Columbia University vs. New York University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared
Both are New York law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Columbia University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 173 vs 172); New York University posts the higher first-time bar passage (96.72% vs 95.85%); New York University is cheaper on sticker tuition ($83,952 vs $85,368); New York University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (99.3% vs 97.4%).
Side by side (ABA Standard 509)
| Metric | Columbia University | New York University | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admissions | |||
| Median LSAT | 173 | 172 | Columbia University |
| Median undergraduate GPA | 3.92 | 3.92 | Tie |
| Acceptance rate | 11.8% | 13.4% | Columbia University |
| Cost | |||
| Resident tuition | $85,368 | $83,952 | New York University |
| Non-resident tuition | $85,368 | $83,952 | New York University |
| Median grant | $32,000 | $20,000 | Columbia University |
| Bar passage | |||
| First-time bar passage | 95.85% | 96.72% | New York University |
| Two-year ultimate bar passage | 99.01% | 98.71% | Columbia University |
| Bar passage vs. state average | +10.9 pts | +11.7 pts | New York University |
| Employment | |||
| Full-time, long-term JD employment | 97.4% | 99.3% | New York University |
| Large-firm (250+) employment | 77.5% | 65.2% | Columbia University |
| Federal clerkships | 4.1% | 5.5% | New York University |
15-year trajectory
Full profiles & related
Columbia University full profile · New York University full profile · All New York law schools
FAQ
Is Columbia University or New York University harder to get into?
Columbia University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 173 against New York University's 172.
Which is cheaper, Columbia University or New York University?
New York University is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $83,952 versus Columbia University's $85,368.
Which has better bar passage, Columbia University or New York University?
New York University has the higher first-time bar passage, 96.72% against Columbia University's 95.85%.
Which has better job outcomes, Columbia University or New York University?
New York University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (99.3% vs 97.4%).
Columbia University vs New York University: which is better?
It depends on what you weigh — the table above shows where each wins. Across the four headline measures (selectivity, sticker cost, first-time bar passage, and JD employment), New York University leads on more of them, but read the row that matters most to you rather than the count.
Source: ABA Standard 509 Required Disclosures, most recent reported cycle. Last updated June 26, 2026.