University of California-Santa Cruz vs Columbia University in the City of New York
Santa Cruz, CA — New York, NY
| Metric | University of California-Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, CA | Columbia University in the City of New York New York, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Santa Cruz, CA | New York, NY |
| Type | Public | Private Nonprofit |
| Total Enrollment | 17,940 | 8,973 |
| Acceptance Rate | 65.8% | 4.0% |
| SAT Average | — | 1,553 |
| In-State Tuition | $16,005 | $71,845 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $50,205 | $71,845 |
| Avg Net Price | $17,890 | $21,590 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $16,666 | $21,500 |
| 4-Year Graduation Rate | 74.8% | 95.5% |
| Retention Rate | 87.9% | 98.0% |
| Median Earnings (6 yr) | $49,716 | $88,535 |
| Median Earnings (10 yr) | $68,396 | $102,491 |
| Loan Repayment Rate | 552700.0% | 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-Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, 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-Santa Cruz and Columbia University in the City of New York compare?▼
University of California-Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz, CA) has an acceptance rate of 65.8%, in-state tuition of $16,005, and median 10-year earnings of $68,396. 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-Santa Cruz 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 $68,396. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of California-Santa Cruz or Columbia University in the City of New York?▼
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), University of California-Santa Cruz is the more affordable option at $17,890 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 74.8%.
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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