Columbia University in the City of New York vs SUNY Buffalo State University
Columbia University in the City of New York is a private university in New York, NY, and SUNY Buffalo State University is a public university in Buffalo, NY. Columbia University in the City of New York is the more selective of the two, admitting about 4% of applicants against 73% at SUNY Buffalo State University. SUNY Buffalo State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $11,346 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 35% at SUNY Buffalo State University. Ten years after enrolling, Columbia University in the City of New York alumni earn a median of about $102,491, against $52,334 for SUNY Buffalo State University.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
New York, NY
Buffalo, NY
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
8,973
5,097
Acceptance rate
4%
73%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.42–3.92
SAT (middle 50%)
1510–1580
980–1240
ACT (middle 50%)
34–35
19–22
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$21,590
$11,346
Full cost / yr
$89,472
$24,279
In-state tuition
$71,845
$8,533
Out-of-state tuition
$71,845
$19,653
Application fee
$85
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$4,570
$7,405
$30k - $48k
$2,275
$9,393
$48k - $75k
$5,866
$14,706
$75k - $110k
$11,782
$17,155
Over $110k
$50,621
$19,332
Outcomes
Graduation rate
96%
35%
Freshman retention
98%
58%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$88,535
$40,877
Median earnings (10 yr)
$102,491
$52,334
Median debt at graduation
$21,500
$21,028
Student body
Pell grant recipients
23%
56%
First-generation students
25%
34%
International students
20%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
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.
- Is Columbia University in the City of New York or SUNY Buffalo State 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 73% at SUNY Buffalo State 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 SUNY Buffalo State University?
- SUNY Buffalo State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $11,346 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 SUNY Buffalo State University?
- Before aid, SUNY Buffalo State University costs about $24,279 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 SUNY Buffalo State University?
- Columbia University in the City of New York. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $4,570 there, against about $7,405 at SUNY Buffalo State 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 SUNY Buffalo State University?
- Columbia University in the City of New York is the larger of the two, with about 8,973 undergraduates against 5,097 at SUNY Buffalo State University.
- Does Columbia University in the City of New York or SUNY Buffalo State University have a better graduation rate?
- Columbia University in the City of New York has the higher graduation rate, at about 96% against 35% at SUNY Buffalo State University.
- Do graduates of Columbia University in the City of New York or SUNY Buffalo State 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 $52,334 for SUNY Buffalo State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Columbia University in the City of New York and SUNY Buffalo State 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. SUNY Buffalo State 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 SUNY Buffalo State University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1510–1580 at Columbia University in the City of New York and 980–1240 at SUNY Buffalo State University. 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 UniversitySUNY Buffalo State University vs Binghamton UniversitySUNY Buffalo State University vs University of RochesterSUNY Buffalo State University vs Marist University
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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