Columbia vs Harvard: Choose Between Two Academic Powerhouses

Updated on 21 June, 2024

Kanika Pruthi

Kanika Pruthi

Sr. Content Writer & Study Abroad Expert

Selecting between Columbia vs Harvard, the two prestigious universities, is essential, particularly if you are looking for study abroad options. 

While both colleges have great resources and programs, each offers its benefits. With an average tuition cost of $65,340 for nine months, Columbia is well known for its cutting-edge research programs. Conversely, Harvard charges an average tuition of $56,550, emphasizing leadership and critical thinking.
 

Highlights Comparison

Let’s delve into the essential aspects of the Columbia vs Harvard comparison.

Parameters

Columbia

Harvard

Type

Private - Ivy League research

Private - Ivy League

Location

New York

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Established

1754

1636

Campus Size

36 acres

5,076 acres

Popular Courses

Accounting, Business, Entrepreneurship, Executive MBA, Management, Finance, Marketing, Production/Operations, Real Estate, and Supply Chain/Logistics.

Social Sciences, Biology, Mathematics, Computer and Information Sciences, History, Physical Sciences, Engineering, Psychology, Visual Arts and Performing, and English Language and Literature

Academic Affiliations

Middle States Commission on Higher Education

The New England Commission of Higher Education

International Students

14,000+

6,713

Famous Alumni

Barack Obama

Ratan Tata

Columbia vs Harvard QS Rankings 2024

Columbia

Harvard

#23

#4

Columbia vs Harvard: Acceptance Rate

When comparing two prestigious universities, such as Columbia vs Harvard, the acceptance rate plays a vital role in the decision-making process. Columbia has an acceptance rate of 4%, while Harvard has an acceptance rate of 3%.

Columbia vs Harvard: Eligibility Criteria

The prerequisites for any institution will change based on the student's preferred program. Let's examine the requirements for overseas students to be eligible at the universities below:

Columbia

  1. Secondary school curricula (e.g., International Baccalaureate, Cambridge A Levels, National School curricula, etc.)
  2. Conversational videos - InitialView or Vericant videos to emphasize language fluency.
  3. English language proficiency test results

Harvard

  1. School reports and teacher recommendations
  2. Standardized test scores
  3. Supplement materials

Admission Requirements for Columbia vs Harvard

The prerequisites for admission to each university are listed below:

Columbia:

  1. Coalition Application on Scoir, the Common Application form, or the QuestBridge Application
    1. Autobiographical information
    2. Personal essay
    3. Student’s achievements, employment, activities, and summer activities
  2. Columbia specific questions
  3. Secondary school report
    1. Official high school transcript
    2. One high school counselor’s recommendation and school profile
    3. Complete midyear report
  4. Two teachers recommendations
  5. Application fee
  6. Standardized tests
  7. English proficiency test results
  8. Supplementary materials - optional

Harvard:

  1. Common Application or the Coalition Application - Powered by Scoir
  2. Harvard College questions for common application/Coalition application Harvard supplement
  3. Application fee
  4. SAT or ACT
  5. AP or other exam results (optional)
  6. First-year students:
    1. School report and high school transcript
    2. Two teacher report
    3. Midyear school report
    4. Final school report
  7. For transfer students:
    1. College/Registrar/Dean report
    2. Official college transcript
    3. Two college instructor recommendations
    4. Official high school transcript

Columbia vs Harvard: Courses and Fees

Here are the top seven courses at Columbia, along with their fees:

Columbia University:

Course Name

Fees

Undergraduate program in Economics

$68,400 (per year)

MA in Biotechnology

$38,806 (per semester)

MA in QMSS

$39,520 (per semester)

MA in Mathematical Finance

$43,602 (per semester)

MA in Economics

$41,914 (per semester)

PhD in Biological Sciences

$26,788 (per semester)

Art History and Archaeology, PhD

$26,788 (per semester)

Harvard University:

Course Name

Fees

BA in Applied Mathematics

$56,550 (per year)

Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering Sciences: Bioengineering

$55,656 (per year)

Short-term course - Digital Health

$1,600 (entire course duration)

Bachelor of Liberal Arts

$2,040 (entire course duration)

AB in Computer Science

$56,550 (per year)

Bachelor’s of Arts in Economics

$56,550 (per year)

AB in Engineering Sciences - Electrical and Computer Engineering Track

$63,624 (per year)

Scholarships Accepted by Columbia Vs Harvard

The scholarships that are offered at both colleges are as follows:

Columbia:

Columbia University scholarships are based on athletic ability, academic merit, volunteer work, or interest in any particular subject. Specific scholarships are also offered based on being a member of a certain religious or ethnic group. Besides, some organizations also offer scholarships. Students must contact their respective school’s financial aid office to learn more about it.

Harvard:

At Harvard, the university decides whether the student qualifies for the scholarship. The university will cover 100% of the finances if the student is qualified. The process of scholarship is:

  • The university determines the awards by establishing parents' contribution.
  • The university factors in student employment and any outside awards received.
  • The remainder is paid through a grant-based scholarship, which is not to be repaid.

Cost of Studying in USA for International Students

When choosing a university, there are other costs that you may have to pay besides the tuition fee. These can be according to the course and chosen university. Some of them are:

Tuition and fees (can change based on course) $68,400
New student fees $645
Housing and food $16,800
Books and personal $3,742
Total $89,587

Columbia vs Harvard: ROI

As per the career outcome report by Columbia, 78.5% of students were a part of the job-seeking process. Of these, 73.5% were employed with an average salary of $93,470. Similarly, in Harvard, 85% of students in class 2023 were successfully employed, with the median salary of an Ed.M. graduate being $73,000.

Columbia vs Harvard: Summary

A student’s decision to attend Columbia University or Harvard University is highly subjective and shaped by their interests, aspirations, and academic objectives. While Columbia provides a distinctive combination of urban liveliness, broad options, and hard scholarship, Harvard has a longstanding reputation for educational quality and an illustrious past.

FAQs

Which university is harder to get into: Harvard or Columbia?

Given the acceptance rates of both colleges, it is difficult to get into Harvard and Columbia, as they have a meager acceptance rate of 3% and 4%, respectively.

Is Columbia more expensive than Harvard?

The student's selected field will determine the program cost. That being said, Columbia charges $65,340 in average tuition, while Harvard charges $56,550.

Do Columbia and Harvard offer online or distance learning courses?

Students at Harvard and Columbia can choose from a variety of online programs. For further information, you can see the university website.

What are the most popular UG and PG courses at Columbia and Harvard?

Some popular programs at Columbia are Accounting, Business, Entrepreneurship, Executive MBA, Management, Finance, Marketing, Production/Operations, Real Estate, and Supply Chain/Logistics. The most popular courses at Harvard are Social Sciences, Biology, Mathematics, Computer and Information Sciences, History, Physical Sciences, Engineering, Psychology, Visual Arts and Performing, and English Language and Literature.

Did you find this article helpful?

Kanika Pruthi

Sr. Content Writer & Study Abroad Expert

Kanika has 5+ years of experience as a writer and content developer. She has written for a wide range of industry verticals, including hospitality, restaurants, non-profits, finance, IT, HR, technology, payroll, and education. She has worked as a creator for a few leading companies and has also helped brands grow through her creative writing.

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