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 ($70,517) than Harvard ($61,676).
  • It is harder to admit to Harvard than Columbia University.
  • Both Harvard and Columbia University have the same submitted SAT scores (1,550).
  • Both Harvard and Columbia University have the same submitted ACT scores (35).
  • Columbia University has more students with 35,173 students while Harvard has 30,259 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 4,683 faculties while Harvard has 2,117 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)
$61,6762025 Tuition & Fees$70,517
50%% Receiving Financial Aid55%
$59,539Average Amount of Financial Aid$55,902
3.65 %Acceptance Rates3.99 %
83.60 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)64.92 %
1,550SAT Score1,550
35ACT Score35
98 %Graduation Rate96 %
-Transfer-out Rate-
98 %Retention Rate98 %
30,259Student Population35,173
2,117Number of Faculties4,683
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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