College Comparison
Columbia University in the City of New York vs Massachusetts Institute of Technology
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
11,886
Undergrad Enrollment
9,164
4,535
Student-Faculty Ratio
6:1
3:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
4.0%
4.5%
Average GPA
4.00
4.00
SAT Range
1510–1580
1520–1580
ACT Range
34–35
34–36
Test Policy
Optional
Required
Application Fee
$85
$75
Total Applicants
60,115
28,232
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$79,569
$77,870
Avg Net Price
$22,000
$20,000
Tuition (In-State)
$61,989
$57,590
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$61,989
$57,590
Room & Board
$17,580
$20,280
% Receiving Aid
52.0%
59.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$67,010
$61,734
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
92.0%
97.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
84.0%
90.0%
Retention Rate
98.0%
99.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$102,491
$143,372
More Comparisons
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Explore by Location
Columbia in the City of New York is in New York, NY
MIT 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 $20,000 at MIT. MIT is $2,000 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 MIT, the typical SAT range is 1520-1580. 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 MIT has a graduation rate of 97%. MIT 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 MIT has a ratio of 3:1. MIT 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 MIT, 59% of students receive aid with an average grant of $61,734.
The median earnings for Columbia University in the City of New York graduates 10 years after enrollment is $102,491, compared to $143,372 for MIT graduates. Graduates from MIT 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. MIT is located in Cambridge, MA in a city: midsize setting.

