Is Columbia University in the City of New York worth it?
✅ Excellent ROI
$347,380 total cost vs $1,873,360 estimated 10-year earnings
10
ROI Score / 10
Personalise Your Calculation
Your intended major
$118,636/yr starting → $204,511/yr at 5 years
Years to graduate4 yrs
3 yrs4 yrs (avg)6 yrs
Annual living expenses$15,000
$8k$15k (avg)$30k
Annual scholarship / grant$0
$0$72k
Your Total Investment
Tuition (4 yrs)$287,380
Living expenses (4 yrs)$60,000
Scholarships / grants-$0
Total Cost$347,380
Estimated 10-Year Earnings
Years 1–2 (starting salary)$237,272
Years 3–10 (mid-career salary)$1,636,088
Total 10-yr Earnings$1,873,360
Key Numbers
$1,525,980
Net Return (10yr)
Earnings minus total cost
2.9 yrs
Break-Even
After graduation
+253%
vs National Avg
vs avg US college grad
10/10
ROI Score
Excellent
📊 Data sources: Tuition from IPEDS. Earnings from U.S. College Scorecard (Dept. of Education). This calculator provides estimates only and should not be the sole basis for enrollment decisions.
Data is automatically aggregated from public government sources and may be inaccurate. For informational purposes only. Always verify from official sources before making any decision. Terms of Use