Academic Comparison between Harvard and Columbia University

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

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 (1,550) than Columbia University (1,540).
  • Both Harvard and Columbia University 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

Harvard Universityvs.Columbia University in the City of New York
Cambridge, MassachusettsLocationNew York, New York
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)
$59,0762024 Tuition & Fees$68,171
46%% Receiving Financial Aid57%
$55,433Average Amount of Financial Aid$49,638
3.00 %Acceptance Rates4.00 %
84.02 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)62.99 %
1,550SAT Score1,540
35ACT Score35
97 %Graduation Rate95 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
98 %Retention Rate98 %
30,631Student Population34,782
2,120Number of Faculties4,327
7 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio6 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services
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