Columbia vs. Ithaca College

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbia University in the City of New York in New York, NY with Ithaca College in Ithaca, 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 Ithaca College based on total student enrollment (35,173 students vs. 4,767 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbia University in the City of New York is located in New York, NY (Large City setting); Ithaca College is in Ithaca, NY (Small Suburban setting).
• Columbia University in the City of New York is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ithaca College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia University in the City of New York 6:1; Ithaca College 10:1.

Columbia vs. Ithaca College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia or Ithaca College? 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 Columbia University in the City of New York than Ithaca College ($22,520 vs. $35,253).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ithaca College are 7.9% lower than at Columbia University in the City of New York ($16,192 vs. $17,580).
• Columbia University in the City of New York is 34.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ithaca College (about $18,305 more per year; $71,845.00 vs. $53,540.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 34.2% higher at Columbia than at Ithaca College (about $18,305 more per year; $71,845.00 vs. $53,540.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ithaca College 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 100.3% larger than aid received by Ithaca College students ($67,010 vs. $33,450).

Columbia vs. Ithaca College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbia or Ithaca College? 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 Ithaca College and Columbia.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Columbia University in the City of New York (1550) is 240 points higher than at Ithaca College (1310).
• Incoming Columbia students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 28 at Ithaca College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia University in the City of New York 1510/1580; Ithaca College 1230/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia University in the City of New York 34/35; Ithaca College 27/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia - Test optional; Ithaca College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia Jan 1, 2027; Ithaca College Feb 1, 2027.
• Ithaca College has a higher acceptance rate (69%) than Columbia (4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 64.9% at Columbia vs. 12.3% at Ithaca College.

Columbia vs. Ithaca College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia and Ithaca College? 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 Ithaca College's (74%).
• Graduates from Columbia University in the City of New York earn a median of about $51,500 more per year than Ithaca College graduates about ten years after starting college ($107,600 vs. $56,100), 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 Ithaca College graduates ($21,500 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, Columbia graduates have an estimated $44 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ithaca College graduates ($222 vs. $266).
• More Ithaca College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 76%)

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.