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

Irvine, CA — New York, NY

Metric
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, CA
Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY
Location Irvine, CA New York, NY
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 30,197 8,973
Acceptance Rate 28.6% 4.0%
SAT Average 1,553
In-State Tuition $15,722 $71,845
Out-of-State Tuition $49,922 $71,845
Avg Net Price $14,251 $21,590
Median Debt at Graduation $15,000 $21,500
4-Year Graduation Rate 86.4% 95.5%
Retention Rate 94.0% 98.0%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $56,210 $88,535
Median Earnings (10 yr) $80,735 $102,491
Loan Repayment Rate 635700.0% 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-Irvine
Irvine, 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-Irvine and Columbia University in the City of New York compare?
University of California-Irvine (Irvine, CA) has an acceptance rate of 28.6%, in-state tuition of $15,722, and median 10-year earnings of $80,735. 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-Irvine 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 $80,735. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of California-Irvine or Columbia University in the City of New York?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), University of California-Irvine is the more affordable option at $14,251 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 86.4%.

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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