Caldwell University vs. Columbia

Comparable Facts

Compare Caldwell University in Caldwell, NJ with Columbia University in the City of New York in New York, NY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Columbia University in the City of New York is larger than Caldwell University based on total student enrollment (35,173 students vs. 2,005 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Caldwell University is located in Caldwell, NJ (Large Suburban setting); Columbia University in the City of New York is in New York, NY (Large City setting).
• Caldwell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia University in the City of New York is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Caldwell University 12:1; Columbia University in the City of New York 6:1.

Caldwell University vs. Columbia Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Caldwell University or Columbia? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Caldwell University than Columbia ($21,875 vs. $22,520).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Caldwell University are 19.3% lower than at Columbia University in the City of New York ($14,188 vs. $17,580).
• Columbia University in the City of New York is 75.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Caldwell University (about $30,997 more per year; $71,845.00 vs. $40,848.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 75.9% higher at Columbia than at Caldwell University (about $30,997 more per year; $71,845.00 vs. $40,848.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Caldwell University than at Columbia University in the City of New York (100% vs. 52%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia University in the City of New York students is 107.2% larger than aid received by Caldwell University students ($67,010 vs. $32,340).

Caldwell University vs. Columbia Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Caldwell University or Columbia? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Columbia and Caldwell University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Columbia University in the City of New York (1550) is 300 points higher than at Caldwell University (1250).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Caldwell University 1130/1370; Columbia University in the City of New York 1510/1580.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsColumbia University in the City of New York 34/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Caldwell University - Test optional; Columbia - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbia students have a 0.61 point higher average high school GPA (3.91) than students at Caldwell University (3.3).
• Caldwell University has a higher acceptance rate (71.3%) than Columbia (4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.5% at Caldwell University vs. 64.9% at Columbia.

Caldwell University vs. Columbia Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Caldwell University and Columbia? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Columbia University in the City of New York's six-year graduation rate (93%) is higher than Caldwell University's (58%).
• Graduates from Columbia University in the City of New York earn a median of about $60,800 more per year than Caldwell University graduates about ten years after starting college ($107,600 vs. $46,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia University in the City of New York graduates have a $4,250 lower median loan debt than Caldwell University graduates ($21,500 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, Columbia graduates have an estimated $44 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Caldwell University graduates ($222 vs. $266).
• More Columbia graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Caldwell University students, three years after graduation. (76% vs. 50%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.