Harvard University vs Columbia University in the City of New York
Harvard University is extremely selective with a 3.5% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Columbia University in the City of New York (4.2%). Both schools produce similar 10-year median earnings around $102,491. For families earning $48k–$75k, Harvard University is more affordable at $2,167 net price vs $5,195. Students at Harvard University graduate with less debt ($14,000 vs $21,500).
Admissions & Outcomes
Harvard University has a higher yield rate (83.7%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Both schools have similar median SAT scores around 1550, so standardized test scores alone won't differentiate applicants.
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Harvard University is more affordable at $2,895 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $53,571 vs $44,695.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Columbia University in the City of New York enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (23%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Harvard University
- 1 Computer Science$128,737
- 2 Statistics$128,716
- 3 Applied Mathematics$90,856
- 4 Economics$78,971
- 5 Research and Experimental Psychology$57,318
Columbia University in the City of New York
- 1 Computer Science$103,078
- 2 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$90,856
- 3 Operations Research$84,653
- 4 Applied Mathematics$84,653
- 5 Economics$79,419
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Harvard University
- 1 Economics
- 2 Social Sciences, General
- 3 Computer Science
- 4 Political Science and Government
- 5 Applied Mathematics
Columbia University in the City of New York
- 1 Computer Science
- 2 Economics
- 3 Political Science and Government
- 4 Research and Experimental Psychology
- 5 History
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Harvard University
- International students26%
- Tuition (international)$49,653
- Est. total cost/year$72,391
- School typePublic
Columbia University in the City of New York
- International students39%
- Tuition (international)$58,920
- Est. total cost/year$74,065
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
- With 39% international enrollment, Columbia University in the City of New York likely has a well-established international student community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Harvard University or Columbia University in the City of New York?
Harvard University is more selective with a 3.5% acceptance rate, compared to 4.2%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Harvard University or Columbia University in the City of New York?
Columbia University in the City of New York graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $102,491 compared to $101,817. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Harvard University or Columbia University in the City of New York?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Harvard University has a lower net price at $2,167 per year vs $5,195. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Harvard University vs Columbia University in the City of New York?
Harvard University has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 97.3%, compared to 95.0%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Harvard University or Columbia University in the City of New York?
Columbia University in the City of New York has a larger international student population at 39% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Harvard University and Columbia University in the City of New York?
At Harvard University, Computer Science graduates earn a median of $128,737 within two years. At Columbia University in the City of New York, the top-earning major is Computer Science at $103,078. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.