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NYU vs Columbia University: Which University to Choose?

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Yocket Editorial Team
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When choosing the right university for your higher education, the decision can be overwhelming. With so many options available, how do you know which one is the best fit for you? Choosing between New York University (NYU) and Columbia University can be tough for many students. Both institutions have their unique characteristics and strengths that appeal to different individuals. This article will compare two prestigious universities in New York City - NYU and Columbia University - to help you make an informed decision.

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Table of Contents

NYU vs Columbia: Overview

Both NYU and Columbia offer excellent academic experiences to meet students' diverse interests and ambitions. To give you an idea of how these schools measure up, look at this table which outlines key information such as rankings, acceptance rates, and test scores.

 

NYU

Columbia University

Location

Manhattan, New York City

Manhattan, New York City

U.S. News Ranking

#35

#12

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

8:1

6:1

Acceptance Rate

8%

4%

‍New York University (NYU)

NYU Campus

New York University (NYU) is a private research university in New York City. Founded in 1831, NYU is one of the largest private universities in the United States, with 65,000 students enrolled in its 20 schools and colleges. New York University's acceptance rate is just 8% and a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1. NYU has several academic centers and institutes around the world, including the NYU Stern School of Business in London, the NYU Tisch School of the Arts in Los Angeles, and the NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service in Washington, D.C.

The New York University offers diverse undergraduate and graduate programs. Some popular undergraduate majors include business, economics, political science, psychology, and journalism. The graduate programs, in law, medicine, business, and public policy are the most sought-after. NYU is a research-intensive university. The university's faculty has won numerous awards, including Nobel Prizes, Pulitzer Prizes, and MacArthur Fellowships. NYU also has a strong commitment to undergraduate research.

Columbia University

Columbia University Campus

Columbia University is a private Ivy League research university in New York City. Established in 1754 as King's College, it is the fifth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States and one of the nine colonial colleges chartered before the American Revolution. Columbia University has an enrollment of 30,000+ students and a student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1.

Columbia is composed of four undergraduate schools: Columbia College, the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, the School of General Studies, and the Juilliard School (which is administered separately from the rest of the university). It also has 13 graduate and professional schools, including the Columbia Law School, the Columbia Business School, and the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.

NYU vs Columbia: Factors to Consider

Deciding between NYU and Columbia, two prestigious universities, involves considering several key factors. Here’s a breakdown to help you determine which institution better aligns with your goals and aspirations.

Factors

NYU

Columbia

Rankings

  • #35 US News 2024
  • #38 QS World University 2024
  • #27 Times Higher Education 2024
  • #12 US News 2024
  • #23 QS World University 2024
  • #17 Times Higher Education 2024

Subject Strength

  • #101-125 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2024
  • #17 for Data Science and Analytics by QS World University 2024
  • #10 for Medicine by US News 2024
  • #25 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2024
  • #4 for Medicine by QS World University 2024

Acceptance Rate

8%

4%

Total International Students

21,081

14,000

Documents Required for Admission

  • Bachelor’s Degree: Official transcripts, translated into English.
  • GPA: 3.7 (90 - 92%)
  • Letter of Recommendation: From academic counselors or others.
  • Personal Statement: Talk about your extracurriculars and how you can study at NYU.
  • Resume or CV: Detailed resume or curriculum vitae highlighting relevant academic and work experience. 
  • Standardized Scores: GRE, GMAT, IELTS, TOEFL Scores.
  • Application fee of 80 USD – 120 USD (INR 6,652 - 9,978)

Exams Accepted

  • GRE: 310
  • GMAT: 717
  • TOEFL: 105
  • IELTS: 7.5

Alumni

New York University has a long and distinguished history of alumni who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. Here are some of the most notable alumni of NYU:

  • Chris Columbus (Filmmaker): 

Director of the "Home Alone" movies, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone", and "Mrs. Doubtfire".

  • Angelina Jolie (Actress): 

Oscar-winning actress for her roles in "Girl, Interrupted" and "Changeling".

  • Alec Baldwin (Actor): 

Star in the television series "30 Rock" and the movies "Glengarry Glen Ross" and "The Departed".

  • Lady Gaga (Singer): 

Grammy-winning singer and songwriter.

