College Comparison
Columbia University in the City of New York vs Washington and Lee 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
Lexington, VA
Total Enrollment
35,173
2,241
Undergrad Enrollment
9,164
1,886
Student-Faculty Ratio
6:1
7:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
4.0%
14.0%
Average GPA
4.00
3.91
SAT Range
1510–1580
1430–1540
ACT Range
34–35
33–34
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$85
$60
Total Applicants
60,115
8,213
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$79,569
$79,275
Avg Net Price
$22,000
$23,911
Tuition (In-State)
$61,989
$60,590
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$61,989
$60,590
Room & Board
$17,580
$18,685
% Receiving Aid
52.0%
64.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$67,010
$63,945
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
92.0%
94.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
84.0%
91.0%
Retention Rate
98.0%
97.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$102,491
$94,810
More Comparisons
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Explore by Location
Columbia in the City of New York is in New York, NY
Washington and Lee is in Lexington, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Columbia University in the City of New York is $22,000 per year, compared to $23,911 at Washington and Lee University. Columbia University in the City of New York is $1,911 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 Washington and Lee University, the typical SAT range is 1430-1540. 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 Washington and Lee University has a graduation rate of 94%. Washington and Lee 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 Washington and Lee 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 Washington and Lee University, 64% of students receive aid with an average grant of $63,945.
The median earnings for Columbia University in the City of New York graduates 10 years after enrollment is $102,491, compared to $94,810 for Washington and Lee 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. Washington and Lee University is located in Lexington, VA in a town: distant setting.

