Columbia University is a private Ivy League research university situated in New York City, New York. The university admits approximately 23,500 students in undergraduate and graduate studies. Admission is highly competitive, with a 3.9% acceptance rate. Some of the most sought-after majors are Economics, Political Science, Computer Science, Engineering, and History. Columbia has a six-year graduation rate of 96%, while its alumni have a median salary of around INR 1,06,50,000 (converted from $128,900 median salaries a decade after graduation).
Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is one of the top public research universities in Atlanta, Georgia, with a robust focus on STEM. It has a student body of about 45,300 across undergraduate and graduate levels. Competition for admissions is strong, with an acceptance rate of roughly 16%. The most sought-after majors are Engineering, Computer Science, Business, Biological Sciences, and Math. Georgia Tech boasts a six-year graduation rate of 91%, with its graduates stating a median salary of around INR 97,00,000 (equivalent to $117,500 median earnings ten years post-graduation).
| Columbia University | Georgia Institute of Technology | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 8.4 Out of 10 | 6.1 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 38 QS World University 2026 # 8 Center for World University Rankings 2025 # 18 Times Higher Education 2025 | # 123 QS World University 2026 # 40 Times Higher Education 2025 # 74 Center for World University Rankings 2025 |
| Subject Strength | # 18 for Engineering by US News 2025 # 17 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 5 for Law by Times Higher Education 2025 | # 4 for Engineering by US News 2025 # 15 for Data Science and Analytics by QS World University 2025 # 201 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 |
| Programs | UG Programs -25 PG Programs -61 Doctorate Programs -7 | UG Programs -42 PG Programs -63 Doctorate Programs -8 |
| Acceptance Rate | 3.9 % | 16.0 % |
| Exam Score | GMAT-680 IELTS-7 SAT-1510 TOEFL-105 | GMAT-620 GRE-305 IELTS-7 SAT-1300 TOEFL-90 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 58440 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 53040 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 11000 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 31370 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 29140 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 13608 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | Columbia University is one of the top private universities in New York City, United States. It is ranked #22 in QS World University Rankings 2023. Ranked #18 in Graduate Employability Rank Base Salaries by the following degrees:
| Top Recruiters: A T Kearney; Accenture; Acuity Brands Lighting; Aerospace Corp; Akuna Capital; AT&T; Barry Wehmiller Design Group; BMW Manufacturing Co. etc. 75% of students get recruitment through the placement cell. Average Salaries By Degree:
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| application requirements | Academic transcripts, 2-3 LORs, SOPs/ Essays, Resume, School report, Standardized tests, Proof of English language proficiency, Additional requirements (work experience, interview, research proposal, etc.) | LOR; SOP; GPA- 3.3 (percentage equivalent 86-89%). |
| Campuses and B-Schools | Teachers College at Columbia University Columbia Business School | Scheller College of Business |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 7.2/10 Read 21 reviews | 7.8/10 Read 11 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 9 for Business by US News 2025 # 14 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 # 20 for Business by QS World University 2025 | # 21 for Business by US News 2025 # 73 for Business by QS World University 2025 # 38 for Business by Times Higher Education 2023 |
| application | - | #444 Applicants # 85 Admissions # 19 % Acceptance Rate |
| exam scores | GMAT - 732/800GRE - 324/340 | GMAT - 689/800GRE - 318/340IELTS - 7/9TOEFL - 95/120 |
| Admission Criteria/Better to Have |
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| documents required | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose |
| application dates | Jan 6, 2026 (Application Deadline For August 2026 Intake Round 2) Mar 26, 2026 (Application Deadline For August 2026 Intake Round 3) | Oct 1, 2025 (Round 1 Application Deadline for 2026 Intake) Nov 21, 2025 (Round 1 Application Decision Notification for 2026 Intake) Jan 5, 2026 (Round 1 Application Deposit Deadline for 2026 Intake) Jan 10, 2026 (Round 2 Application Deadline for 2026 Intake) Feb 27, 2026 (Round 2 Application Decision Notification for 2026 Intake) Mar 5, 2026 (Round 3 Application Deadline for 2026 Intake) Apr 20, 2026 (Round 2 Application Deposit Deadline for 2026 Intake) May 1, 2026 (Round 4 Application Deadline for 2026 Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | Columbia University | Georgia Institute of Technology |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1754 | 1885 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 6:1 | 22:1 |
| Male:Female | 52% Male, 48% Female | 62% Male, 38% Female |
