Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

Columbia University vs Vassar College

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

Columbia UniversityVassar College
Acceptance Rate4.2%17.7%
In-State Tuition$69,045$67,805
Out-of-State Tuition$69,045$67,805
Average Net Price$16,526$19,443
Graduation Rate95.0%89.0%

GradFax Analysis

Columbia University accepts 4.2% of applicants. Vassar College accepts 17.7%. Tuition is close: $69,045 at Columbia University, $67,805 at Vassar College. Columbia University graduates 95% of students in 6 years. Vassar College graduates 89%.

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 profileVassar College profile

Common Questions

Which is harder to get into, Columbia University or Vassar College?

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

Source: IPEDS

Is Columbia University or Vassar College more affordable?

Vassar College has lower published tuition: $67,805 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. Vassar College is at 89%.

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 Vassar College: Acceptance Rate, Tuition & Outcomes (2026) | GradFax