Mahadev Maitri Foundation
US Initiatives
Private Nonprofit4-year

Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, New York Β· City: LargeOfficial Website β†—

#16
Nationally
#2
In New York
4%
Acceptance Rate
Nat'l avg 70%
$64,526
Annual Tuition
per year
95%
6-Year Grad Rate
Nat'l avg 63%
9,111
Undergrad Enrollment
20,000+
Overall Score & Rankings
82/100
Excellent
#16 nationally
#2 in New York
πŸŽ“Graduation Outcomes95
πŸ’°Affordability88
🎯Selectivity95
πŸ“šAcademic Environment34
πŸ”¬Program Breadth75

Scores based on IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Methodology β†’

Columbia University in the City of New York is a private nonprofit four-year university located in New York, New York. With 9,111 undergraduate students enrolled and an acceptance rate of 4%, the institution is considered most selective. Annual tuition is $64,526, significantly above average for private colleges. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay an average net price of $6,184 after grants and scholarships β€” making it one of the more affordable options in its category. The six-year graduation rate is 95%, which is excellent compared to the national average of 63%.

Admissions
Acceptance Rate4%↑ Above avg
National avg: 70%
57,613
Applied
2,439
Admitted
1,540
Enrolled
SAT Score Range (Middle 50%)
SAT Reading730 – 770
Middle 50% of admitted students (max 800)
SAT Math760 – 800
Middle 50% of admitted students (max 800)
ACT Score Range (Middle 50%)34 – 35
Cost & Financial Aid
Annual Tuition$64,526/yr
Room & Board$18,192/yr
Total Cost of Attendance$86,363/yr
Tuition vs National Avg$64,526↓ Below avg
National avg: $38,768
Net Price After Aid by Family Income

Average annual net price after grants & scholarships, by family income

$0 – $30,000$6,184
$30,001 – $48,000$4,569
$48,001 – $75,000$8,385
$75,001 – $110,000$15,114
Over $110,000$45,873
Graduation Outcomes
6-Year Graduation Rate95%↑ Above avg
National avg: 63%

The six-year graduation rate measures students who earn their degree within 150% of normal time (6 years for a 4-year program). It is the federal standard for comparing outcomes across institutions.

Student Body
9,111
Total Undergrads
49% F / 51% M
Gender Split
Student Diversity
White 29%
Hispanic 16%
Black 8%
Asian 18%
Two or more 6%
International 19%
Native / Other 0%
Strengths & Considerations
Strengths
  • βœ“Very affordable for low-income families: avg net price is only $6,184/yr for households earning under $30K
  • βœ“Strong 6-year graduation rate of 95%, above the national average of 63%
  • βœ“Highly selective admissions (4% acceptance rate) β€” a signal of institutional prestige
  • βœ“Strong academic profile: SAT Math 25th percentile is 760
  • βœ“Competitive academic environment: ACT 25th percentile is 34
Consider
  • Β·Tuition ($64,526/yr) is above average β€” factor in aid eligibility
  • Β·Room and board costs ($18,192/yr) add significantly to the total cost of attendance
Who Is This College Best For?

This college is a strong fit for academically high-achieving students looking for a competitive environment, students from low- and middle-income families who need an affordable option, and students who prioritize colleges with a strong record of graduate completion.

Institution Profile
Type4-year
ControlPrivate Nonprofit
LocationNew York, New York
SettingCity: Large
Size20,000+
Affordability Spotlight
$6,184
avg net price/yr for families earning under $30K

Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships β€” not the sticker price. File the FAFSA every year to maximize your aid package.

State Ranking
#2
in New York out of 7+ colleges
#16
nationally
Data Source

All data sourced from the NCES IPEDS 2023–24 collection. Acceptance rates, test scores, and graduation rates reflect the most recent year reported. Scores are composite rankings calculated from five weighted dimensions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Data notice: All figures are sourced from IPEDS 2023–24 federal data. Tuition, acceptance rates, and enrollment figures change annually. Always verify current information directly with the institution. Net price figures are averages and individual aid packages will vary. Composite scores and rankings are calculated by SchoolRankings.org and are not affiliated with U.S. News, Forbes, or any government agency.