Columbia University vs NYU: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Columbia University and New York University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Columbia University vs NYU at a glance
Columbia University admits 4% of applicants and NYU 9.2% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $15,370 at Columbia University and $35,737 at NYU. Six-year graduation rates are 95.2% and 87.8%, 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 NYU 9.2%, so Columbia University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $15,370 a year at Columbia University and $35,737 at NYU; Columbia University costs $20,367 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $2,275 at Columbia University and $16,349 at NYU.
- 95.2% of students graduate within six years at Columbia University, against 87.8% at NYU.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $109,430 for Columbia University and $90,957 for NYU; Columbia University is $18,473 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $20,500 at Columbia University and $19,000 at NYU.
- Columbia University enrolls 8,973 students (large city) and NYU 28,663 (large city).
Side by side
Columbia University and NYU 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 | NYU |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 4% | 9.2% |
| Applicants | 61,110 | 95,517 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1510–1580 | 1480–1560 |
| ACT middle 50% | 34–35 | 34–35 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $15,370 | $35,737 |
| Tuition, in state | $74,180 | $65,622 |
| Tuition, out of state | $74,180 | $65,622 |
| Cost of attendance | $92,198 | $86,574 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $2,275 | $16,349 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $4,020 | $15,400 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $4,878 | $21,188 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $8,881 | $31,450 |
| Over $110,000 | $40,931 | $68,303 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 95.2% | 87.8% |
| First-year retention | 98% | 95.8% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $109,430 | $90,957 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $20,500 | $19,000 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $233 | $216 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 8,973 | 28,663 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Large |
| Location | New York, NY | New York, NY |
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 NYU 77; 47 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Columbia University vs NYU
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Columbia University or NYU?
Columbia University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Columbia University admits 4% of applicants and NYU admits 9.2%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Columbia University 1510–1580; NYU 1480–1560.
Which is cheaper, Columbia University or NYU?
Columbia University has the lower average net price after grants: $15,370 a year at Columbia University against $35,737 at NYU. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $2,275 and $16,349. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Columbia University or NYU graduates earn more?
Columbia University graduates earn more at the median: $109,430 ten years after entry for Columbia University and $90,957 for NYU. Median federal debt at graduation is $20,500 and $19,000.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Columbia University or NYU?
Columbia University does: 95.2% of Columbia University students graduate within six years, against 87.8% at NYU.
How big are Columbia University and NYU?
Columbia University has 8,973 students in New York, NY and NYU has 28,663 students in New York, NY.