University of Colorado Boulder vs Columbia University in the City of New York

Boulder, CO — New York, NY

Metric
University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, CO
Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY
Location Boulder, CO New York, NY
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 31,939 8,973
Acceptance Rate 78.1% 4.0%
SAT Average 1,357 1,553
In-State Tuition $15,666 $71,845
Out-of-State Tuition $44,918 $71,845
Avg Net Price $25,346 $21,590
Median Debt at Graduation $19,500 $21,500
4-Year Graduation Rate 74.6% 95.5%
Retention Rate 90.1% 98.0%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $54,939 $88,535
Median Earnings (10 yr) $69,738 $102,491
Loan Repayment Rate 691700.0% 185800.0%

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

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University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, CO
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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 Colorado Boulder and Columbia University in the City of New York compare?
University of Colorado Boulder (Boulder, CO) has an acceptance rate of 78.1%, in-state tuition of $15,666, and median 10-year earnings of $69,738. 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 Colorado Boulder 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 $69,738. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, University of Colorado Boulder or Columbia University in the City of New York?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), Columbia University in the City of New York is the more affordable option at $21,590 per year versus $25,346.
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 74.6%.

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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