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Columbia University vs Harvard University

Columbia University and Harvard University are close in cost for Indian students. Here's how they compare on fees, living costs, programs and funding.

  • Columbia University: ₹1.6 crore – ₹1.81 crore
  • Harvard University: ₹1.51 crore – ₹1.9 crore
  • Columbia University cheaper by ≈ ₹0
  • 2 shared programs

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Quick answer

Columbia University or Harvard University: which is better for Indian students?

Columbia University costs less: about ₹1.6 crore – ₹1.81 crore in total versus ₹1.51 crore – ₹1.9 crore for Harvard University — a difference of roughly ₹0. Columbia University is known for Ivy League university in Manhattan: engineering, data science and finance; Harvard University for Ivy League university: public health, data science and engineering. Both offer Computer Science and Data Science, so compare those program pages side by side.

Ask on WhatsAppUpdated · Reviewed by the Visa Edu Loans admissions & finance desk

Official sources: Columbia University — official website · Harvard University — official website

Columbia University vs Harvard University

Total cost
Columbia University: ₹1.6 crore – ₹1.81 crore · Harvard University: ₹1.51 crore – ₹1.9 crore
Location
Columbia University: New York, NY · Harvard University: Cambridge, MA
Type
Columbia University: Private · Harvard University: Private

Side by side

Columbia University vs Harvard University: the numbers

Columbia University vs Harvard University: the numbers
ItemColumbia UniversityHarvard University
CityNew York, NYCambridge, MA
TypePrivatePrivate
Known forIvy League university in Manhattan: engineering, data science and financeIvy League university: public health, data science and engineering
Tuition$60,000 – $70,000 a year$55,000 – $75,000 a year
Living costs used$24,000 a year$24,000 a year
Total in ₹₹1.6 crore – ₹1.81 crore₹1.51 crore – ₹1.9 crore
Programs we coverComputer Science, Data Science, Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, FinanceComputer Science, Data Science, Public Health
Official websitecolumbia.eduharvard.edu

How to decide

Choosing between them

Pick Columbia University if…

You want Ivy League university in Manhattan: engineering, data science and finance and life in New York City.

Pick Harvard University if…

You want Ivy League university: public health, data science and engineering and life in Boston.

Cost

Columbia University saves about ₹0 over the program on our figures.

Your program

Compare the Computer Science curricula, electives and outcomes.

Living costs

Living costs in each city

Living costs in each city
CityRoom a monthYearly budget
New York City$1,200 – $1,900$25,400 – $33,800
Boston$1,100 – $1,700$24,200 – $31,400

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

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Ask a counsellor directly — we reply on WhatsApp during working hours (Mon–Sat, 9 AM–6 PM IST).

Columbia University, by about ₹0 in total on our figures (₹1.6 crore – ₹1.81 crore vs ₹1.51 crore – ₹1.9 crore).

Neither is better for everyone. Columbia University is known for Ivy League university in Manhattan: engineering, data science and finance; Harvard University for Ivy League university: public health, data science and engineering. Compare the specific program, location and cost.

Yes — lenders fund both. Most families borrow 70–90% of the total cost.

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