Columbia vs. St Lawrence University

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbia University in the City of New York in New York, NY with St Lawrence University in Canton, 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 St Lawrence University based on total student enrollment (35,173 students vs. 1,991 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); St Lawrence University is in Canton, NY (Remote Town setting).
• Columbia University in the City of New York is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. St Lawrence University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia University in the City of New York 6:1; St Lawrence University 11:1.

Columbia vs. St Lawrence University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia or St Lawrence University? 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 St Lawrence University ($22,520 vs. $33,216).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at St Lawrence University are 3.3% lower than at Columbia University in the City of New York ($17,000 vs. $17,580).
• Columbia University in the City of New York is 9% more expensive for in-state tuition than St Lawrence University (about $5,945 more per year; $71,845.00 vs. $65,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9% higher at Columbia than at St Lawrence University (about $5,945 more per year; $71,845.00 vs. $65,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at St Lawrence University than at Columbia University in the City of New York (99% vs. 52%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia University in the City of New York students is 37.4% larger than aid received by St Lawrence University students ($67,010 vs. $48,784).

Columbia vs. St Lawrence University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbia or St Lawrence University? 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 St Lawrence University and Columbia.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Columbia University in the City of New York (1550) is 210 points higher than at St Lawrence University (1340).
• Incoming Columbia students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 31 at St Lawrence University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia University in the City of New York 1510/1580; St Lawrence University 1255/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia University in the City of New York 34/35; St Lawrence University 30/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia - Test optional; St Lawrence University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia Jan 1, 2027; St Lawrence University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbia students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.91) than students at St Lawrence University (3.6).
• St Lawrence University has a higher acceptance rate (54.3%) than Columbia (4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 64.9% at Columbia vs. 12.8% at St Lawrence University.

Columbia vs. St Lawrence University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia and St Lawrence University? 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 St Lawrence University's (80%).
• Graduates from Columbia University in the City of New York earn a median of about $54,500 more per year than St Lawrence University graduates about ten years after starting college ($107,600 vs. $53,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia University in the City of New York graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than St Lawrence University graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbia graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than St Lawrence University graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More St Lawrence University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia students, three years after graduation. (85% 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.