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Colleges / NY / New York
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Columbia University in the City of New York

Private nonprofit New York, NY · Urban · Mid-Atlantic · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
96%
Graduation Rate
$102,491
Earnings (10yr)
$21,590
Net Price
4%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

Columbia University in the City of New York is an excellent fit for ambitious students who are ready to dive deep into their studies. With an acceptance rate of just 4%, it attracts driven individuals who excel academically. Students here often focus on top programs such as Social Sciences, Computer Science & IT, Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, and English & Literature. The tight-knit community and diverse course offerings create an environment where students can thrive.

Life after graduation looks promising for Columbia alumni, with a ten-year earnings average of $102,491. This figure indicates the long-term financial benefits of attending this university. Graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce and often find themselves in positions that allow for upward mobility. The high graduation rate of 96% suggests that most students successfully complete their degrees, which is a strong indicator of the support and resources available.

When it comes to the practical aspects of attending Columbia, the net price after aid is approximately $21,590, which is quite manageable given the high earning potential. With a median debt of $21,500, most graduates come out with a reasonable financial burden. The combination of these factors, along with the strong academic environment, tends to attract students who are not only academically talented but also motivated to make the most of their educational experience.

Rankings

How Columbia Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation96%Earnings 10yr$102KNet Price$22KRetention98%Median Debt$22KPell Grant Rate23%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$5K$0-30K$2K$30-48K$6K$48-75K$51K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%502.1%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%6121.7%MOBILITY307.36%

Cost & Financial Aid

$71,845
In-State Tuition
$71,845
Out-of-State
$21,590
Avg Net Price
$21,500
Median Debt
23%
Pell Grant Rate
14%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$4,570
Family Income $0–$30K
$2,275
Family Income $30K–$48K
$5,866
Family Income $48K–$75K
$50,621
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$88,535
6 Years After Entry
$98,435
8 Years
$102,491
10 Years
0.21x
Debt-to-Earnings
86%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$88,535 6yr $98,435 8yr $102,491 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

307.36%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
6121.7%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
502.1%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$169,600
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.82
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
0.03
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
10.3%
Volunteering Rate
1.00
Support Ratio
Community support

Innovation

Data: Opportunity Insights Patent & Innovation Data

1.917%
Inventor Rate
149
Total Patents
277
Total Citations

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 4%
Retention Rate 98%
SAT Average 1553
ACT Midpoint 35
SAT Range 1510–1580
ACT Range 34–35
Full-Time Faculty 43%
Faculty Salary (mo) $21,516
Diversity Index 0.81
First-Gen Students 25%

Top Programs

Social Sciences 24%
Computer Science & IT 17%
Engineering 12%
Biology & Biomedical 8%
English & Literature 5%
Mathematics & Statistics 5%
Psychology 5%
Visual & Performing Arts 5%