College Comparison
Columbia University in the City of New York vs Vanderbilt 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
Nashville, TN
Total Enrollment
35,173
13,575
Undergrad Enrollment
9,164
7,221
Student-Faculty Ratio
6:1
8:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
4.0%
5.9%
Average GPA
4.00
3.93
SAT Range
1510–1580
1500–1570
ACT Range
34–35
34–35
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$85
$50
Total Applicants
60,115
45,409
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$79,569
$80,184
Avg Net Price
$22,000
$19,040
Tuition (In-State)
$61,989
$58,130
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$61,989
$58,130
Room & Board
$17,580
$22,054
% Receiving Aid
52.0%
67.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$67,010
$64,404
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
92.0%
94.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
84.0%
90.0%
Retention Rate
98.0%
96.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$102,491
$91,565
More Comparisons
Compare Columbia in the City of New York with...
View Columbia in the City of New York profile →
Compare Vanderbilt with...
View Vanderbilt profile →
Explore by Location
Columbia in the City of New York is in New York, NY
Vanderbilt is in Nashville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Columbia University in the City of New York is $22,000 per year, compared to $19,040 at Vanderbilt University. Vanderbilt University is $2,960 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 Vanderbilt University, the typical SAT range is 1500-1570. 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 Vanderbilt University has a graduation rate of 94%. Vanderbilt 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 Vanderbilt University has a ratio of 8:1. 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 Vanderbilt University, 67% of students receive aid with an average grant of $64,404.
The median earnings for Columbia University in the City of New York graduates 10 years after enrollment is $102,491, compared to $91,565 for Vanderbilt 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. Vanderbilt University is located in Nashville, TN in a city: large setting.

