College Comparison
Columbia University in the City of New York vs Harvard University
Compare acceptance rates, costs, test scores, graduation rates, and more to find your best fit.
At a Glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
New York, NY
Cambridge, MA
Total Enrollment
35,173
30,259
Undergrad Enrollment
9,164
8,844
Student-Faculty Ratio
6:1
7:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
4.0%
3.6%
Average GPA
4.00
4.00
SAT Range
1510–1580
1510–1580
ACT Range
34–35
34–36
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$85
$85
Total Applicants
60,115
54,008
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$79,569
$73,849
Avg Net Price
$22,000
$16,816
Tuition (In-State)
$61,989
$52,659
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$61,989
$52,659
Room & Board
$17,580
$21,190
% Receiving Aid
52.0%
56.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$67,010
$68,015
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
92.0%
97.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
84.0%
87.0%
Retention Rate
98.0%
98.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$102,491
$101,817
More Comparisons
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Explore by Location
Columbia in the City of New York is in New York, NY
Harvard is in Cambridge, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Columbia University in the City of New York is $22,000 per year, compared to $16,816 at Harvard University. Harvard University is $5,184 less expensive on average after financial aid.
Admitted students at Columbia University in the City of New York typically score between 1510-1580 on the SAT (25th-75th percentile). At Harvard University, the typical SAT range is 1510-1580. Scoring within or above these ranges will make you a competitive applicant.
Columbia University in the City of New York has a graduation rate of 92%, while Harvard University has a graduation rate of 97%. Harvard University has the higher graduation rate, indicating strong student support and retention.
Columbia University in the City of New York has a student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1, while Harvard University has a ratio of 7:1. Columbia University in the City of New York offers smaller class sizes on average, which typically means more individual attention from professors.
At Columbia University in the City of New York, 52% of students receive financial aid with an average grant of $67,010. At Harvard University, 56% of students receive aid with an average grant of $68,015.
The median earnings for Columbia University in the City of New York graduates 10 years after enrollment is $102,491, compared to $101,817 for Harvard University 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.
Columbia University in the City of New York is located in New York, NY in a city: large setting. Harvard University is located in Cambridge, MA in a city: midsize setting.

