University at Buffalo vs Columbia University in the City of New York

Buffalo, NY — New York, NY

Metric
University at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY
Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY
Location Buffalo, NY New York, NY
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 20,112 8,973
Acceptance Rate 74.2% 4.0%
SAT Average 1,295 1,553
In-State Tuition $10,936 $71,845
Out-of-State Tuition $31,536 $71,845
Avg Net Price $20,995 $21,590
Median Debt at Graduation $19,000 $21,500
4-Year Graduation Rate 74.3% 95.5%
Retention Rate 85.2% 98.0%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $53,742 $88,535
Median Earnings (10 yr) $70,814 $102,491
Loan Repayment Rate 713500.0% 185800.0%

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

Full Profile
University at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY
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 University at Buffalo and Columbia University in the City of New York compare?
University at Buffalo (Buffalo, NY) has an acceptance rate of 74.2%, in-state tuition of $10,936, and median 10-year earnings of $70,814. 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, University at Buffalo 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 $70,814. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University at Buffalo or Columbia University in the City of New York?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), University at Buffalo is the more affordable option at $20,995 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 74.3%.

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