Columbia vs. NYU

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbia University in the City of New York in New York, NY with New York University in New York, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

New York University is larger than Columbia based on total student enrollment (56,832 students vs. 35,173 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbia University in the City of New York is located in New York, NY (Large City setting); New York University is in New York, NY (Large City setting).
• Columbia University in the City of New York is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. New York University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia University in the City of New York 6:1; New York University 8:1.

Columbia vs. NYU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia or NYU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Columbia University in the City of New York than NYU ($22,520 vs. $30,325).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia University in the City of New York are 25.3% lower than at New York University ($17,580 vs. $23,530).
• Columbia University in the City of New York is 14.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than NYU (about $9,049 more per year; $71,845.00 vs. $62,796.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.4% higher at Columbia than at New York University (about $9,049 more per year; $71,845.00 vs. $62,796.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbia University in the City of New York than at New York University (52% vs. 37%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia University in the City of New York students is 24.3% larger than aid received by New York University students ($67,010 vs. $53,901).

Columbia vs. NYU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbia or NYU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between NYU and Columbia.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Columbia University in the City of New York (1550) is 30 points higher than at NYU (1520).
• Incoming Columbia students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 34) as students at NYU (34).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia University in the City of New York 1510/1580; New York University 1480/1560.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia University in the City of New York 34/35; New York University 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia - Test optional; NYU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbia students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.91) than students at NYU (3.79).
• NYU has a higher acceptance rate (9.2%) than Columbia (4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 64.9% at Columbia vs. 55.4% at NYU.

Columbia vs. NYU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia and NYU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Columbia University in the City of New York's six-year graduation rate (93%) is higher than New York University's (86%).
• Graduates from Columbia University in the City of New York earn a median of about $31,600 more per year than NYU graduates about ten years after starting college ($107,600 vs. $76,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia University in the City of New York graduates have a $1,750 lower median loan debt than NYU graduates ($21,500 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, Columbia graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NYU graduates ($222 vs. $240).
• More NYU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 76%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.