Academic Comparison between Columbia University and Harvard

Columbia University in the City of New York and Harvard University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Both Schools are four-year, private (not-for-profit). Columbia University is located in New York, NY and Harvard is located in Cambridge, MA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Both schools are four-year, private (not-for-profit) schools.
  • Columbia University has more expensive tuition & fees ($68,171) than Harvard ($59,076).
  • It is harder to admit to Harvard than Columbia University.
  • Harvard has a higher submitted SAT score (1,540) than Columbia University (1,540).
  • Both Columbia University and Harvard have the same submitted ACT scores (35).
  • Columbia University has more students with 34,782 students while Harvard has 30,631 students.
  • Columbia University has a lower number of students per faculty with 6 to 1 while Harvard's ratio is 7 to 1.
  • Columbia University has more full-time faculties with 4,327 faculties while Harvard has 2,120 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Columbia University in the City of New Yorkvs.Harvard University
New York, New YorkLocationCambridge, Massachusetts
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
$68,1712024 Tuition & Fees$59,076
57%% Receiving Financial Aid46%
$49,638Average Amount of Financial Aid$55,433
4.00 %Acceptance Rates3.00 %
62.99 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)84.02 %
1,540SAT Score1,550
35ACT Score35
95 %Graduation Rate97 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
98 %Retention Rate98 %
34,782Student Population30,631
4,327Number of Faculties2,120
6 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio7 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study AbroadSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services
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