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Columbia University in the City of New York vs Pace University

Columbia University in the City of New York is a private university in New York, NY, and Pace 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 76% at Pace University. Columbia University in the City of New York is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $21,590 a year against $30,892 at Pace University. About 96% of students graduate at Columbia University in the City of New York, compared with 61% at Pace University. Ten years after enrolling, Columbia University in the City of New York alumni earn a median of about $102,491, against $70,378 for Pace University.

Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY · Private

Pace University

New York, NY · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
New York, NY
New York, NY
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
8,973
7,665
Acceptance rate
4%
76%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.45–3.95
SAT (middle 50%)
1510–1580
1180–1340
ACT (middle 50%)
34–35
24–29
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$21,590
$30,892
Full cost / yr
$89,472
$69,550
In-state tuition
$71,845
$53,290
Out-of-state tuition
$71,845
$53,290
Application fee
$85
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$4,570
$26,473
$30k - $48k
$2,275
$26,362
$48k - $75k
$5,866
$28,467
$75k - $110k
$11,782
$31,219
Over $110k
$50,621
$36,430
Outcomes
Graduation rate
96%
61%
Freshman retention
98%
75%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$88,535
$52,767
Median earnings (10 yr)
$102,491
$70,378
Median debt at graduation
$21,500
$23,250
Student body
Pell grant recipients
23%
27%
First-generation students
25%
29%
International students
20%
6%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Nov 15
Regular decision
Jan 1
Feb 15

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 Pace 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 76% at Pace 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 Pace 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 $30,892 at Pace 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 Pace University?
Before aid, Pace University costs about $69,550 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 Pace University?
Columbia University in the City of New York. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $4,570 there, against about $26,473 at Pace 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 Pace University?
Columbia University in the City of New York is the larger of the two, with about 8,973 undergraduates against 7,665 at Pace University.
Does Columbia University in the City of New York or Pace University have a better graduation rate?
Columbia University in the City of New York has the higher graduation rate, at about 96% against 61% at Pace University.
Do graduates of Columbia University in the City of New York or Pace 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 $70,378 for Pace University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Columbia University in the City of New York and Pace 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. Pace 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 Pace University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1510–1580 at Columbia University in the City of New York and 1180–1340 at Pace University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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