Columbia vs Cornell

Columbia is harder to get into (4.9% vs 8.4% admitted), and students with aid paid less there on average: $15,370 vs $33,934 a year. For fall 2027, Columbia doesn't need the SAT or ACT; Cornell needs the SAT or ACT. Columbia is due first, on Jan 1.

Highlighted = the better number: lower price or debt, higher rate or pay.

Columbia University in the City of New York Cornell University

Getting in
Measure	Columbia University in the City of New York	Cornell University
Admit rate	4.9%	8.4%
SAT, enrolled first-years (middle 50%)	1510–1560	1490–1550
ACT, enrolled first-years (middle 50%)	34–35	33–35
SAT or ACT for fall 2027	Optional	Required
Next deadline	Regular decision: Jan 1	Regular decision: Jan 2

Cost
Measure	Columbia University in the City of New York	Cornell University
Sticker price per year	$92,198	$92,093
Average paid after grants	$15,370	$33,934

What families with aid paid, by income
Measure	Columbia University in the City of New York	Cornell University
Under $30,000	$2,275	$6,371
$30,000–$48,000	$4,020	$6,152
$48,000–$75,000	$4,878	$6,797
$75,000–$110,000	$8,881	$13,422
Over $110,000	$40,931	$55,935

After you start
Measure	Columbia University in the City of New York	Cornell University
Undergrads	8,973	15,995
Graduate within 6 years	95%	95%
Come back for year two	98%	98%
Median earnings 10 years after starting	$109,430	$113,531
Median debt at graduation	$20,500	$12,000

Highlighted only when the gap is at least 5%. "Average paid" is what students who got federal aid paid per year after grants, not a price quote. How we get our numbers

See Columbia See Cornell