College Comparison
Columbia University in the City of New York vs Washington University in St Louis
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
Saint Louis, MO
Total Enrollment
35,173
16,357
Undergrad Enrollment
9,164
8,220
Student-Faculty Ratio
6:1
7:1
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
4.0%
12.1%
Average GPA
4.00
3.96
SAT Range
1510–1580
1500–1570
ACT Range
34–35
33–35
Test Policy
Optional
Optional
Application Fee
$85
$75
Total Applicants
60,115
32,754
Cost & Value
Sticker Price
$79,569
$81,274
Avg Net Price
$22,000
$22,117
Tuition (In-State)
$61,989
$59,420
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$61,989
$59,420
Room & Board
$17,580
$21,854
% Receiving Aid
52.0%
49.0%
Avg Grant Amount
$67,010
$66,080
Outcomes
6-Year Grad Rate
92.0%
92.0%
4-Year Grad Rate
84.0%
87.0%
Retention Rate
98.0%
95.0%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$102,491
$86,182
More Comparisons
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Explore by Location
Columbia in the City of New York is in New York, NY
Washington in St Louis is in Saint Louis, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
The average net price at Columbia University in the City of New York is $22,000 per year, compared to $22,117 at Washington University in St Louis. Columbia University in the City of New York is $117 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 University in St Louis, 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 Washington University in St Louis has a graduation rate of 92%. Washington University in St Louis 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 University in St Louis 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 University in St Louis, 49% of students receive aid with an average grant of $66,080.
The median earnings for Columbia University in the City of New York graduates 10 years after enrollment is $102,491, compared to $86,182 for Washington University in St Louis 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 University in St Louis is located in Saint Louis, MO in a suburb: large setting.

