College Comparison
Boston University vs Columbia University in the City of New York
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Boston, MA
New York, NY
Total Enrollment
37,737
35,173
Undergrad Enrollment
18,805
9,164
Student-Faculty Ratio
10:1
6:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
11.1%
4.0%
Average GPA
3.79
4.00
SAT Range
1420–1530
1510–1580
ACT Range
32–34
34–35
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$80
$85
Total Applicants
78,769
60,115
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$80,070
$79,569
Avg Net Price
$26,996
$22,000
Tuition (In-State)
$61,050
$61,989
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$61,050
$61,989
Room & Board
$19,020
$17,580
% Receiving Aid
49.0%
52.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$61,848
$67,010
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
88.0%
92.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
83.0%
84.0%
Retention Rate
95.0%
98.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$83,238
$102,491
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Explore by Location
Boston is in Boston, MA
Columbia in the City of New York is in New York, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Boston University is $26,996 per year, compared to $22,000 at Columbia University in the City of New York. Columbia University in the City of New York is $4,996 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Boston University typically score between 1420-1530 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Columbia University in the City of New York, the typical SAT range is 1510-1580. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Boston University has a graduation rate of 88%, while Columbia University in the City of New York has a graduation rate of 92%. Columbia University in the City of New York has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Boston University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, while Columbia University in the City of New York has a ratio of 6:1. Columbia University in the City of New York offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.
At Boston University, 49% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $61,848. At Columbia University in the City of New York, 52% of students receive aid with an average grant of $67,010.
The median earnings for Boston University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $83,238, compared to $102,491 for Columbia University in the City of New York graduates. Graduates from Columbia University in the City of New York tend to earn more on average, though individual outcomes vary by major and career path.
Boston University is located in Boston, MA in a city: large setting. Columbia University in the City of New York is located in New York, NY in a city: large setting.