| Index | Columbus | Nebraska | National |
| Average Test Scores | 51% | 53% | 48% |
| Student/Teacher ratio | 15:1 | 13:1 | 16:1 |
| Total public schools | 11 | 780 | 79,221 |
| Total private schools | 9 | 182 | 24,874 |
| Total post-secondary schools | n/a | 56 | 7,963 |

| Index | Columbus | Nebraska | National |
| Completed 8th grade | 87.2% | 88.4% | 84.3% |
| Completed high school | 84.6% | 87.2% | 83.0% |
| Completed some college | 57.7% | 63.7% | 59.4% |
| Completed associate degree | 33.7% | 40.1% | 38.5% |
| Completed bachelors | 22.1% | 30.0% | 30.3% |
| Completed masters | 6.9% | 9.9% | 11.5% |
| Completed professional degree | 2.0% | 2.9% | 3.3% |
| Completed doctorate | 0.7% | 1.2% | 1.3% |
There are a total of 11 public schools, 9 private schools and n/a post-secondary schools in Columbus. Using the proficiency score averages, the average test scores for Columbus, NE schools is 51%. The average student to teacher ratio is 15:1. In Columbus, NE, an average of 87.2% of students have completed 8th grade and an average of 84.6% have completed high school.
| City | Population | Avg. Test Scores | National Avg. |
| Richland, NE | 98 | 70% | 45.8% |
| David City, NE | 2,933 | 63% | 31.8% |
| Bellwood, NE | 423 | 55% | 14.6% |
| Platte Center, NE | 386 | 52% | 8.3% |
| Columbus, NE | 24,141 | 51% | 6.6% |
| City | Population | Avg. Test Scores | National Avg. |
| Loves Park, IL | 24,142 | 21% | 56.3% |
| Stoneham, MA | 24,138 | 63% | 31.5% |
| Kerrville, TX | 24,145 | 53% | 11.0% |
| Rolling Meadows, IL | 24,129 | 42% | 13.1% |
| Fish Hawk, FL | 24,122 | 80% | 66.8% |
| Columbus, NE | 24,141 | 51% | 6.6% |