Northeastern vs. Columbia

Comparable Facts

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

Columbia University in the City of New York is larger than Northeastern based on total student enrollment (35,173 students vs. 32,553 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northeastern University is located in Boston, MA (Large City setting); Columbia University in the City of New York is in New York, NY (Large City setting).
• Northeastern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia University in the City of New York is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northeastern University 16:1; Columbia University in the City of New York 6:1.

Northeastern vs. Columbia Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northeastern or Columbia? 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 Northeastern ($22,520 vs. $34,207).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia University in the City of New York are 10.2% lower than at Northeastern University ($17,580 vs. $19,580).
• Columbia University in the City of New York is 8.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northeastern (about $5,683 more per year; $71,845.00 vs. $66,162.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.6% higher at Columbia than at Northeastern University (about $5,683 more per year; $71,845.00 vs. $66,162.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northeastern University than at Columbia University in the City of New York (66% vs. 52%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia University in the City of New York students is 32.9% larger than aid received by Northeastern University students ($67,010 vs. $50,421).

Northeastern vs. Columbia Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northeastern or Columbia? 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 Columbia and Northeastern.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Columbia University in the City of New York (1550) is 60 points higher than at Northeastern (1490).
• Incoming Northeastern students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 34) as students at Columbia (34).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern University 1440/1540; Columbia University in the City of New York 1510/1580.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northeastern University 33/35; Columbia University in the City of New York 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northeastern - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); Columbia - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: Northeastern Jan 1, 2027; Columbia Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northeastern students have the same average high school GPA (3.91) as students at Columbia (3.91).
• Northeastern has a higher acceptance rate (5.2%) than Columbia (4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 53.8% at Northeastern vs. 64.9% at Columbia.

Northeastern vs. Columbia Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northeastern and Columbia? 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 Northeastern University's (77%).
• Graduates from Columbia University in the City of New York earn a median of about $38,100 more per year than Northeastern graduates about ten years after starting college ($107,600 vs. $69,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia University in the City of New York graduates have a $6,375 lower median loan debt than Northeastern graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,875).
• Among borrowers, Columbia graduates have an estimated $66 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northeastern graduates ($222 vs. $288).
• More Northeastern graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia students, three years after graduation. (79% 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.