Columbia University in the City of New York vs University of California-San Diego
New York, NY — La Jolla, CA
| Metric | Columbia University in the City of New York New York, NY | University of California-San Diego La Jolla, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Location | New York, NY | La Jolla, CA |
| Type | Private Nonprofit | Public |
| Total Enrollment | 8,973 | 34,948 |
| Acceptance Rate | 4.0% | 26.7% |
| SAT Average | 1,553 | — |
| In-State Tuition | $71,845 | $16,758 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $71,845 | $50,958 |
| Avg Net Price | $21,590 | $12,470 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,500 | $15,500 |
| 4-Year Graduation Rate | 95.5% | 86.8% |
| Retention Rate | 98.0% | 94.0% |
| Median Earnings (6 yr) | $88,535 | $65,669 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $102,491 | $84,943 |
| Loan Repayment Rate | 185800.0% | 802100.0% |
Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
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Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY
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University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do Columbia University in the City of New York and University of California-San Diego compare?▼
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. University of California-San Diego (La Jolla, CA) has an acceptance rate of 26.7%, in-state tuition of $16,758, and median 10-year earnings of $84,943.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Columbia University in the City of New York or University of California-San Diego?▼
Columbia University in the City of New York graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $102,491 vs $84,943. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Columbia University in the City of New York or University of California-San Diego?▼
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), University of California-San Diego is the more affordable option at $12,470 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 86.8%.
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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