Columbia University in the City of New York vs Empire State University
BSN programs compared — side-by-side on NCLEX pass rates, tuition, admissions, and format.
At a glance
Side-by-side details
Best value in each row is highlighted.
| Columbia University in the City of New York Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Empire State University Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | |
|---|---|---|
| Program type | BSN | BSN |
| Format | in person | in person |
| Location | New York, NY | Saratoga Springs, NY |
| Length | 48 months | 48 months |
| NCLEX pass rate | 100% | — |
| Acceptance rate | 4.2% | — |
| Avg accepted GPA | — | — |
| Min GPA | — | — |
| Entrance exam | — | — |
| Total tuition | $69,045 | $7,630 in / $17,540 outBEST |
| In-state tuition | $69,045 | $7,630BEST |
| Out-of-state tuition | $69,045 | $17,540BEST |
| Clinical placement | — | — |
| Accreditation | CCNE | CCNE |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, Columbia University in the City of New York or Empire State University?
Empire State University is the more affordable option at roughly $7,630, compared to $69,045. Factor in residency status, financial aid, and program length when deciding — total cost matters more than annual tuition.
Are Columbia University in the City of New York and Empire State University the same type of program?
Both are BSN programs, so they award the same credential. Compare them on NCLEX pass rate, tuition, length, and location to find the better fit.
How do I decide between Columbia University in the City of New York and Empire State University?
Start by ruling out programs you can't get into (compare your GPA against each school's admissions stats), then weight what matters most — NCLEX pass rate for quality, total tuition for cost, length for time-to-degree, and format (online, hybrid, in-person) for lifestyle. Use NurseWay's free intake to get a personalized fit score for both.
Want a personalized fit score?
Take the free 3-minute intake and we'll rank both programs against your GPA, location preferences, and budget.