Columbia University in the City of New York vs State University of New York at New Paltz
Columbia University in the City of New York is a private university in New York, NY, and State University of New York at New Paltz is a public university in New Paltz, NY. Columbia University in the City of New York is the more selective of the two, admitting about 4% of applicants against 62% at State University of New York at New Paltz. State University of New York at New Paltz is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $18,809 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 70% at State University of New York at New Paltz. Ten years after enrolling, Columbia University in the City of New York alumni earn a median of about $102,491, against $58,073 for State University of New York at New Paltz.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
New York, NY
New Paltz, NY
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
8,973
6,086
Acceptance rate
4%
62%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.5–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1510–1580
1170–1340
ACT (middle 50%)
34–35
25–29
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$21,590
$18,809
Full cost / yr
$89,472
$28,428
In-state tuition
$71,845
$8,572
Out-of-state tuition
$71,845
$18,822
Application fee
$85
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$4,570
$10,541
$30k - $48k
$2,275
$13,969
$48k - $75k
$5,866
$20,178
$75k - $110k
$11,782
$21,937
Over $110k
$50,621
$26,256
Outcomes
Graduation rate
96%
70%
Freshman retention
98%
85%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$88,535
$45,555
Median earnings (10 yr)
$102,491
$58,073
Median debt at graduation
$21,500
$18,750
Student body
Pell grant recipients
23%
32%
First-generation students
25%
32%
International students
20%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 15
Early action
Not reported
Nov 15
Regular decision
Jan 1
May 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 State University of New York at New Paltz 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 62% at State University of New York at New Paltz. 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 State University of New York at New Paltz?
- State University of New York at New Paltz is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,809 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 State University of New York at New Paltz?
- Before aid, State University of New York at New Paltz costs about $28,428 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 State University of New York at New Paltz?
- Columbia University in the City of New York. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $4,570 there, against about $10,541 at State University of New York at New Paltz. 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 State University of New York at New Paltz?
- Columbia University in the City of New York is the larger of the two, with about 8,973 undergraduates against 6,086 at State University of New York at New Paltz.
- Does Columbia University in the City of New York or State University of New York at New Paltz have a better graduation rate?
- Columbia University in the City of New York has the higher graduation rate, at about 96% against 70% at State University of New York at New Paltz.
- Do graduates of Columbia University in the City of New York or State University of New York at New Paltz 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 $58,073 for State University of New York at New Paltz. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Columbia University in the City of New York and State University of New York at New Paltz 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. State University of New York at New Paltz 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 State University of New York at New Paltz look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1510–1580 at Columbia University in the City of New York and 1170–1340 at State University of New York at New Paltz. 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 UniversityState University of New York at New Paltz vs Binghamton UniversityState University of New York at New Paltz vs University of RochesterState University of New York at New Paltz vs Marist University
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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