Columbia vs. University of Richmond

Comparable Facts

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

Columbia University in the City of New York is larger than University of Richmond based on total student enrollment (35,173 students vs. 3,722 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); University of Richmond is in University of Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Columbia University in the City of New York is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Richmond is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia University in the City of New York 6:1; University of Richmond 7:1.

Columbia vs. University of Richmond Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia or University of Richmond? 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 University of Richmond ($22,520 vs. $30,037).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Richmond are 2.5% lower than at Columbia University in the City of New York ($17,140 vs. $17,580).
• Columbia University in the City of New York is 10.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Richmond (about $6,615 more per year; $71,845.00 vs. $65,230.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.1% higher at Columbia than at University of Richmond (about $6,615 more per year; $71,845.00 vs. $65,230.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Richmond than at Columbia University in the City of New York (56% vs. 52%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia University in the City of New York students is 31.3% larger than aid received by University of Richmond students ($67,010 vs. $51,039).

Columbia vs. University of Richmond Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbia or University of Richmond? 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 University of Richmond and Columbia.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Columbia University in the City of New York (1550) is 80 points higher than at University of Richmond (1470).
• Incoming Columbia students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 34) as students at University of Richmond (34).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia University in the City of New York 1510/1580; University of Richmond 1410/1530.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia University in the City of New York 34/35; University of Richmond 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia - Test optional; University of Richmond - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia Jan 1, 2027; University of Richmond Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbia students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.91) than students at University of Richmond (3.71).
• University of Richmond has a higher acceptance rate (22.2%) than Columbia (4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 64.9% at Columbia vs. 23.5% at University of Richmond.

Columbia vs. University of Richmond Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia and University of Richmond? 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 University of Richmond's (83%).
• Graduates from Columbia University in the City of New York earn a median of about $33,700 more per year than University of Richmond graduates about ten years after starting college ($107,600 vs. $73,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Richmond graduates have a $352 lower median loan debt than Columbia graduates ($21,148 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, University of Richmond graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbia graduates ($218 vs. $222).
• More Columbia graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Richmond students, three years after graduation. (76% vs. 75%)

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.