Columbia vs. West Point

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbia University in the City of New York in New York, NY with United States Military Academy in West Point, New York on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Columbia University in the City of New York is larger than West Point based on total student enrollment (35,173 students vs. 4,473 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); United States Military Academy is in West Point, New York (Large Suburban setting).
• Columbia University in the City of New York is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. United States Military Academy is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia University in the City of New York 6:1; United States Military Academy 6:1.

Columbia vs. West Point Cost Comparison

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

• In-state tuition differs between Columbia University in the City of New York and West Point ($71,845.00 vs. $0.00).
• Out-of-state tuition differs between Columbia and United States Military Academy ($71,845.00 vs. $0.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbia University in the City of New York than at United States Military Academy (52% vs. 0%).

Columbia vs. West Point Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbia or West Point? 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 West Point and Columbia.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Columbia University in the City of New York (1550) is 230 points higher than at West Point (1320).
• Incoming Columbia students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 30 at West Point).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia University in the City of New York 1510/1580; United States Military Academy 1200/1430.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia University in the City of New York 34/35; United States Military Academy 27/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia - Test optional; West Point - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia Jan 1, 2027; West Point Jan 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman West Point students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Columbia (3.91).
• West Point has a higher acceptance rate (12.5%) than Columbia (4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 64.9% at Columbia vs. 77.9% at West Point.

Columbia vs. West Point Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia and West Point? 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 United States Military Academy's (80%).

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.