College Comparison
Stanford University vs Columbia 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
Stanford University
Stanford, CA
School
Columbia University
New York, NY
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Stanford | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 3.9%wins | 4.2% |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1510–1580wins | 1490–1570 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 34–35 | 34–35 |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $62,484wins | $69,045 |
| Avg Net Price | $12,136wins | $20,148 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $124,080wins | $102,491 |
| Graduation Rate | 92.8% | 95.0%wins |
| Retention Rate | 97.8%wins | 97.2% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 6:1 | 6:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 7,841 | 8,899wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Stanford edges out Columbia on 6 of 8 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.
Stanford Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 3.9%
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1510–1580
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $62,484
- ✓Avg Net Price: $12,136
Columbia Strengths
- ✓Graduation Rate: 95.0%
- ✓Total Enrollment: 8,899
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