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Columbia University in the City of New York vs Hamilton College

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Pick one to see what families like yours paid at each. Source: College Scorecard.

Columbia University in the City of New York is a private university in New York, NY. Hamilton College is a private college in Clinton, NY. Columbia University in the City of New York admits about 4% of applicants and Hamilton College 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 $28,985 at Hamilton College. About 96% of students graduate at Columbia University in the City of New York, compared with 91% at Hamilton College. Ten years after enrolling, Columbia University in the City of New York alumni earn a median of about $102,491, against $78,411 for Hamilton College.

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Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY · Private

Hamilton College

Clinton, NY · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
New York, NY
Clinton, NY
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
8,973
2,030
Acceptance rate
4%
14%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.53–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1510–1580
1450–1550
ACT (middle 50%)
34–35
33–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$21,590
$28,985
Full cost / yr
$89,472
$84,230
In-state tuition
$71,845
$68,960
Out-of-state tuition
$71,845
$68,960
Application fee
$85
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$4,570
$8,028
$30k - $48k
$2,275
$9,489
$48k - $75k
$5,866
$10,863
$75k - $110k
$11,782
$20,614
Over $110k
$50,621
$46,907
Outcomes
Graduation rate
96%
91%
Freshman retention
98%
95%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$88,535
$60,082
Median earnings (10 yr)
$102,491
$78,411
Median debt at graduation
$21,500
$17,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
23%
18%
First-generation students
25%
13%
International students
20%
8%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 15
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 1
Jan 4

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 Columbia University in the City of New York or Hamilton College 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 Hamilton College. 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 Hamilton College?
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 $28,985 at Hamilton College. 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 Hamilton College?
Before aid, Hamilton College costs about $84,230 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 Hamilton College?
Columbia University in the City of New York. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $4,570 there, against about $8,028 at Hamilton College. 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 Hamilton College?
Columbia University in the City of New York is the larger of the two, with about 8,973 undergraduates against 2,030 at Hamilton College.
Does Columbia University in the City of New York or Hamilton College have a better graduation rate?
Columbia University in the City of New York has the higher graduation rate, at about 96% against 91% at Hamilton College.
Do graduates of Columbia University in the City of New York or Hamilton College 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 $78,411 for Hamilton College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Columbia University in the City of New York and Hamilton College 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. Hamilton College 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 Hamilton College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1510–1580 at Columbia University in the City of New York and 1450–1550 at Hamilton College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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