| Location Facts | Lies in the heart of NYC on Broadway and two faculties located outside Manhattan. | If you have love for animals then you can visit Georgia Aquarium to catch the beautiful glances of the aquatic world. You can also immerse yourself in the fantasy world of coca cola. The exciting history of the museum will give you the secret formula of happiness. You can also enjoy your leisure time by taking a tour to Fox Theatres which has been restored recently in its original exquisite look back from the 1920s. |
| Library | The low memorial library is a landmark. The university owns around 23 libraries scattered across the city. | Around 2.4 million books, 2.7 million technical reports, 240 online databases and more than 40,000 e-journals |
| Campus Life | Art Gallery The university offers it all!!! | Economic Engine, Game on, Music Mecca and foodie heaven are the well known events celebrated within the campus to promote diversity among the students. Apart from these events, there are more than 500 organizations made for the students as per their choices. |
| Hostel | #First-Year Residents - $11000 | #First-year Housing Allowance - $7654 |
| Famous Alumni | Barak Obama (Former US President), Alexander Hamilton (founding father of USA), Alicia Keys (singer), Sara Ali Khan (actress), Dorothy Irene Height (Women rights activist), Jake Gyllenhall (actor). | Jimmy Carter (former President of USA); Chri Bosh (Basketball player); Nomar Garciaparra (Baseball player); Krishna Bharat (Google research scientist and founder of Google News) |
| City Life |
Total international students in NY- 11% | Atlanta is the most popular city of the US state of Georgia with a population of about 506,811 (2019). The city is situated among the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. With a GDP of 385 billion USD, Atlanta's economy is among the top 20 in the world. As a national center for the arts, the city is home to several art museums and institutions, opera, ballet, symphony orchestra, theatre, etc. |
| Weather |
Columbia University vs Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
Columbia University is among the Ivy League universities, perennially ranked in the top 18 globally (QS World Rankings 2026 ranks it at approximately 38th place). Georgia Tech, a top public research and technical university, is slightly lower on the global ranking, usually in the 40 range, but far stronger in engineering, technology, and computer science.By discipline, Columbia excels in humanities, social sciences, business, law, and medicine, whereas Georgia Tech excels in engineering, computer science, robotics, aerospace, and technology-related disciplines. Columbia's strength is its broad academic portfolio, whereas Georgia Tech is internationally focused and highly ranked in STEM.
General Information
Columbia University is a private Ivy League research university in New York City with a student body of approximately 34,000, featuring a significant graduate and professional student body. Georgia Tech, which is a public research university and a part of the U.S. top technological schools, has approximately 47,000 students on its main campus and on online campuses.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
Columbia has one of the most selective admissions processes in the country, with an acceptance rate of around 3.9%, which takes a highly selective student body. Georgia Tech is also very competitive, especially for out-of-state students, with a cumulative acceptance rate of 16%, though in-state students have slightly better odds. Columbia is concerned with holistic admissions through strong extracurriculars and writing, while Georgia Tech is concerned with more STEM ability and grades.
Research Impact & Facilities
Columbia boasts huge research centers, especially in medicine, public health, law, and business, and is connected to the Ivy League's robust academic and cultural presence. Georgia Tech is a world leader in STEM research and innovation, featuring world-class research facilities in robotics, artificial intelligence, aerospace, and sustainability. It has especially robust partnerships with industry and government, enhancing applied research and innovation.
Cost & Financial Aid
Columbia, being an Ivy League private university, charges more (over $65,000 per year), but offers rich need-based financial aid, including for international applicants. Georgia Tech, being a public university, charges lower for in-state students (approximately $12,000) and higher for out-of-state students (approximately $34,000). Financial aid is less abundant than at Columbia but present nonetheless.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Achievement
Columbia's alumni network is large and powerful across industries like law, business, journalism, politics, and the arts. Graduates tend to find exclusive careers in world-class corporations, finance, and academia. Georgia Tech alumni are especially powerful in engineering, technology, consulting, and entrepreneurship with high job placement rates and excellent industry placement, particularly in STEM occupations. Georgia Tech is a STEM powerhouse, internationally recognized for engineering, computing, and applied sciences. Students torn between them tend to balance broad Ivy League renown and international clout (Columbia) against STEM-specialized excellence and industry coupling (Georgia Tech).
