Whittier College vs Columbia University in the City of New York

Whittier, CA — New York, NY

Metric
Whittier College
Whittier, CA
Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY
Location Whittier, CA New York, NY
Type Private Nonprofit Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 764 8,973
Acceptance Rate 80.8% 4.0%
SAT Average 1,553
In-State Tuition $51,350 $71,845
Out-of-State Tuition $51,350 $71,845
Avg Net Price $25,757 $21,590
Median Debt at Graduation $24,937 $21,500
4-Year Graduation Rate 61.7% 95.5%
Retention Rate 66.2% 98.0%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $46,025 $88,535
Median Earnings (10 yr) $59,492 $102,491
Loan Repayment Rate 69100.0% 185800.0%

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

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Whittier College
Whittier, 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 Whittier College and Columbia University in the City of New York compare?
Whittier College (Whittier, CA) has an acceptance rate of 80.8%, in-state tuition of $51,350, and median 10-year earnings of $59,492. 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, Whittier College 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 $59,492. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Whittier College 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 $25,757.
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 61.7%.

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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