New York University vs Columbia University

New York University (NYU) vs Columbia University

Academic Reputation and International Position

In the QS World University Rankings of 2025, Columbia ranks 38th, while NYU comes in at 55th. In the Times Higher Education (THE) 2025 rankings, Columbia finds itself at 18th position compared to NYU's ranking at #33. Columbia has a reputation founded on excellence in the sciences, law, business, and the humanities. NYU, on the other hand, is globally recognized for its excellence in the arts, social sciences, law, and finance, with its Stern School of Business and Tisch School of the Arts being regarded as global leaders in their respective disciplines.

General Information & Campus Life

Columbia University is based in the Manhattan neighborhood of Morningside Heights and has a more conventional campus atmosphere despite being in central New York City. It admits about 36,000 students in total, both undergraduate and graduate. NYU, however, has a much stronger presence in downtown Manhattan's Greenwich Village and a more urban, decentralized campus life. With a student body of more than 61,000, NYU is the largest private university in the U.S., providing a global experience with deep roots globally through its Abu Dhabi and Shanghai campuses.

Acceptance Rate & Selectivity

Columbia University is much more competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 4%, which places it among the most competitive universities globally. NYU's acceptance rate is increasingly competitive in recent years but remains higher at around 9%. Both schools require robust academic backgrounds, but admission to Columbia is much more difficult.

Cost of Study

Fees at both universities are comparable, with an average cost of around $65,000 annually, to which students must add New York City living costs of around $25,000–30,000 per year. NYU has fewer institutional scholarships than Columbia, though, so Columbia is a bit more generous with need-based aid. The total, though, is still steep for both, particularly for international students.

Student Body & Diversity

NYU is renowned for boasting one of the greatest percentages of international students of any American university, with approximately 25% of students being international. Columbia has a sizeable international presence as well, though its percentage is slightly lower at approximately 20%. Both universities draw students from all over the world, though NYU's sheer size and network of global campuses make it especially international.

Graduate Outcomes & Employability

Columbia graduation rates are incredibly high, at a rate of about 95%, compared to NYU's still very strong 85%. Ten years post-graduation, Columbia graduates respond with a median salary of about $92,000, while NYU graduates report a median salary of about $78,000. Both institutions offer great employability rankings, with Columbia generally stronger in the areas of law, finance, and research, and NYU being strongest in the areas of arts, business, and media sectors.

Campus Culture & Lifestyle

Columbia provides a more formalistic academic atmosphere with a deep concentration on the liberal arts through its legendary Core Curriculum, with intellectual breadth. NYU is less formal and more decentralized, known for creativity, entrepreneurship, and international involvement. Columbia students tend to have a more traditional Ivy League atmosphere, while NYU students celebrate the energy and freedom of learning in one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world.