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College Comparison

Columbia University vs Drexel 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

Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA

Head-to-Head Stats

MetricColumbiaDrexel
Acceptance Rate4.2%wins77.5%
SAT Range (25th–75th)1490–1570wins1230–1430
ACT Range (25th–75th)34–35wins27–33
Tuition (Out-of-State)$69,045$60,663wins
Avg Net Price$20,148wins$38,428
Median Earnings (10 yr)$102,491wins$84,648
Graduation Rate95.0%wins77.1%
Retention Rate97.2%wins89.6%
Student–Faculty Ratio6:1wins9:1
Total Enrollment8,89913,509wins

Verdict

Based on the data above, Columbia edges out Drexel on 8 of 10 measurable categories, including key factors like acceptance rate, earnings, and graduation rate. That said, the right choice depends heavily on your major, financial situation, and campus culture fit.

Columbia Strengths

  • Acceptance Rate: 4.2%
  • SAT Range (25th–75th): 1490–1570
  • ACT Range (25th–75th): 34–35
  • Avg Net Price: $20,148

Drexel Strengths

  • Tuition (Out-of-State): $60,663
  • Total Enrollment: 13,509

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