4% |
| Waco, TX | 130,659 | 61% | 24% |
| Thornton, CO | 130,511 | 29% | 40% |
| Columbia, SC | 132,537 | 41% | 16% |
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