Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)
Estimated sticker price before financial aid.
Columbia
$331,756
4-year total (private)
VS
MIT
$307,320
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Columbia = $108,476 | MIT = $119,760. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.
Columbia Top Majors
EconomicsComputer SciencePolitical ScienceEngineeringNeuroscienceMIT Top Majors
Computer ScienceEngineeringMathematicsPhysicsBiology
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia or MIT harder to get into?+
MIT is more selective with an acceptance rate of 3.9% compared to 3.9%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Columbia or MIT?+
At sticker price, MIT costs less over 4 years ($307,320 vs $331,756). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Columbia offers an average of $55,820/year in aid while MIT offers $46,890/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Columbia and MIT?+
The average SAT score at Columbia is 1535 and at MIT it is 1556. 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 MIT graduates earn more?+
Graduates of MIT have a higher average starting salary ($104,800 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 MIT has 3:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do Columbia and MIT compare for campus life?+
Columbia is located in New York, New York (urban setting) with a 299-acre campus. MIT is in Cambridge, Massachusetts (urban setting) with 168 acres. Columbia competes in NCAA D1 athletics and MIT in NCAA D3.