A global capital of culture and business, New York City is also one of the world’s most important centers of higher education. There are over half a million students in NYC, and more than 100 universities and colleges, of which an impressive 10 feature in the QS World University Rankings®.Yet even with this array of choice, there are still two universities in New York that stand out from the crowd: Columbia University and New York University (NYU). These two top universities in New York City both make the global top 50 in the QS World University Rankings – in the 2014/15 edition, they’re ranked 14th and 41st in the world respectively. They also feature in the top 10 in several of the disciplines covered in QS World University Rankings by Subject.
Between them the universities have produced a galaxy of famous alumni: from politicians (Barack Obama) to business magnates (Warren Buffet), writers (Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac), musicians (Lauren Hill), film directors (Martin Scorcese, Woody Allen), and fashion designers (Tom Ford).
Choosing between the two top universities in New York City
Columbia University has traditionally been seen as the academic big shot of the two, a member of the prestigious Ivy League, a group of America’s most historically prestigious and selective institutions. However, far from living in its rival’s shadow, NYU has an identity and appeal all of its own.
Based in New York’s trendy downtown, and with tentacles spread throughout the city, NYU is a world-class university in its own right, and boasts one of the world’s most dynamic environments for arts, music and culture. Whereas Columbia offers the relative seclusion of an Ivy League campus experience, NYU places students in the heart of the city’s action. Centred in the heart of arty Greenwich Village, with no walls or gates, the university is, as it proudly states, “in and of the city”.
As you might expect from world-renowned institutions in such a desirable location, admission to either institution is extremely competitive. Few students will be lucky enough to receive an offer from one of the two, let alone both. But if you have good grades and are looking for the most exciting study experience the US has to offer, chances are at least one of these two top universities in New York City will be on your shortlist.
To help you decide which might be more suitable for you, here’s a look at how they compare on key indicators, with an at-a-glance overview followed by a more detailed comparison.