Columbia University
Columbia University is one of the top Ivy league universities, founded in 1754. The university is also one of the toughest universities to get into, with an acceptance rate of 3.85%. Columbia University offers admissions for summer, fall, and spring intakes annually. International applicants aiming for graduate admissions must aim for a GPA between 3.0-3.5 (85-90%) or higher.
Columbia University has consistently ranked among the top 25 universities globally for the past decade. Columbia University offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs, spanning more than 80 areas of study. The university maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1. The application for undergraduate admissions in spring term will open on August 1, 2024 with the priority Action deadline being September 1, 2024.
Established | 1754 |
University Type | Private Research University |
University Motto | “In Thy light shall we see light” |
Acceptance Rate | 3.85% |
Faculty to Student Ratio | 6:1 |
Endowment | $13.6 billion (2023) |
Campus Size | 36 acres |
6-Year Graduation Rate | 97% |
Employment Rate | 84% |
Contact Details | 212-854-2522 |
Location |
Columbia University Rankings
Columbia University is ranked among the top 35 Universities in the world, according to Columbia University QS rankings for 2025. The following table showcases some other Columbia University rankings:
|
Ranking Agency |
Ranking |
|
QS World University Rankings (2025) |
#34 |
|
Best Global Universities US News |
#7 |
|
THE World University Rankings |
#17 |
|
National Universities US News |
#12 |
How to get into Columbia University?
Columbia University Graduate Courses & Fees
The following table showcases the top graduate programs at Columbia University for all domestic and international students, along with Columbia University fees for Indian students:| Top Programs | Annual Tuition Fees | Annual Tuition Fees |
| Master of Science Computer Science | 36,930 | 30.83 Lakh |
| Master of Science Data Science | 36,930 | 30.83 Lakh |
| MBA | 84,496 | 70.55 Lakh |
| Master of Science Business Analytics | 44,316 | 37 Lakh |
| Master of Science Applied Analytics | 36,930 | 30.83 Lakh |
| Master of Architecture (M.Arch) | 65,100 | 54.35 Lakh |
Columbia University Undergraduate Courses & Fees
The following table showcases the top undergraduate programs at Columbia University for all domestic and international students, along with their tuition fees:| Top Programs | Total Annual Fees (INR) | Total Annual Fees (USD) |
| Bachelor of Arts Architecture | 71,170 | 59.42 Lakh |
| Bachelor of Science Computer Science | 71,170 | 59.42 Lakh |
| Bachelor of Arts Economics | 71,170 | 59.42 Lakh |
| Bachelor of Science Electrical Engineering | 71,170 | 59.42 Lakh |
| Bachelor of Science Industrial Engineering | 71,170 | 59.42 Lakh |
| Bachelor of Arts Psychology | 71,170 | 59.42 Lakh |
Columbia University UG Admission
International students aiming to get a masters degree from Columbia University will have to fulfill the following admission requirements:| Category | Admission Requirements |
| Application Fee | 85 USD (~7,075 INR) |
| Average GPA | GPA of 3.5 or 95% |
| English Proficiency Requirements | TOEFL iBT: 100 | IELTS: 7.0 |
| Standardized Test Scores | SAT: 1440–1570 | ACT: 34–35 |
| Additional Requirements | Personal essay | Letter of recommendation | Completed Mid-year report | Statement of Purpose |
Columbia University PG Admission
International students seeking undergraduate degree at Columbia University will have to fulfill the following admission requirements:| Category | Admission Requirements |
| Application Fee | PG: USD 85-120 (~7,075- 9,988 INR) | MBA: 250 USD (20,809 INR) |
| Average GPA | GPA of 3.0 or 85% |
| English Proficiency Requirements | TOEFL iBT: 100 | IELTS: 7.5 |
| Standardized Test Scores | GMAT Range: 700–760 |
| Additional Requirements | Statement of Purpose | Resume | Letter of Recommendation (LOR) | Work Experience (Avg. 5 years) |
Columbia University Campus
Columbia University has a strong academic community of 40,000 students, faculty, and staff from across the nation and the world. Columbia University provides a range of student services, including nonremedial tutoring, placement services, health services, and health insurance. Additionally, the university offers campus safety and security measures such as 24-hour foot and vehicle patrols, late-night transport/escort services, 24-hour emergency telephones, well-lit pathways and sidewalks, and controlled access to dormitories (via keys or security cards).
Columbia University Student Life
Columbia University provides a wide range of programs and resources:
- Arts Programs: Includes Visual Arts, Dance, Architecture, Theatre, Film, and Music.
- Athletic Facilities: Offers sports and activities for staying active and healthy, including intramural sports.
- Health Services: Comprehensive support for health and wellness, including medical care, counseling for mental health, and fitness programs.
- Housing Options: Various choices on campus, such as traditional dorms, suites, and apartments.
- Student Organizations: More than 500 clubs and teams, covering academic interests, cultural diversity, and recreational sports.
Columbia University Accommodation
First-year students at Columbia University are required to live on campus and are guaranteed housing for up to four years, as long as they remain eligible. Housing for first-year students in Columbia Housing starts in late August and lasts until mid-May, covering all University holiday breaks. At Columbia, 92% of the students live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing and 8% of students live off-campus.
