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Columbia University in the City of New York vs. Cornell University

Columbia University in the City of New York (New York, NY) and Cornell University (Ithaca, NY) compared side by side. Columbia University in the City of New York is a private nonprofit institution; Cornell University is a private nonprofit institution. Below, the more favorable figure in each row is highlighted, using official federal data.

Columbia University in the City of New York

Private nonprofit

Cornell University

Private nonprofit

Acceptance rate4%9%
Median earnings (10 yrs)$102,491$104,043
Graduation rate96%95%
Retention rate98%98%
Average net price$21,590$28,690
In-state tuition$71,845$69,314
Median student debt$21,500$14,000
SAT average1,5531,535
Enrollment8,97315,995

Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY

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Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

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Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. "More favorable" is a simple per-metric comparison (higher earnings and graduation, lower cost and acceptance rate) and isn't an overall verdict — the right fit depends on your goals.