Side-by-side comparison

Columbia University vs University of California-Berkeley

Columbia University and University of California-Berkeley are compared below across admissions, cost, rankings, and outcomes. On the metrics both institutions report, Columbia University leads on 6 of 10 comparable fields.

Metric Columbia University University of California-Berkeley
Location New York, US Berkeley, US
Admission rate 4.0% 11.0%
SAT average 1,530 1,470
QS World rank #34 #12
THE World rank #20 #9
Median earnings (10yr) $110,100 $81,400
Annual cost $83,304 $72,306
Total students 33,413 45,307
Founded 1754 1868
Completion rate 96.0% 92.0%

Frequently asked questions

Is Columbia University harder to get into than University of California-Berkeley?

Columbia University has the lower admission rate. Columbia University: 4.0%. University of California-Berkeley: 11.0%.

Which is ranked higher — Columbia University or University of California-Berkeley?

University of California-Berkeley is ranked higher in the QS World University Rankings. Columbia University: #34. University of California-Berkeley: #12.

Which is cheaper — Columbia University or University of California-Berkeley?

University of California-Berkeley has the lower cost of attendance. Columbia University: $83,304. University of California-Berkeley: $72,306. Actual cost depends on family income + aid.

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