Harvard University vs. Columbia University
Side by side: median LSAT, median GPA, estimated tuition, and selectivity rank for two of the most compared law schools. Medians from ABA Standard 509 disclosures via ILRG, Fall 2025 entering class.
| Measure | Harvard University | Columbia University |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Cambridge, MA | New York, NY |
| Selectivity rank | #2 | #5 |
| Median LSAT | 174 | 173 |
| Median GPA | 3.96 | 3.92 |
| Est. annual tuition | $77,100 | $85,368 |
| Est. 3-year tuition | $231,300 | $256,104 |
Pros and cons, from the data
Harvard University
Pros
- Lower sticker tuition than Columbia University
Cons
- Higher median LSAT (174 vs. 173) — harder to clear
- Higher median GPA (3.96 vs. 3.92)
Columbia University
Pros
- Lower median LSAT (173 vs. 174) — easier to be at or above
- Lower median GPA (3.92 vs. 3.96)
Cons
- Higher sticker tuition than Harvard University
Pros and cons are computed from the medians and sticker prices above, not from reviews. Scholarships can erase a sticker-price gap.
How to choose between them
Start with your numbers. If your LSAT sits at or above 174, Harvard University is a target for you; if it sits below, it is a reach. Do the same math against 173 for Columbia University. Then weigh the cost gap: about $24,804 over three years at sticker, before scholarships. A school whose median you clear is also a school more likely to offer you merit aid, which can erase a sticker-price gap. Visit if you can. Talk to recent graduates doing the work you want to do. The medians get you a short list; the visit and the aid letter make the decision.
More comparisons
Open this pair in the comparison tool to swap in other schools. Or try another popular pair:
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Last updated October 12, 2026