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College Comparison

Columbia University vs Florida State 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

Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL

Head-to-Head Stats

MetricColumbiaFlorida State
Acceptance Rate4.2%wins25.4%
SAT Range (25th–75th)1490–1570wins1240–1390
ACT Range (25th–75th)34–35wins27–31
Tuition (Out-of-State)$69,045$18,786wins
Avg Net Price$20,148$10,997wins
Median Earnings (10 yr)$102,491wins$61,675
Graduation Rate95.0%wins83.0%
Retention Rate97.2%wins95.6%
Student–Faculty Ratio6:1wins17:1
Total Enrollment8,89931,812wins

Verdict

Based on the data above, Columbia edges out Florida State on 7 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
  • Median Earnings (10 yr): $102,491

Florida State Strengths

  • Tuition (Out-of-State): $18,786
  • Avg Net Price: $10,997
  • Total Enrollment: 31,812

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