Academic Year 2024-2025 Rates
The following table shows the average rate of living on campus as a first year students and upper class resident for the upcoming year:
|
Class |
Rates |
|
First-Year Residents |
$11,000 |
|
Upperclass Residents |
$12,222 |
Columbia University Scholarships
Columbia University is dedicated to meeting 100% of the demonstrated financial need for all accepted first-year students, regardless of their citizenship status. International students consistently apply for and receive significant financial aid, amounting to over $19 million last year alone.
Grants & Aid
- Students coming from families with annual incomes less than $150,000 (and typical assets) are able to attend Columbia tuition-free.
- Columbia awards more than $215 million annually in scholarships and grants from all sources.
- About half of Columbia’s incoming first-year students receive grants from Columbia and the average amount awarded is $71,043.
- 19% of Columbia’s incoming first-years receive the Pell Grant, a Federal Grant reserved for the students with the highest need in the country.
- Incoming first-year students from low-income families receive a start-up grant of $2,000 to ease their transition to college.
- Students are expected to borrow $0 to attend Columbia.
Columbia University Placements
- Within 3 months of graduation, 84% of graduates received job offers, and by the end of the year, this number increased to 92%.
- Among all graduates, 81% accepted job offers within 3 months, rising to 91% by the year’s end.
- Approximately 46% of these successful placements involved international students.
Columbia University Placements by Profession
Columbia University graduates in the fields of Data Science and Software Engineering achieve some of the highest salaries among alumni. Here are some of the top professions pursued by Columbia University graduates along with their average salaries:| Job Profile | Average Annual Salary (USD) | Equivalent Salary for Indians (INR) |
| Data Scientist | 111,921 | 93.46 lakhs |
| Software Engineer | 106,513 | 88.94 lakhs |
| Project Manager | 94,224 | 78.68 lakhs |
| Data Analyst | 78,702 | 65.72 lakhs |
| Management Consultant | 89,671 | 74.88 lakhs |
| Architectural Designer | 61,013 | 50.94 lakhs |
Compensation Summary for MBA Graduates
| Category | % Receiving | Median | Range |
| Base Salary | 100 | $175,000 | $50,000 – $309,000 |
| Signing Bonus | 71.7 | $30,000 | $5,000 – $222,800 |
| Other Guaranteed Compensation | 17.0 | $31,000 | $2,480– $285,161 |
Columbia University Alumni
The Columbia Alumni Association maintains a dedicated portal focused on supporting the health and well-being of its extensive network of over 350,000 alumni. The university is committed to providing assistance to its former students in various capacities.
Columbia University boasts a prestigious history, with a notable alumni community that includes:
- 4 presidents
- 46 Olympians
- 84 Nobel Prize winners
- Over 90 Pulitzer Prize winners
- Numerous celebrities
Columbia University Notable Alumni
Alumni Name | Profession |
B.R. Ambedkar | Founding Father of the Constitution of India |
Rajat Gupta | Former CEO of McKinsey & Company |
Barack Obama | 44th President of the United States |
Amelia Earhart | First woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean |
Barkha Dutt | Consulting Editor of NDTV |
Location of Columbia University
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbia University an Ivy League?
Yes, Columbia University is an Ivy league university. Some other Ivy league universities are Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania, Princeton University, and Yale University.Is it difficult to get into Columbia University?
Columbia University is one of the most selective schools in the country. The university has an acceptance rate of 3.85%, showcasing a highly selective admission process for all aspiring students.What GPA do you need for Columbia?
GPA requirements for admission to Columbia University varies depending on the choice of program taken by the applicant:- UG Applicants: 3.5 or 95%
- PG Applicants: 3.0 or 85%
How can an Indian get into Columbia University?
To get into Columbia University as an Indian student you should have the following:- Aim for excellent academic performance and high standardized test scores (GRE, TOEFL/IELTS).
- Gain relevant research or work experience.
- Highlight leadership roles and extracurricular activities.
- Write compelling essays showcasing your fit with Columbia.
- Obtain strong letters of recommendation.
- Be prepared for any interviews.
- Understand and plan for financial aid options.
What is the tuition cost for Columbia University?
As an ‘Ivy League’ institution, Columbia’s cost of attendance is high-end. The annual tuition fees for Columbia University courses is around 55 lakhs INR. The following is a detailed estimate of the tuition fees of Columbia for the upcoming academic year:| Expense Category | Amount for UG | Amount for PG |
| Tuition and Fees | 71,170 USD | 36,930 USD to 65,000 USD |
Does Columbia University require an English proficiency test?
Mentioned below are the language proficiency exams accepted by Columbia University along with their minimum required scores:| Exam | Minimum Score Requirements |
| TOEFL iBT | 100 |
| Duolingo | 120 |
| IELTS | 7.0 |
Does Columbia offer scholarships during admission?
Columbia University is need-aware for international students, meaning it considers applicants’ financial need in admissions decisions. The university does not offer merit-based aid to international students but provides need-based financial aid for those who require it. Students needing financial assistance must apply for aid concurrently with their application submissions.What is the application deadline for Columbia University?
Admission deadlines for undergraduate admissions:| Deadline Type | Spring Intake |
| Priority Early Action Deadline | September 1, 2024 |
| Early Action Deadline | October 1, 2024 |
| Regular Decision Deadline | November 1, 2024 |
