Is Columbia University in the City of New York worth it?

New York, NY · private-nonprofit

Verdict

Typical students pay $21,590 a year after aid, graduate with $21,500 in federal debt, and earn $88,535 six years after enrolling — an estimated monthly loan payment of $230, with a debt break-even of about 2.4 years.

Net price / year

$21,590

Admission rate

4%

Graduation rate

Median debt

$21,500

Earnings (6 yr)

$88,535

Earnings (10 yr)

$102,491

Est. monthly loan payment

$230

Loan-to-income ratio

24%

Debt break-even

2.4 years

How Columbia University in the City of New York compares

MetricColumbia University in the City of New YorkNew YorkNational
Net price$21,590$17,746$16,642
Median debt$21,500$11,229$12,377
Earnings (6 yr)$88,535$34,166$33,037
Graduation rate

FAQ

How much does it cost to attend Columbia University in the City of New York?

The federal average net price after grants and scholarships is $21,590 a year. That figure reflects what a typical student actually pays after grants and scholarships, not the sticker price.

How much debt do Columbia University in the City of New York graduates typically carry?

Students who complete a program at Columbia University in the City of New York leave with a median federal debt of $21,500, based on the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard.

What do Columbia University in the City of New York graduates earn?

Six years after enrolling, former students report median earnings of $88,535, drawn from federal tax records aggregated by the College Scorecard.

What is the graduation rate at Columbia University in the City of New York?

Graduation rate data is not currently published for this school.

Is Columbia University in the City of New York worth the debt?

Based on median debt and 6-year earnings, it would take roughly 2.4 years of 10% income allocation to pay off the typical debt load — compare that against your own expected major and career path before deciding.

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.