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Columbia University in the City of New York vs Northeastern University

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

25
Columbia Wins
9
Tied / N/A
12
Northeastern Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Urban
Mid-Atlantic
Region
New England
8,973
Enrollment
17,326
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

4%
Acceptance Rate
5%
1553
SAT Average
1497
35
ACT Midpoint
34
1510-1580
SAT Range
1440-1540

Cost & Financial Aid

$71,845
In-State Tuition
$66,162
$71,845
Out-of-State Tuition
$66,162
$21,590
Average Net Price
$30,915
$4,570
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$2,264
$2,275
Net Price ($30-48K)
$2,436
$5,866
Net Price ($48-75K)
$5,301
$50,621
Net Price ($110K+)
$47,696
23%
Pell Grant Rate
12%
14%
Federal Loan Rate
27%

Academics

96%
Graduation Rate
90%
98%
Retention Rate
97%
43%
Full-Time Faculty
70%
$21,516
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$16,218
25%
First-Gen Students
19%

Student Body

45%
Female
54%
29%
White
40%
15%
Hispanic
10%
8%
Black
5%
19%
Asian
22%
0.81
Diversity Index
0.76

Outcomes

$88,535
Earnings (6yr)
$78,413
$98,435
Earnings (8yr)
$82,813
$102,491
Earnings (10yr)
$92,538
$21,500
Median Debt
$24,250
0.21x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.26x
86%
Earning Above HS
85%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

307.36%
Mobility Rate
243.76%
6121.7%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
4736.7%
502.1%
From Bottom 20%
514.6%
$169,600
Parent Median Income
$108,300

Social Capital

1.82
Economic Connectedness
1.79
0.03
Friending Bias
0.03
10.3%
Volunteering Rate
8.4%

Research (Times HE)

N/A
World Rank
#201-225
N/A
Teaching Score
30.4
N/A
Research Score
18.9
N/A
Citations Score
70

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.

Northeastern University

Boston, MA · Private nonprofit

5% accept 90% grad $92,538 earnings $30,915 net

Northeastern University in Boston is an excellent fit for students who are driven and ready to engage in a highly competitive academic environment. With an acceptance rate of just 5%, it attracts those who excel in their studies and seek a dynamic campus experience. Students here often dive into popular programs like Business & Marketing, Engineering, Computer Science & IT, Biology & Biomedical, and Social Sciences. This variety allows for a rich educational experience and a chance to connect with peers across different fields.

Looking at life after graduation, the numbers tell a promising story. Graduates can expect to earn an average of $92,538 within ten years of completing their degree. This figure highlights the potential for upward mobility, especially considering the strong graduation rate of 90%. While affordability can be a concern for many students, the financial landscape here is manageable, with a net price of $30,915 after aid. This balance between cost and earning potential is a significant advantage for graduates.

When it comes to practical considerations, the typical debt load for students at Northeastern is around $24,250. This is relatively low compared to their earning potential, making it easier for graduates to pay off loans while enjoying their careers. The environment here tends to suit those who are ambitious and ready to take advantage of the university's extensive resources and networking opportunities. If you're someone who thrives in a fast-paced setting and values real-world experience alongside academic rigor, Northeastern could be a great choice for you.

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