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Columbia University in the City of New York vs Princeton University

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

11
Columbia Wins
11
Tied / N/A
24
Princeton Wins

Overview

Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Urban
Mid-Atlantic
Region
Mid-Atlantic
8,973
Enrollment
5,709
No
HBCU
No

Admissions

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

Cost & Financial Aid

$71,845
In-State Tuition
$62,688
$71,845
Out-of-State Tuition
$62,688
$21,590
Average Net Price
$6,128
$4,570
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$41
$2,275
Net Price ($30-48K)
$352
$5,866
Net Price ($48-75K)
$1,217
$50,621
Net Price ($110K+)
$36,094
23%
Pell Grant Rate
19%
14%
Federal Loan Rate
2%

Academics

96%
Graduation Rate
97%
98%
Retention Rate
98%
43%
Full-Time Faculty
87%
$21,516
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$25,354
25%
First-Gen Students
28%

Student Body

45%
Female
51%
29%
White
34%
15%
Hispanic
10%
8%
Black
9%
19%
Asian
23%
0.81
Diversity Index
0.79

Outcomes

$88,535
Earnings (6yr)
$87,815
$98,435
Earnings (8yr)
$112,152
$102,491
Earnings (10yr)
$110,066
$21,500
Median Debt
$10,320
0.21x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.09x
86%
Earning Above HS
83%

Social Mobility (Chetty)

307.36%
Mobility Rate
134.58%
6121.7%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
6586.5%
502.1%
From Bottom 20%
204.3%
$169,600
Parent Median Income
$218,100

Social Capital

1.82
Economic Connectedness
1.88
0.03
Friending Bias
-0.00
10.3%
Volunteering Rate
10.8%

Research (Times HE)

N/A
World Rank
#5
N/A
Teaching Score
90.9
N/A
Research Score
95.4
N/A
Citations Score
99.9

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.

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ · Private nonprofit

5% accept 97% grad $110,066 earnings $6,128 net

With an acceptance rate of just 5%, Princeton University is not for everyone, but for those who make the cut, it’s a place where ambition meets opportunity. The school attracts bright minds, particularly in fields like Social Sciences, Engineering, Computer Science, and Biology. Students here are often deeply engaged in their studies, working alongside faculty who are leaders in their fields. This kind of environment fosters not just learning but also a strong sense of community among peers.

After graduation, the benefits of attending Princeton are clear. Alumni can expect an impressive average earning of $110,066 within a decade of finishing their degrees. This speaks volumes about the value of a Princeton education, especially when considering the high graduation rate of 97%. The school’s focus on producing skilled graduates who excel in their careers contributes significantly to their long-term success.

When it comes to finances, the net price after aid is manageable at $6,128, and the median debt stands at $10,320. This means many graduates leave with a realistic financial outlook, allowing them to focus on their careers rather than being weighed down by overwhelming debt. Students who thrive here often come from diverse backgrounds, bringing a variety of perspectives that enhance classroom discussions and campus life.

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