California State University-Fullerton vs Columbia University in the City of New York

Fullerton, CA — New York, NY

Metric
California State University-Fullerton
Fullerton, CA
Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY
Location Fullerton, CA New York, NY
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 38,546 8,973
Acceptance Rate 90.5% 4.0%
SAT Average 1,553
In-State Tuition $7,470 $71,845
Out-of-State Tuition $20,070 $71,845
Avg Net Price $6,555 $21,590
Median Debt at Graduation $13,750 $21,500
4-Year Graduation Rate 69.7% 95.5%
Retention Rate 82.4% 98.0%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $48,558 $88,535
Median Earnings (10 yr) $62,951 $102,491
Loan Repayment Rate 859700.0% 185800.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

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California State University-Fullerton
Fullerton, CA
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Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do California State University-Fullerton and Columbia University in the City of New York compare?
California State University-Fullerton (Fullerton, CA) has an acceptance rate of 90.5%, in-state tuition of $7,470, and median 10-year earnings of $62,951. Columbia University in the City of New York (New York, NY) has an acceptance rate of 4.0%, in-state tuition of $71,845, and median 10-year earnings of $102,491.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, California State University-Fullerton or Columbia University in the City of New York?
Columbia University in the City of New York graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $102,491 vs $62,951. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, California State University-Fullerton or Columbia University in the City of New York?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), California State University-Fullerton is the more affordable option at $6,555 per year versus $21,590.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Columbia University in the City of New York has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 95.5% vs 69.7%.

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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related

Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025