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Columbia University in the City of New York vs State University of New York at Oswego

Columbia University in the City of New York is a private university in New York, NY, and State University of New York at Oswego is a public university in Oswego, NY. Columbia University in the City of New York is the more selective of the two, admitting about 4% of applicants against 81% at State University of New York at Oswego. State University of New York at Oswego is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $16,236 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 60% at State University of New York at Oswego. Ten years after enrolling, Columbia University in the City of New York alumni earn a median of about $102,491, against $57,566 for State University of New York at Oswego.

Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY · Private

State University of New York at Oswego

Oswego, NY · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
New York, NY
Oswego, NY
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
8,973
5,473
Acceptance rate
4%
81%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.39–3.89
SAT (middle 50%)
1510–1580
1070–1270
ACT (middle 50%)
34–35
23–29
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$21,590
$16,236
Full cost / yr
$89,472
$27,052
In-state tuition
$71,845
$8,825
Out-of-state tuition
$71,845
$18,735
Application fee
$85
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$4,570
$8,714
$30k - $48k
$2,275
$11,681
$48k - $75k
$5,866
$17,412
$75k - $110k
$11,782
$19,053
Over $110k
$50,621
$23,087
Outcomes
Graduation rate
96%
60%
Freshman retention
98%
70%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$88,535
$46,358
Median earnings (10 yr)
$102,491
$57,566
Median debt at graduation
$21,500
$20,880
Student body
Pell grant recipients
23%
40%
First-generation students
25%
28%
International students
20%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 15
Regular decision
Jan 1
Rolling

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 State University of New York at Oswego 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 81% at State University of New York at Oswego. 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 Oswego?
State University of New York at Oswego is cheaper on average. Students pay about $16,236 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 Oswego?
Before aid, State University of New York at Oswego costs about $27,052 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 Oswego?
Columbia University in the City of New York. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $4,570 there, against about $8,714 at State University of New York at Oswego. 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 Oswego?
Columbia University in the City of New York is the larger of the two, with about 8,973 undergraduates against 5,473 at State University of New York at Oswego.
Does Columbia University in the City of New York or State University of New York at Oswego have a better graduation rate?
Columbia University in the City of New York has the higher graduation rate, at about 96% against 60% at State University of New York at Oswego.
Do graduates of Columbia University in the City of New York or State University of New York at Oswego 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 $57,566 for State University of New York at Oswego. 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 Oswego 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 Oswego 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 Oswego look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1510–1580 at Columbia University in the City of New York and 1070–1270 at State University of New York at Oswego. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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