University of California-Berkeley vs Columbia University in the City of New York

Berkeley, CA — New York, NY

Metric
University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY
Location Berkeley, CA New York, NY
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 33,068 8,973
Acceptance Rate 11.0% 4.0%
SAT Average 1,553
In-State Tuition $16,347 $71,845
Out-of-State Tuition $50,547 $71,845
Avg Net Price $13,481 $21,590
Median Debt at Graduation $13,000 $21,500
4-Year Graduation Rate 92.9% 95.5%
Retention Rate 96.8% 98.0%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $74,919 $88,535
Median Earnings (10 yr) $92,446 $102,491
Loan Repayment Rate 641400.0% 185800.0%

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

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University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley, 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 University of California-Berkeley and Columbia University in the City of New York compare?
University of California-Berkeley (Berkeley, CA) has an acceptance rate of 11.0%, in-state tuition of $16,347, and median 10-year earnings of $92,446. 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 of California-Berkeley 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 $92,446. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of California-Berkeley or Columbia University in the City of New York?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), University of California-Berkeley is the more affordable option at $13,481 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 92.9%.

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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