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

Columbia University in the City of New York is a private university in New York, NY, and University of Rochester is a private university in Rochester, NY. Columbia University in the City of New York is the more selective of the two, admitting about 4% of applicants against 40% at University of Rochester. Columbia University in the City of New York is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $21,590 a year against $29,278 at University of Rochester. About 96% of students graduate at Columbia University in the City of New York, compared with 85% at University of Rochester. Ten years after enrolling, Columbia University in the City of New York alumni earn a median of about $102,491, against $79,042 for University of Rochester.

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Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY · Private

University of Rochester

Rochester, NY · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
New York, NY
Rochester, NY
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
8,973
6,331
Acceptance rate
4%
40%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.5–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1510–1580
1410–1540
ACT (middle 50%)
34–35
31–34
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$21,590
$29,278
Full cost / yr
$89,472
$85,962
In-state tuition
$71,845
$67,080
Out-of-state tuition
$71,845
$67,080
Application fee
$85
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$4,570
$9,678
$30k - $48k
$2,275
$12,185
$48k - $75k
$5,866
$21,087
$75k - $110k
$11,782
$27,883
Over $110k
$50,621
$46,801
Outcomes
Graduation rate
96%
85%
Freshman retention
98%
91%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$88,535
$68,333
Median earnings (10 yr)
$102,491
$79,042
Median debt at graduation
$21,500
$21,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
23%
17%
First-generation students
25%
19%
International students
20%
23%
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 University of Rochester 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 40% at University of Rochester. 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 University of Rochester?
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 $29,278 at University of Rochester. 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 University of Rochester?
Before aid, University of Rochester costs about $85,962 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 University of Rochester?
Columbia University in the City of New York. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $4,570 there, against about $9,678 at University of Rochester. 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 University of Rochester?
Columbia University in the City of New York is the larger of the two, with about 8,973 undergraduates against 6,331 at University of Rochester.
Does Columbia University in the City of New York or University of Rochester have a better graduation rate?
Columbia University in the City of New York has the higher graduation rate, at about 96% against 85% at University of Rochester.
Do graduates of Columbia University in the City of New York or University of Rochester 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 $79,042 for University of Rochester. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Columbia University in the City of New York and University of Rochester 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. University of Rochester 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 University of Rochester look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1510–1580 at Columbia University in the City of New York and 1410–1540 at University of Rochester. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school