Some of the notable and renowned alumni include 

  • Ira Gershwin (1918), a Pulitzer Prize-winning American lyricist.
  • David O. Selznick (1923), Hollywood producer, King Kong (1933), and Gone with the Wind.
  • Amelia Earhart (1920), was an American aviator and early female pilot.
  • Isaac Asimov (1939) is a science fiction author and biochemist.
  • Whitney Dow (1986), Peabody Award-winning documentary filmmaker.
  • Simon Kuznets (1923), Nobel Prize-winning economist.
  • Mary McFadden (1959), Fashion designer.
  • Stewart Rawlings Mott (1959), Lobbyist and philanthropist.

Application Fees

USD 60 to USD 250 (INR 5000 to INR 20,830)

USD 65 to USD 250 (INR 5420 to INR 20,830)

Average Tuition Fees

USD 70,000 (INR 58,32,660)

USD 58,000 (INR 48,32,780)

Living expenses

  • Average living expenses (Masters): USD 82,095 (INR 68,40,460)
  • Average on-campus living expenses: USD 20,272 (INR 16,89,140)
  • Average off-campus living expenses: USD 24,102 (INR 20,08,270)
  • Average living expenses (Masters): USD 97,561 (INR 81,29,150)
  • Average on-campus living expenses: USD 19,828 (INR 16,52,140)

Tuition Fees

Average Tuition Fees USD 60,000 (INR 49,97,580)

Average Tuition Fees USD 49,070 (INR 40,91,210)

Top Recruiters

  • Accenture
  • ByteDance
  • Deloitte
  • Deloitte Consulting
  • Ernst and Young
  • Facebook
  • GAP
  • Google
  • Huawei
  • Pfizer
  • Samsung
  • Pinterest
  • Alibaba
  • ByteDance
  • Cardinal Operations
  • Gartner
  • Intuit
  • Meta (Facebook)
  • Microsoft
  • Verisk
  • Capital One 
  • Goldman Sachs
  • Accenture

Median Salary

USD 83,000 or INR 69,15,870

USD 78,000 or INR 64,99,250

Check out the YouTube video of Avishek Chatterjee from Kolkata sharing his story of getting into New York University for an MS in Digital Media for Fall 2018. He also talks about his GRE prep and TOEFL prep. Watch how Avishek was able to fulfill his dream by joining Yocket. You too can get into your dream university! To know more, explore Yocket Premium today!”

Choosing Between NYU and Columbia: How to Decide?

Prospective Students face a challenging decision as both institutions offer exceptional educational opportunities and unique experiences while choosing between NYU and Columbia. The ultimate choice depends on aligning with your personal goals and aspirations.

  • One crucial factor to evaluate is the academic programs. Students should thoroughly compare the specific majors, courses, faculty expertise, and research prospects within the desired field of study at each university. Additionally, they must assess the campus culture, student life, and overall community atmosphere by visiting both campuses.

  • Extracurricular opportunities play a vital role in shaping the college experience. Prospective students should explore the range of clubs, organizations, internships, research projects, and community engagement initiatives available at NYU and Columbia to determine which aligns better with their interests and goals.

  • Financial considerations are equally important. Individuals must carefully evaluate the cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and living expenses, while actively seeking financial aid options and scholarships, and assessing the overall affordability of each university.

Suggested: Easiest Ivy League Schools to Get into in 2024

From the Desk of Yocket

Selecting between NYU and Columbia presents a challenge, as these institutions excel in delivering top-notch academic programs, fostering lively campus communities, and providing diverse extracurricular avenues for students to explore. While NYU's vibrant and dynamic atmosphere may appeal to some, others might feel more aligned with Columbia's steadfast commitment to scholarly excellence. Ultimately, prospective students must carefully evaluate their personal aspirations, core values, and specific areas of interest to determine which university resonates more profoundly with their pursuits.

It is difficult to choose between one of the top universities. Therefore, talking with one of our knowledgeable Yocket experts can assist in streamlining this procedure. From a thorough profile evaluation and shortlisting universities to applying for scholarships and student visas, we have your back. Schedule A Personalized Consultation Call Today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Harder to Get Into NYU or Columbia?

How Does the Location of Columbia University's Campus Compare to That of NYU?

What Are the Key Differences Between Columbia Intern Housing and NYU Housing?

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