College comparison
Columbia University in the City of New York vs Massachusetts Institute of Technology
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric | | |
|---|
| Acceptance rateColumbia University in the City of New York is more selective | 4% | 5% |
|---|
| SAT (25–75) | 1510–1580 | 1520–1580 |
|---|
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
|---|
| Undergrad enrollment | 8,973 | 4,535 |
|---|
| Avg net priceMassachusetts Institute of Technology is cheaper after aid | $21,590 | $20,111 |
|---|
| Cost of attendance | — | — |
|---|
| Test policy | — | — |
|---|
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
|---|
| Location | New York, NY | Cambridge, MA |
|---|
Quick answers
- Is Columbia University in the City of New York or Massachusetts Institute of Technology harder to get into?
- Columbia University in the City of New York is more selective: Columbia University in the City of New York's acceptance rate is approximately 4% and Massachusetts Institute of Technology's is approximately 5% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Columbia University in the City of New York vs Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1510–1580 at Columbia University in the City of New York and 1520–1580 at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
- Which is cheaper, Columbia University in the City of New York or Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology has the lower average net price after aid: $21,590 at Columbia University in the City of New York vs $20,111 at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.