Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

Columbia University vs The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art

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

Columbia UniversityThe Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art
Acceptance Rate4.2%19.1%
In-State Tuition$69,045$46,820
Out-of-State Tuition$69,045$46,820
Average Net Price$16,526$8,892
Graduation Rate95.0%80.0%

GradFax Analysis

Columbia University accepts 4.2% of applicants. The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art accepts 19.1%. Columbia University's tuition is $69,045. The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art's is $46,820. That's a $22,225 difference per year. Columbia University graduates 95% of students in 6 years. The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art graduates 80%.

Bottom Line

Both are solid options. Get the actual aid estimates from each school and compare them side by side. The averages above won't tell your specific story.

Source: IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Full interactive comparison →Columbia University profileThe Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art profile

Common Questions

Which is harder to get into, Columbia University or The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art?

Columbia University. It accepts 4.2% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is Columbia University or The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art more affordable?

The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art has lower published tuition: $46,820 versus $69,045. Financial aid can flip this, so compare your actual award letters.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

Columbia University: 95% of students finish in 6 years. The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art is at 80%.

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.

Columbia University vs The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art: Acceptance Rate, Tuition & Outcomes (2026) | GradFax