Columbia University vs Brown University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Columbia University and Brown University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Columbia University vs Brown University at a glance
Columbia University admits 4% of applicants and Brown University 5.4% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $15,370 at Columbia University and $26,976 at Brown University. Six-year graduation rates are 95.2% and 95.6%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Columbia University admits 4% of applicants and Brown University 5.4%, so Columbia University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $15,370 a year at Columbia University and $26,976 at Brown University; Columbia University costs $11,606 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $2,275 at Columbia University and $39 at Brown University.
- 95.2% of students graduate within six years at Columbia University, against 95.6% at Brown University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $109,430 for Columbia University and $99,974 for Brown University; Columbia University is $9,456 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $20,500 at Columbia University and $14,567 at Brown University.
- Columbia University enrolls 8,973 students (large city) and Brown University 7,226 (midsize city).
Side by side
Columbia University and Brown University in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Columbia University | Brown University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 4% | 5.4% |
| Applicants | 61,110 | 46,568 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1510–1580 | 1510–1580 |
| ACT middle 50% | 34–35 | 34–35 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $15,370 | $26,976 |
| Tuition, in state | $74,180 | $74,650 |
| Tuition, out of state | $74,180 | $74,650 |
| Cost of attendance | $92,198 | $91,676 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $2,275 | $39 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $4,020 | $228 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $4,878 | $10,079 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $8,881 | $24,827 |
| Over $110,000 | $40,931 | $48,459 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 95.2% | 95.6% |
| First-year retention | 98% | 98.8% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $109,430 | $99,974 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $20,500 | $14,567 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $233 | $166 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 8,973 | 7,226 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Midsize |
| Location | New York, NY | Providence, RI |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Columbia University reports 69 bachelor's programs and Brown University 59; 43 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Columbia University vs Brown University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Columbia University or Brown University?
Columbia University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Columbia University admits 4% of applicants and Brown University admits 5.4%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Columbia University 1510–1580; Brown University 1510–1580.
Which is cheaper, Columbia University or Brown University?
Columbia University has the lower average net price after grants: $15,370 a year at Columbia University against $26,976 at Brown University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $2,275 and $39. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Columbia University or Brown University graduates earn more?
Columbia University graduates earn more at the median: $109,430 ten years after entry for Columbia University and $99,974 for Brown University. Median federal debt at graduation is $20,500 and $14,567.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Columbia University or Brown University?
Brown University does: 95.2% of Columbia University students graduate within six years, against 95.6% at Brown University.
How big are Columbia University and Brown University?
Columbia University has 8,973 students in New York, NY and Brown University has 7,226 students in Providence, RI.