Columbia University in the City of New York vs College of Staten Island CUNY
Columbia University in the City of New York is a private university in New York, NY, and College of Staten Island CUNY is a public college in Staten Island, NY. Columbia University in the City of New York is the more selective of the two, admitting about 4% of applicants against 92% at College of Staten Island CUNY. College of Staten Island CUNY is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $5,579 a year against $21,590 at Columbia University in the City of New York. About 96% of students graduate at Columbia University in the City of New York, compared with 33% at College of Staten Island CUNY. Ten years after enrolling, Columbia University in the City of New York alumni earn a median of about $102,491, against $53,501 for College of Staten Island CUNY.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
New York, NY
Staten Island, NY
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
8,973
9,657
Acceptance rate
4%
92%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.18–3.68
SAT (middle 50%)
1510–1580
890–1250
ACT (middle 50%)
34–35
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$21,590
$5,579
Full cost / yr
$89,472
$14,795
In-state tuition
$71,845
$7,490
Out-of-state tuition
$71,845
$15,440
Application fee
$85
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$4,570
$3,903
$30k - $48k
$2,275
$4,473
$48k - $75k
$5,866
$7,364
$75k - $110k
$11,782
$9,923
Over $110k
$50,621
$13,444
Outcomes
Graduation rate
96%
33%
Freshman retention
98%
76%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$88,535
$36,931
Median earnings (10 yr)
$102,491
$53,501
Median debt at graduation
$21,500
$14,350
Student body
Pell grant recipients
23%
50%
First-generation students
25%
47%
International students
20%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 1
Feb 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.
- Is Columbia University in the City of New York or College of Staten Island CUNY 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 92% at College of Staten Island CUNY. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Columbia University in the City of New York or College of Staten Island CUNY?
- College of Staten Island CUNY is cheaper on average. Students pay about $5,579 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $21,590 at Columbia University in the City of New York. 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 Columbia University in the City of New York and College of Staten Island CUNY?
- Before aid, College of Staten Island CUNY costs about $14,795 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, Columbia University in the City of New York or College of Staten Island CUNY?
- College of Staten Island CUNY. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $3,903 there, against about $4,570 at Columbia University in the City of New York. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Columbia University in the City of New York or College of Staten Island CUNY?
- College of Staten Island CUNY is the larger of the two, with about 9,657 undergraduates against 8,973 at Columbia University in the City of New York.
- Does Columbia University in the City of New York or College of Staten Island CUNY have a better graduation rate?
- Columbia University in the City of New York has the higher graduation rate, at about 96% against 33% at College of Staten Island CUNY.
- Do graduates of Columbia University in the City of New York or College of Staten Island CUNY 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 $53,501 for College of Staten Island CUNY. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Columbia University in the City of New York and College of Staten Island CUNY require SAT or ACT scores?
- Columbia University in the City of New York is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. College of Staten Island CUNY is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Columbia University in the City of New York and College of Staten Island CUNY look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1510–1580 at Columbia University in the City of New York and 890–1250 at College of Staten Island CUNY. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Columbia University in the City of New York vs Binghamton UniversityColumbia University in the City of New York vs University of RochesterColumbia University in the City of New York vs Marist UniversityCollege of Staten Island CUNY vs Binghamton UniversityCollege of Staten Island CUNY vs University of RochesterCollege of Staten Island CUNY vs Marist University
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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