Head-to-Head Comparison
Columbia University in the City of New York vs University of San Francisco
Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY
University of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
- Columbia City Wins
- 27
- Tied
- 14
- San Francisco Wins
- 13
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 University of San Francisco's $41,431, 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.
54 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, 14% more than University of San Francisco
- Lower cost: Average net price of $21,590, roughly $19,841 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
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 3.1%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 4% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
San Francisco
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); San Francisco in Business & Marketing (18%). 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 University of San Francisco. Median earnings of $102,491 ten years after enrollment vs $89,812.
Pick Columbia University over University of San Francisco. Net price $21,590 vs $41,431.
Pick Columbia University over University of San Francisco. 3.1% mobility rate vs 2.7%.
Pick Columbia University over University of San Francisco. 96% completion rate vs 71%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Columbia University and University of San Francisco are close on paper, but Columbia University wins the head-to-head, leading on 6 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 University of San Francisco takes 62%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,553 to 1,295.
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 $19,841 a year below University of San Francisco's $41,431. Graduates of Columbia University also borrow less: median debt of $21,500, against $23,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $79,364 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 $89,812 at University of San Francisco. That is a 14% advantage. Set against borrowing, Columbia University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.21x to 0.26x.
So what: An earnings gap of 14% 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 71%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 25% 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.
Moving people up
Columbia University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 3.1%; at University of San Francisco, it is 2.7%. University of San Francisco also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 5.9% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 5%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Columbia University offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Columbia University to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
Their academic identities diverge. Columbia University concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, Computer Science & IT, Engineering, while University of San Francisco leans toward Business & Marketing, Health Professions, Psychology. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Business and consulting-track students: Columbia University has less business program depth, and University of San Francisco offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: Columbia University's enrollment of 8,973 far exceeds University of San Francisco's 5,287.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $41,431 runs well above Columbia University's $21,590.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of University of San Francisco's enrollment, and Columbia University is stronger here.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Columbia City holds onto its admits more tightly: 64% of admitted students enroll, versus 6% at San Francisco — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Both reward applying early, but the binding round pays off more at San Francisco (49.4% Early Decision admit rate vs 13.2%). Early Decision is binding, so it only makes sense if the school is a clear first choice. Test scores matter less at San Francisco, where only about 42% 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
Research (Times HE) 4 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.
University of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA · Private nonprofit
Students at the University of San Francisco can expect to earn an average of $89,812 within ten years of graduation. This strong earning potential reflects the university's focus on practical skills and career readiness. With an acceptance rate of 62%, the university maintains a balance of accessibility and selectivity.
The Chetty/Opportunity Insights data is not available for this institution, but the outcomes for graduates suggest a solid return on investment. The graduation rate stands at 71%, indicating that a significant majority of students complete their degrees. This completion rate, combined with the potential earnings, points to a pathway for upward mobility.
Tuition at the University of San Francisco has a net price of $41,431, which is a notable consideration for prospective students. Graduates carry a median debt of $23,000, which is relatively manageable compared to national averages. Students who thrive here often pursue programs in Business, Health Professions, and Social Sciences, aligning their education with market demand and job opportunities.
Rankings They Appear On
Columbia University in the City of New York and University of San Francisco appear together in 2 rankings. On the Highest-Paying Colleges for Visual, Columbia University in the City of New York ranks #3 — Columbia University in the City of New York outranks University of San Francisco by 14 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Columbia City's top program is Sociology (27% of enrollment), while San Francisco leads with Business Administration (18%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Columbia City) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for San Francisco).
The two schools feed different job markets. Columbia University is strongest in Computer Science & IT, Engineering, Biology & Biomedical, while University of San Francisco concentrates in Business & Marketing, Health Professions, Psychology. 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.
Columbia City
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Columbia University or University of San Francisco?
Columbia University is harder to get into, admitting 4% of applicants compared with 62% at University of San Francisco.
Which is more affordable, Columbia University or University of San Francisco?
Columbia University is more affordable, with an average net price of $21,590 after aid versus $41,431 at University of San Francisco.
Do Columbia University or University of San Francisco graduates earn more?
Columbia University graduates earn more: median earnings of $102,491 ten years after enrollment, versus $89,812 at University of San Francisco.
Which has a better graduation rate, Columbia University or University of San Francisco?
Columbia University has the higher graduation rate, 96% versus 71%.
Columbia University vs University of San Francisco: which is better for social mobility?
Columbia University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 3.1% versus 2.7%.
Should you choose Columbia University or University of San Francisco?
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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