The University of Tennessee-Knoxville vs Columbia University in the City of New York

Knoxville, TN — New York, NY

Metric
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN
Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY
Location Knoxville, TN New York, NY
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 30,418 8,973
Acceptance Rate 41.6% 4.0%
SAT Average 1,311 1,553
In-State Tuition $13,812 $71,845
Out-of-State Tuition $33,256 $71,845
Avg Net Price $18,976 $21,590
Median Debt at Graduation $20,500 $21,500
4-Year Graduation Rate 73.7% 95.5%
Retention Rate 91.9% 98.0%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $47,782 $88,535
Median Earnings (10 yr) $60,249 $102,491
Loan Repayment Rate 696900.0% 185800.0%

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

Full Profile
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN
View full college profile →
Full Profile
Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY
View full college profile →

Frequently Asked Questions

How do The University of Tennessee-Knoxville and Columbia University in the City of New York compare?
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville (Knoxville, TN) has an acceptance rate of 41.6%, in-state tuition of $13,812, and median 10-year earnings of $60,249. 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, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville 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 $60,249. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville or Columbia University in the City of New York?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is the more affordable option at $18,976 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 73.7%.

More Comparisons

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