An Ivy League university in the heart of Manhattan, Columbia is known for its Core Curriculum, journalism, and global affairs. Its location offers unmatched access to industry and culture.
What is the acceptance rate at Columbia University?
Columbia University admits approximately 3.9% of applicants, making it "Highly Selective" in our directory.
How much does Columbia University cost per year?
Tuition is approximately 65,524 USD per year before aid. See the Tuition tab for a full cost-of-attendance breakdown.
Does Columbia University offer scholarships or financial aid?
Yes — Columbia University offers Need-based Aid, and about 50% of students receive some form of financial aid.
When is the application deadline for Columbia University?
The application deadline is Jan 01. We recommend submitting all materials at least two weeks ahead of that date.
What can I study at Columbia University?
Columbia University offers 5 broad fields of study: Business, Law, Medicine, Arts & Design, Social Sciences.
How big are classes at Columbia University?
The average class size is 18 students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1, across a large campus of about 33,000 students.
Columbia University
🇺🇸 New York, NY, United States · USA
#23
Global Ranking
Detailed admissions profile compiled by UniPath on June 24, 2026. Figures are directory estimates intended for planning purposes — always confirm exact requirements and costs with the official admissions office at https://www.columbia.edu.
At a Glance
Established
1754
Student Population
33,000
Faculty Ratio
6:1
Average Class Size
18
Acceptance Rate
3.9%
Annual Tuition
$65,524
Financial Aid Recipients
50%
Application Deadline
Jan 01
Website
https://www.columbia.edu
About Columbia University
An Ivy League university in the heart of Manhattan, Columbia is known for its Core Curriculum, journalism, and global affairs. Its location offers unmatched access to industry and culture.
Highly competitive admissions mean a tightly selected, high-achieving peer group.
Generous aid — 50% of students receive financial support.
Small average class size (18 students) for close faculty access.
A large campus with broad program variety and a vibrant student scene.
An active, well-funded research culture.
Admissions — Highly Selective
With only 3.9% of applicants admitted, every part of the application needs to be deliberate — academics, essays, and activities all carry weight.
This school is more selective than approximately 95% of schools in our directory, ranks better than 90% of them, and is more affordable than 0% (out of 172 schools compared).
Typical requirements:
Completed online application
Official academic transcripts
Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) for non-native speakers
3 letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors
Personal statement plus 2+ supplemental essays
Standardized test scores (optional at many schools, but top-decile scores strengthen the file)
Demonstrated depth in 1-2 extracurriculars rather than breadth across many
Test-optional, but admitted students who submit scores typically land in the 90th percentile or above.
Cost of Attendance (Estimated, per year)
Tuition
$65,524
Housing & Living
$22,933
Books & Supplies
$2,621
Personal Expenses
$5,242
Total Cost of Attendance
$96,320
Est. Average Grant / Aid
- $19,657
Est. Net Price
$45,867
4-Year Total (before aid)
$385,280
Estimates for international students; actual aid varies by applicant profile.
Scholarships
Need-based Aid
Majors & Career Outcomes
Business — $65,000 avg. starting salary
Common careers: Financial Analyst, Marketing Manager, Management Consultant, Entrepreneur
Law — $75,000 avg. starting salary
Common careers: Attorney, Corporate Counsel, Judge, Policy Advisor
Medicine — $80,000 avg. starting salary
Common careers: Physician, Surgeon, Nurse Practitioner, Pharmacist
Arts & Design — $52,000 avg. starting salary
Common careers: Art Director, UX Designer, Illustrator, Creative Director
Social Sciences — $54,000 avg. starting salary
Common careers: Policy Analyst, Economist, Counselor, HR Specialist
Campus Life
A classic urban campus in Morningside Heights, immersed in New York City life.
Suggested Application Timeline
12+ weeks before: Request transcripts and letters of recommendation; start drafting your personal statement.
8 weeks before: Finalize essays, gather standardized test scores, and complete the online application form.
4 weeks before: Submit early — leave buffer time for technical issues or late-arriving documents.
Jan 01 — deadline: Hard deadline. All materials must be received by the admissions office.
After submitting: Track your applicant portal and respond promptly to any requests for more information.
Similar Universities to Consider
School
Rank
Tuition
Acceptance
Duke University
#25
$63,000
6%
Cornell University
#20
$63,200
7%
Johns Hopkins University
#28
$60,480
7%
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Columbia University?
Columbia University admits approximately 3.9% of applicants, making it "Highly Selective" in our directory.
How much does Columbia University cost per year?
Tuition is approximately 65,524 USD per year before aid. See the Tuition tab for a full cost-of-attendance breakdown.
Does Columbia University offer scholarships or financial aid?
Yes — Columbia University offers Need-based Aid, and about 50% of students receive some form of financial aid.
When is the application deadline for Columbia University?
The application deadline is Jan 01. We recommend submitting all materials at least two weeks ahead of that date.
What can I study at Columbia University?
Columbia University offers 5 broad fields of study: Business, Law, Medicine, Arts & Design, Social Sciences.
How big are classes at Columbia University?
The average class size is 18 students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1, across a large campus of about 33,000 students.