Washington University in St Louis vs Columbia University in the City of New York

St. Louis, MO — New York, NY

Metric
Washington University in St Louis
St. Louis, MO
Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY
Location St. Louis, MO New York, NY
Type Private Nonprofit Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 7,857 8,973
Acceptance Rate 12.1% 4.0%
SAT Average 1,530 1,553
In-State Tuition $65,790 $71,845
Out-of-State Tuition $65,790 $71,845
Avg Net Price $21,786 $21,590
Median Debt at Graduation $17,500 $21,500
4-Year Graduation Rate 94.3% 95.5%
Retention Rate 95.0% 98.0%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $78,073 $88,535
Median Earnings (10 yr) $86,182 $102,491
Loan Repayment Rate 104800.0% 185800.0%

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

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Washington University in St Louis
St. Louis, MO
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Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do Washington University in St Louis and Columbia University in the City of New York compare?
Washington University in St Louis (St. Louis, MO) has an acceptance rate of 12.1%, in-state tuition of $65,790, and median 10-year earnings of $86,182. 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, Washington University in St Louis 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 $86,182. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Washington University in St Louis 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 $21,786.
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 94.3%.

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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