College Comparison
Columbia University in the City of New York vs Northwestern 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
Evanston, IL
Total Enrollment
35,173
23,856
Undergrad Enrollment
9,164
9,399
Student-Faculty Ratio
6:1
6:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
4.0%
7.7%
Average GPA
4.00
4.00
SAT Range
1510–1580
1510–1570
ACT Range
34–35
33–35
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$85
$75
Total Applicants
60,115
49,474
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$79,569
$83,517
Avg Net Price
$22,000
$27,143
Tuition (In-State)
$61,989
$62,391
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$61,989
$62,391
Room & Board
$17,580
$21,126
% Receiving Aid
52.0%
53.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$67,010
$64,429
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
92.0%
96.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
84.0%
87.0%
Retention Rate
98.0%
98.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$102,491
$89,363
More Comparisons
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Explore by Location
Columbia in the City of New York is in New York, NY
Northwestern is in Evanston, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Columbia University in the City of New York is $22,000 per year, compared to $27,143 at Northwestern University. Columbia University in the City of New York is $5,143 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 Northwestern University, the typical SAT range is 1510-1570. 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 Northwestern University has a graduation rate of 96%. Northwestern 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 Northwestern University has a ratio of 6:1. Northwestern University 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 Northwestern University, 53% of students receive aid with an average grant of $64,429.
The median earnings for Columbia University in the City of New York graduates 10 years after enrollment is $102,491, compared to $89,363 for Northwestern 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. Northwestern University is located in Evanston, IL in a city: small setting.

