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

Columbia University in the City of New York reports the higher median earnings ten years after entry ($102,491 vs $82,509). Columbia University in the City of New York recoups its four-year net cost faster (about 1.4 yrs vs 3.5 yrs).

Measure New York UniversityNY Columbia University in the City of New YorkNY
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry2020-21$82,509$102,491
Years to recoup four-year net costearnings 2020-21, net price 2024-253.5 yrs1.4 yrs
Average net price per year2024-25$37,050$21,590
Sticker cost of attendance per year2024-25$84,374$89,472
Six-year graduation rate2024-2587.6%96.1%
First-year retention (full-time)2024-2595.8%98%
Admission rate2024-259.2%4%
Median federal debt at graduation2020-21$20,500$21,500
Undergraduate enrollment2024-2528,6638,973
Financial health (NACUBO CFI)IPEDS FY2022-232.37.3

Highlighted cells mark the stronger figure on measures with a clear better direction (admission rate and enrollment are shown for context only, with no winner). “Years to recoup” divides four-year net cost by the annual earnings premium over a state high-school graduate. A transparent data comparison, not an Ibex endorsement or a guarantee of any individual outcome; your program and aid package will differ.

Is New York University or Columbia University in the City of New York a better value?

On the transparent payback measure, Columbia University in the City of New York recoups its four-year net cost faster (about 1.4 yrs vs 3.5 yrs). Value depends on your program, your net price after aid, and your goals. Use the table as a starting point and check each school's profile for peer context.

Which costs more, New York University or Columbia University in the City of New York?

New York University's average net price is $37,050 per year and Columbia University in the City of New York's is $21,590 (College Scorecard). Net price is what students pay after grant aid, and varies by family income.

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Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard & IPEDS (data year under each measure); earnings baselines from the U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year. Compiled by Ibex Insights. For informational planning only, not financial advice. See the methodology.