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Columbia University in the City of New York vs New York University

What would these two cost your family?

Your family’s income

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, and New York University is a private university in New York, NY. Columbia University in the City of New York is the more selective of the two, admitting about 4% of applicants against 9% at New York University. Columbia University in the City of New York is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $21,590 a year against $37,050 at New York University. About 96% of students graduate at Columbia University in the City of New York, compared with 88% at New York University. Ten years after enrolling, Columbia University in the City of New York alumni earn a median of about $102,491, against $82,509 for New York University.

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Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY · Private

New York University

New York, NY · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
New York, NY
New York, NY
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
8,973
28,663
Acceptance rate
4%
9%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.54–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1510–1580
1480–1560
ACT (middle 50%)
34–35
34–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$21,590
$37,050
Full cost / yr
$89,472
$84,374
In-state tuition
$71,845
$62,796
Out-of-state tuition
$71,845
$62,796
Application fee
$85
$80
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$4,570
$16,977
$30k - $48k
$2,275
$14,017
$48k - $75k
$5,866
$16,862
$75k - $110k
$11,782
$32,766
Over $110k
$50,621
$66,876
Outcomes
Graduation rate
96%
88%
Freshman retention
98%
96%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$88,535
$64,543
Median earnings (10 yr)
$102,491
$82,509
Median debt at graduation
$21,500
$20,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
23%
18%
First-generation students
25%
21%
International students
20%
26%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 1
Jan 5

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 New York University 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 9% at New York 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, Columbia University in the City of New York or New York University?
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 $37,050 at New York 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 Columbia University in the City of New York and New York University?
Before aid, New York University costs about $84,374 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 New York University?
Columbia University in the City of New York. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $4,570 there, against about $16,977 at New York University. 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 New York University?
New York University is the larger of the two, with about 28,663 undergraduates against 8,973 at Columbia University in the City of New York.
Does Columbia University in the City of New York or New York University have a better graduation rate?
Columbia University in the City of New York has the higher graduation rate, at about 96% against 88% at New York University.
Do graduates of Columbia University in the City of New York or New York University 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 $82,509 for New York University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Columbia University in the City of New York and New York University 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. New York University 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 New York University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1510–1580 at Columbia University in the City of New York and 1480–1560 at New York University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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