Head-to-Head Comparison
Columbia University in the City of New York vs Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Terre Haute, IN
- Columbia City Wins
- 28
- Tied
- 14
- Rose-Hulman Technology Wins
- 8
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Columbia University in the City of New York offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $21,590 vs Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's $42,513, Columbia University in the City of New York delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Columbia University in the City of New York's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
50 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Columbia City
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $102,491 ten years after enrollment, 1% more than Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
- Lower cost: Average net price of $21,590, roughly $20,923 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 96% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $21,500, the lower of the two
- More selective: Admits 4% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
Rose-Hulman Technology
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Columbia City graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (27% of degrees); Rose-Hulman Technology in Engineering (73%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Columbia University over Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Median earnings of $102,491 ten years after enrollment vs $101,253.
Pick Columbia University over Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Net price $21,590 vs $42,513.
Pick Columbia University over Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. 96% completion rate vs 80%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Columbia University and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology are close on paper, but Columbia University wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Columbia University is the harder admit. It takes 4% of applicants, while Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology takes 77%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,553 to 1,427.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Columbia University sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Columbia University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $21,590, about $20,923 a year below Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's $42,513. Graduates of Columbia University also borrow less: median debt of $21,500, against $25,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $83,692 before any change in aid. Choosing Columbia University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Columbia University graduates report median earnings of $102,491, compared with $101,253 at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. That is a 1% advantage. Set against borrowing, Columbia University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.21x to 0.25x.
So what: An earnings gap of 1% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
Columbia University graduates a larger share of its students, 96% versus 80%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 16% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Columbia University to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.
Counterintuitive Insights
Their academic identities diverge. Columbia University concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, while Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology leans toward Mathematics & Statistics. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Engineering-focused students: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology has the stronger engineering programs.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Columbia University's enrollment of 8,973 far exceeds Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's 2,309.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $42,513 runs well above Columbia University's $21,590.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $25,000, against $21,500 at Columbia University.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Columbia City offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; Rose-Hulman Technology does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there. Test scores matter less at Rose-Hulman Technology, where only about 26% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY · Private nonprofit
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.
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Terre Haute, IN · Private nonprofit
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates earn an impressive average of $101,253 within ten years of completing their degree. This strong earning potential highlights the value of a degree from this private nonprofit institution, with a focus on engineering and technical disciplines.
The Chetty/Opportunity Insights data is not available for Rose-Hulman, making it challenging to assess economic mobility comprehensively. However, the school's 80% graduation rate suggests that most students are successfully completing their programs. This retention rate is crucial for students considering their long-term career prospects and financial outcomes.
Students at Rose-Hulman face a net price of $42,513, with a median debt of $25,000 upon graduation. Despite the cost, the earnings potential can make this investment worthwhile. Those who thrive here typically have a strong interest in STEM fields, as the top programs are concentrated in engineering, computer science, mathematics, and the sciences.
Rankings They Appear On
Columbia University in the City of New York is featured on the Best Computer Science Colleges in New York ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Columbia City's top program is Sociology (27% of enrollment), while Rose-Hulman Technology leads with Mechanical Engineering (73%).
Columbia City
Rose-Hulman Technology
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Columbia City) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Rose-Hulman Technology).
The two schools feed different job markets. Columbia University is strongest in Social Sciences, Biology & Biomedical, while Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology concentrates in Mathematics & Statistics, Physical Sciences. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Columbia University or Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology?
Columbia University is harder to get into, admitting 4% of applicants compared with 77% at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
Which is more affordable, Columbia University or Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology?
Columbia University is more affordable, with an average net price of $21,590 after aid versus $42,513 at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
Do Columbia University or Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduates earn more?
Columbia University graduates earn more: median earnings of $102,491 ten years after enrollment, versus $101,253 at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
Which has a better graduation rate, Columbia University or Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology?
Columbia University has the higher graduation rate, 96% versus 80%.
Should you choose Columbia University or Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Columbia University if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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