New York, NY
20-year NPV: $1,386,000
Acceptance rate: 4.29%
Sticker price: $88,750
IEPS: $103,877
STEM %: 41%
“Blending historical prestige with modern relevance, particularly in fields like economics, English, computer science, history, mathematics, neuroscience, and political science, Columbia offers an Ivy League education with unparalleled access to NYC’s global industries, research opportunities, and cultural institutions. Undergraduates benefit from the university’s renowned Core Curriculum, which fosters critical thinking, communication, and cross-disciplinary learning. But the value of a Columbia education extends well beyond the classroom: Students regularly intern at top organizations across the city, and nearly 90% of graduates report meaningful employment or continued study within six months of getting their diplomas. The class of 2024 saw a median starting salary of $85,000, with many entering competitive industries such as finance, consulting, media, healthcare, and tech. The alumni network is one of the largest and most active in the world, offering valuable mentorship, networking, and job placement support. Columbia’s commitment to affordability is also notable: Families earning under $66,000 are not expected to contribute toward the cost of attendance, and the university meets 100% of demonstrated financial need—without loans.”