College Comparison
Yale 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
Yale University
New Haven, CT
School
Columbia University
New York, NY
Head-to-Head Stats
| Metric | Yale | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 4.5% | 4.2%wins |
| SAT Range (25th–75th) | 1500–1580wins | 1490–1570 |
| ACT Range (25th–75th) | 33–35 | 34–35wins |
| Tuition (Out-of-State) | $64,700wins | $69,045 |
| Avg Net Price | $27,818 | $20,148wins |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $100,533 | $102,491wins |
| Graduation Rate | 96.3%wins | 95.0% |
| Retention Rate | 99.0%wins | 97.2% |
| Student–Faculty Ratio | 6:1 | 6:1 |
| Total Enrollment | 6,811 | 8,899wins |
Verdict
Based on the data above, Columbia edges out Yale on 5 of 9 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.
Yale Strengths
- ✓SAT Range (25th–75th): 1500–1580
- ✓Tuition (Out-of-State): $64,700
- ✓Graduation Rate: 96.3%
- ✓Retention Rate: 99.0%
Columbia Strengths
- ✓Acceptance Rate: 4.2%
- ✓ACT Range (25th–75th): 34–35
- ✓Avg Net Price: $20,148
- ✓Median Earnings (10 yr): $102,491
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