College Comparison
Columbia University vs Brown University: Which is Better?
Side-by-side comparison of acceptance rates, SAT scores, tuition, earnings, and more, updated with the latest College Scorecard data.
School
Columbia University
New York, NY
School
Brown University
Providence, RI
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Columbia | Brown |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 4.2%wins | 5.2% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1490–1570 | 1500–1570wins |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 34–35 | 34–35 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $69,045 | $68,230wins |
| Avg Net Price | $20,148wins | $26,572 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $102,491wins | $93,487 |
| Graduation Rate | 95.0% | 96.0%wins |
| Retention Rate | 97.2% | 98.7%wins |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 6:1 | 6:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 8,899wins | 7,273 |
Verdict
Columbia and Brown are remarkably similar across key metrics. Your decision should come down to campus culture, location, financial aid package, and specific program strength.
Columbia Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 4.2%
- ✓Avg Net Price: $20,148
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $102,491
- ✓Total Enrollment: 8,899
Brown Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1500–1570
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $68,230
- ✓Graduation Rate: 96.0%
- ✓Retention Rate: 98.7%
Want a deeper comparison?
Our interactive compare tool lets you add more schools, filter by major, and see financial aid breakdowns by income level.