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New York University (NYU) vs Columbia University

Side-by-side comparison with data from federal sources. Every metric traceable to IPEDS or College Scorecard.

SCHOOL A · PRIVATE

New York University (NYU)

New York, NY

DECISION SCORE

METRICS

SCHOOL B · PRIVATE

Columbia University

New York, NY

DECISION SCORE

Metric-by-metric

winner highlighted

Metric	New York University (NYU)	Columbia University	Edge
Acceptance Rate	9.4%	4.2%	New York University (NYU) (easier)
Average SAT	1525	1530	Columbia University
Enrollment	64,951	37,954	New York University (NYU) larger
Median Earnings (10yr)	$82,509	$102,491	Columbia University
Median Debt	$20,500	$21,500	New York University (NYU) lower
Pell Grant Rate	19.0%	23.0%	Higher = more low-income students

Decision scores

New York University (NYU)

Columbia University

Top majors

New York University (NYU)

Visual/Performing Arts 15.9%

Social Sciences 14.2%

Business/Marketing 11.4%

Computer Science 8.8%

Liberal Arts 7.1%

Columbia University

Social Sciences 25.8%

Computer Science 14.1%

Engineering 10.7%

Biological Sciences 6.1%

Psychology 5.8%

Which Should You Choose?

Both New York University (NYU) and Columbia University are outstanding institutions. The right choice depends on your priorities:

If location matters: New York University (NYU) is in New York, NY while Columbia University is in New York, NY
If cost is a factor: Compare net prices for your family income bracket above
If career outcomes are the priority: Look at the salary data by major for each school
If getting in is the concern: Check which school's acceptance rate and profile better match yours

New York University (NYU) vs Columbia University FAQs

Which is harder to get into, New York University (NYU) or Columbia University?

Columbia University is harder to get into, with a 4.2% acceptance rate vs New York University (NYU)'s 9.4%. Lower acceptance rate means more competitive admission, but admission profile (GPA, SAT, course rigor) matters more than the rate alone.

Which is more expensive, New York University (NYU) or Columbia University?

Columbia University has a higher sticker cost of attendance ($89,472/yr) vs New York University (NYU) ($84,374/yr) — a difference of $5,098/yr at sticker price. But after financial aid, the average family pays $29,500/yr at New York University (NYU) vs $15,023/yr at Columbia University.

Which has higher graduate earnings, New York University (NYU) or Columbia University?

Columbia University graduates earn more — a median of $102,491 10 years post-grad, vs $82,509 at New York University (NYU). Note this is school-wide median; major choice impacts earnings far more than school choice.

Which should I choose, New York University (NYU) or Columbia University?

It depends on your priorities. New York University (NYU) is in New York, NY; Columbia University is in New York, NY. Weigh acceptance odds against your profile, net cost for your family income, salary outcomes for your intended major, and campus fit (location, size, urban vs rural).

Which has better programs, New York University (NYU) or Columbia University?

Both New York University (NYU) and Columbia University have multiple top-ranked programs. The right answer depends on your major. Compare the salary-by-major tables on each school's salary page — New York University (NYU)'s salary page and Columbia University's salary page — to see which school's grads in your target major earn more.

Explore each school

NEW YORK UNIVERSITY (NYU)

Acceptance Rate Tuition & Cost Salary & ROI

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY

Acceptance Rate Tuition & Cost Salary & ROI

Data source: College Scorecard, IPEDS.