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Columbia University vs Harvard University

A comprehensive side-by-side comparison of academics, cost, admissions, campus life and career outcomes to help you choose.

3.9% Columbia acceptance
3.2% Harvard acceptance
$13,084 Harvard cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Columbia
New York, New York
Private
Founded
1754
Enrollment
36,649
Setting
Urban
Harvard
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Private
Founded
1636
Enrollment
31,345
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition Harvard saves $7,063
Columbia
$66,139
Harvard
$59,076
Acceptance Rate Harvard more selective
Columbia
3.9%
Harvard
3.2%
Graduation Rate Harvard higher
Columbia
95%
Harvard
97%
Avg SAT Score Harvard higher
Columbia
1535
Harvard
1550
Starting Salary Harvard higher
Columbia
$89,200
Harvard
$95,500

Detailed Comparison

Metric Columbia Harvard Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$66,139$59,076Harvard
Tuition (In-State)$66,139$59,076Harvard
Room & Board$16,800$20,592Columbia
Acceptance Rate3.9%3.2%Harvard
Graduation Rate95%97%Harvard
Average SAT15351550Harvard
Student-Faculty Ratio6:15:1Harvard
Enrollment36,64931,345-
Avg Financial Aid$55,820$60,157Harvard
Starting Salary$89,200$95,500Harvard
Endowment$13.3B$50.9BHarvard
Campus Size299 acres5,076 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Columbia
$331,756
4-year total (private)
VS
Harvard
$318,672
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Columbia = $108,476 | Harvard = $78,044. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Columbia Top Majors

EconomicsComputer SciencePolitical ScienceEngineeringNeuroscience

Harvard Top Majors

EconomicsComputer SciencePolitical ScienceMathematicsHistory

Campus & Student Life

Setting
ColumbiaUrban
HarvardUrban
Campus Size
Columbia299 ac
Harvard5,076 ac
Athletics
ColumbiaNCAA D1
HarvardNCAA D1
Region
ColumbiaNortheast
HarvardNortheast
Founded
Columbia1754
Harvard1636
Enrollment
Columbia36,649
Harvard31,345

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Helpful Resources

Tools and services to help with your college journey.

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Compare Other Colleges

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Columbia or Harvard harder to get into?+
Harvard is more selective with an acceptance rate of 3.2% compared to 3.9%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Columbia or Harvard?+
At sticker price, Harvard costs less over 4 years ($318,672 vs $331,756). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Columbia offers an average of $55,820/year in aid while Harvard offers $60,157/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Columbia and Harvard?+
The average SAT score at Columbia is 1535 and at Harvard it is 1550. Keep in mind that admitted students often score across a range, and many schools practice holistic admissions where test scores are just one factor.
Do Columbia or Harvard graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Harvard have a higher average starting salary ($95,500 vs $89,200). Salary outcomes vary significantly by major, industry, and location — so this is a general average across all graduates.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each school?+
Columbia has a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio while Harvard has 5:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Columbia and Harvard compare for campus life?+
Columbia is located in New York, New York (urban setting) with a 299-acre campus. Harvard is in Cambridge, Massachusetts (urban setting) with 5,076 acres. Columbia competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Harvard in NCAA D1.