Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs Columbia University in the City of New York
University Park, PA — New York, NY
| Metric | Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus University Park, PA | Columbia University in the City of New York New York, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Location | University Park, PA | New York, NY |
| Type | Public | Private Nonprofit |
| Total Enrollment | 42,284 | 8,973 |
| Acceptance Rate | 60.6% | 4.0% |
| SAT Average | 1,337 | 1,553 |
| In-State Tuition | $20,644 | $71,845 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $41,790 | $71,845 |
| Avg Net Price | $32,875 | $21,590 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 | $21,500 |
| 4-Year Graduation Rate | 85.9% | 95.5% |
| Retention Rate | 92.6% | 98.0% |
| Median Earnings (6 yr) | $55,620 | $88,535 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $63,435 | $102,491 |
| Loan Repayment Rate | 3192600.0% | 185800.0% |
Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
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Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA
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Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and Columbia University in the City of New York compare?▼
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus (University Park, PA) has an acceptance rate of 60.6%, in-state tuition of $20,644, and median 10-year earnings of $63,435. 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, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus 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 $63,435. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or Columbia University in the City of New York?▼
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Columbia University in the City of New York is the more affordable option at $21,590 per year versus $32,875.
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 85.9%.
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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