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Cornell University and Columbia University in the City of New York are both private nonprofit institutions — Cornell University in Ithaca, NY and Columbia University in the City of New York in New York, NY. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Ithaca, NY · Private
Acceptance rate: 8.8%
Undergrad enrollment: 15,995
Tuition: $69,314/year
Student-faculty ratio: 9.0:1
Graduation rate: 95.4%
Top programs: Computer science, Engineering, Business and marketing
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Ithaca, NY with published program strength in Computer science and Engineering.
New York, NY · Private
Acceptance rate: 4.0%
Undergrad enrollment: 8,973
Tuition: $71,845/year
Student-faculty ratio: 6.0:1
Graduation rate: 96.1%
Top programs: Social sciences, Computer science, Engineering
Best for: Students who want a private campus in New York, NY with published program strength in Social sciences and Computer science.
| Factor | Cornell University | Columbia University in the City of New York |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 8.8% | 4.0% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1500–1570 |
| 1510–1580 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 33–35 | 34–35 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 15,995 | 8,973 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $69,314/year | $71,845/year |
| Average net price after aid | $28,690 | $21,590 |
| Graduation rate | 95.4% | 96.1% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $104,043 | $102,491 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 9.0:1 | 6.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Ithaca, NY | New York, NY |
| Largest program areas | Computer science, Engineering, Business and marketing | Social sciences, Computer science, Engineering |
Columbia University in the City of New York is more selective (4.0% vs 8.8% acceptance rate). Columbia University in the City of New York has a lower average net price after grant aid ($21,590 vs $28,690). Both report a similar graduation rate (95.4%). Cornell University is the larger undergraduate campus (15,995 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
Common questions when choosing between Cornell University and Columbia University in the City of New York
Cornell University has an acceptance rate of 8.8%; Columbia University in the City of New York is around 4.0%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Cornell University tuition is $69,314/year. Columbia University in the City of New York is $71,845/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
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