Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

Columbia University vs Cornell University

New York, NY · Ithaca, NY · Source: IPEDS federal database

Columbia UniversityCornell University
Acceptance Rate4.0%8.8%
In-State Tuition$71,845$69,314
Out-of-State Tuition$71,845$69,314
Average Net Price$22,520$26,361
Graduation Rate96.0%95.0%
Total Enrollment35,17326,793
Student-Faculty Ratio69

GradFax Analysis

Columbia University accepts 4.0% of applicants. Cornell University accepts 8.8%. Columbia University's tuition is $71,845. Cornell University's is $69,314. Cornell University is cheaper. Six-year graduation rates are close: 96% at Columbia University, 95% at Cornell University.

Bottom Line

After aid, the average student pays $22,520/year at Columbia University and $26,361/year at Cornell University. Columbia University is cheaper for most people.

Source: IPEDS: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Full interactive comparison →Columbia University profileCornell University profile

Common Questions

Which is harder to get into, Columbia University or Cornell University?

Columbia University. It accepts 4.0% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is Columbia University or Cornell University more affordable?

Columbia University, on average. After aid, students pay $22,520/year versus $26,361/year. Your number depends on your aid package.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

Nearly the same. Columbia University is at 96%; Cornell University is at 95%.

Source: IPEDS

Data from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), a federal database maintained by the U.S. Department of Education. Figures represent the most recent available academic year.