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Colgate University vs Columbia University in the City of New York

Colgate University is a private university in Hamilton, NY. Columbia University in the City of New York is a private university in New York, NY. Columbia University in the City of New York admits about 4% of applicants and Colgate University about 14%, making Columbia University in the City of New York the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $21,590 a year at Columbia University in the City of New York after aid, and about $28,786 at Colgate University. About 96% of students graduate at Columbia University in the City of New York, compared with 91% at Colgate University. Ten years after enrolling, Columbia University in the City of New York alumni earn a median of about $102,491, against $85,139 for Colgate University.

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Colgate University

Hamilton, NY · Private

Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Hamilton, NY
New York, NY
Setting
Rural
Urban
Undergraduates
3,180
8,973
Acceptance rate
14%
4%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.55–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1430–1540
1510–1580
ACT (middle 50%)
33–34
34–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$28,786
$21,590
Full cost / yr
$87,070
$89,472
In-state tuition
$70,306
$71,845
Out-of-state tuition
$70,306
$71,845
Application fee
$60
$85
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$6,086
$4,570
$30k - $48k
$2,678
$2,275
$48k - $75k
$13,617
$5,866
$75k - $110k
$21,831
$11,782
Over $110k
$48,234
$50,621
Outcomes
Graduation rate
91%
96%
Freshman retention
93%
98%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$64,949
$88,535
Median earnings (10 yr)
$85,139
$102,491
Median debt at graduation
$15,000
$21,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
13%
23%
First-generation students
18%
25%
International students
8%
20%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Colgate University or Columbia University in the City of New York harder to get into?
Columbia University in the City of New York is harder to get into. It admits about 4% of applicants, compared with 14% at Colgate University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Colgate University or Columbia University in the City of New York?
Columbia University in the City of New York is cheaper on average. Students pay about $21,590 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $28,786 at Colgate University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Colgate University and Columbia University in the City of New York?
Before aid, Colgate University costs about $87,070 a year and Columbia University in the City of New York about $89,472. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Colgate University or Columbia University in the City of New York?
Columbia University in the City of New York. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $4,570 there, against about $6,086 at Colgate University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Colgate University or Columbia University in the City of New York?
Columbia University in the City of New York is the larger of the two, with about 8,973 undergraduates against 3,180 at Colgate University.
Does Colgate University or Columbia University in the City of New York have a better graduation rate?
Columbia University in the City of New York has the higher graduation rate, at about 96% against 91% at Colgate University.
Do graduates of Colgate University or Columbia University in the City of New York earn more?
Columbia University in the City of New York alumni earn more on average: a median of about $102,491 ten years after enrolling, against about $85,139 for Colgate University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Colgate University and Columbia University in the City of New York require SAT or ACT scores?
Colgate University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Columbia University in the City of New York is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Colgate University and Columbia University in the City of New York look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1430–1540 at Colgate University and 1510–1580 at Columbia University in the City of New York. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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