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Columbia University in the City of New York vs Harvard University

46 data points compared. Stronger value in each row highlighted. Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS.

13
Columbia Wins
14
Tied / N/A
19
Harvard Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Urban
Mid-Atlantic
Region
New England
8,973
Enrollment
7,601
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

4%
Acceptance Rate
4%
1553
SAT Average
1553
35
ACT Midpoint
35
1510-1580
SAT Range
1510-1580

Cost & Financial Aid

$71,845
In-State Tuition
$61,676
$71,845
Out-of-State Tuition
$61,676
$21,590
Average Net Price
$19,066
$4,570
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$8,697
$2,275
Net Price ($30-48K)
$2,991
$5,866
Net Price ($48-75K)
$2,091
$50,621
Net Price ($110K+)
$53,337
23%
Pell Grant Rate
16%
14%
Federal Loan Rate
4%

Academics

96%
Graduation Rate
97%
98%
Retention Rate
98%
43%
Full-Time Faculty
87%
$21,516
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$25,048
25%
First-Gen Students
26%

Student Body

45%
Female
50%
29%
White
31%
15%
Hispanic
12%
8%
Black
9%
19%
Asian
22%
0.81
Diversity Index
0.81

Outcomes

$88,535
Earnings (6yr)
$99,572
$98,435
Earnings (8yr)
$101,095
$102,491
Earnings (10yr)
$101,817
$21,500
Median Debt
$14,000
0.21x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.14x
86%
Earning Above HS
88%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

307.36%
Mobility Rate
175.92%
6121.7%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
5774.2%
502.1%
From Bottom 20%
304.7%
$169,600
Parent Median Income
$174,000

Social Capital

1.82
Economic Connectedness
1.69
0.03
Friending Bias
0.02
10.3%
Volunteering Rate
9.6%

Research (Times HE)

N/A
World Rank
#1
N/A
Teaching Score
99.7
N/A
Research Score
98.7
N/A
Citations Score
98.8

The Overviews

Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY · Private nonprofit

4% accept 96% grad $102,491 earnings $21,590 net

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.

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA · Private nonprofit

4% accept 97% grad $101,817 earnings $19,066 net

With an acceptance rate of just 4%, Harvard University is a place where the most driven and ambitious students find their footing. It’s especially suitable for those drawn to rigorous academic programs like Social Sciences, Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Mathematics, Computer Science, and Physical Sciences. The environment here encourages intellectual curiosity and a commitment to excellence, attracting a diverse group of scholars who are ready to engage deeply with their studies.

After graduation, the financial outlook is promising, with alumni earning an average of $101,817 within ten years. This level of earning power is a significant motivator for students considering their future. While the cost of education is an important factor, many graduates see a strong return on their investment, which makes the financial commitment worthwhile for those who can navigate the admissions process.

When we look at the practical aspects, the net price after aid stands at $19,066, and the median debt is relatively manageable at $14,000. This financial structure allows students to focus on their education without being overwhelmed by debt. Those who thrive at Harvard often share a passion for learning and a desire to make a difference in the world, making the most of the resources and opportunities available to them.

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