Iowa State University vs Columbia University in the City of New York

Side-by-side comparison based on real salary, cost, and graduation data from the U.S. Department of Education.

Metric
Iowa State University
Top program: Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
96/100
Columbia University in the City of New York
Top program: Computer Science
99/100
Starting Salary
$74,299
$108,903
Listed Price
$24,018
$89,472
What You Pay
$18,589
$21,590
What You'd Really Pay
$82,690
$94,195
Typical Debt
$22,869
$21,500
Graduation Rate
75.3%
96.1%
Pays for Itself In
1.9 yrs
1.2 yrs
Salary Boost
+148%
+263%
Ahead After 10 Years
$660,300
$994,835
Iowa State University vs Columbia University in the City of New York Comparison
MetricIowa State UniversityColumbia University in the City of New York
Starting Salary$74,299$108,903
Listed Price$24,018$89,472
What You Pay$18,589$21,590
What You'd Really Pay$82,690$94,195
Typical Debt$22,869$21,500
Graduation Rate75.3%96.1%
Pays for Itself In1.9 yrs1.2 yrs
Salary Boost+148%+263%
Ahead After 10 Years$660,300$994,835

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Iowa State University or Columbia University in the City of New York?

Based on Value Score, Columbia University in the City of New York scores higher at 99/100 for its top program. Compare all metrics including salary, cost, and graduation rate to decide which is the better fit for your major.

What is the average salary for graduates of Iowa State University?

The top-earning program at Iowa State University (Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering) has a median salary of $74,299/yr after graduation. Salaries vary significantly by major.

What is the average salary for graduates of Columbia University in the City of New York?

The top-earning program at Columbia University in the City of New York (Computer Science) has a median salary of $108,903/yr after graduation. Salaries vary significantly by major.

How much does Iowa State University cost vs Columbia University in the City of New York?

Iowa State University has a net cost of $18,589/yr vs $21,590/yr at Columbia University in the City of New York. True total cost (including loan interest) is $82,690 vs $94,195.

Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Comparison shows each school's top-earning bachelor's degree program. Learn about our methodology.