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Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 19, 2024
Columbia University is an Ivy League private research university known for its academics, placements, and international student percentage. According to numerous popular agencies, Columbia University rankings have consistently maintained its position among the top 25 universities globally for the past decade.
There are more than 19,000 international students at the university, making it one of the most popular universities among international students. Columbia University acceptance rate is approximately 4%, making it the third most selective university in USA and the second most selective within the Ivy League, following Harvard University.
To secure admission at Columbia University in a graduate program, an international student must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. However, the competition for admission is intense, resulting in an average GPA of 3.6. 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.
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Columbia University Rankings 2024
Columbia University is ranked among the top 25 Universities in the world. According to QS World University Rankings 2024, the university is ranked #23. Columbia University is ranked #12 among the National Universities category in the Best Colleges rankings given by US News & World Report. Some of the other Columbia University rankings are:
| Ranking Agency | Ranking 2024 |
|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings | #23 |
| Best Global Universities US News | #7 |
| World University Rankings THE | #17 |
| National Universities US News | #12 |
Columbia University Ranking Comparison
Columbia University Campus
The Columbia University campus covers over 36 acres in the heart of Manhattan, making it one of the largest and most beautiful campuses in New York City. The university's location in New York City provides numerous opportunities for internships and other professional experiences.
Source@https://undergrad.admissions.columbia.edu/
Columbia University Degrees 2024
Columbia University offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs, and students can choose from more than 80 areas of study. Its student-to-faculty ratio is 6:1. The most enrolled PG programs at Columbia are of Fu Foundation of Engineering & Applied Science with 3,367 international students. Followed by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences with 2,772 international students. Some of the top programs of Columbia University are tabulated below:
Columbia University Acceptance Rate 2024
Columbia's admissions process is extremely selective, with a 4% overall acceptance rate. Out of 57,126 freshmen who applied for 2023, only 2,285 were given admission. Mentioned below are the acceptance rate of Columbia University according to the various schools :
| College | Average Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| Columbia College | 3.9% |
| Graduate School of Arts and Sciences | 28% |
| School of General Studies | 35% |
| Columbia Business School | 12% |
| Columbia Law School | 11.9% |
Columbia University Admissions 2024
The admissions process at Columbia is a holistic one, which means that all parts of the application help in evaluation. Columbia does not have a "cut-off" GPA or test score for admission, and academics are considered alongside the full application. Columbia university admissions are offered in two intakes – fall and spring. Fall intake is the most favored intake by international students.
Columbia University UG Admission
| Category | Admission Requirements |
|---|---|
| Application | Coalition Application or Common Application. |
| 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
| Category | Admission Requirements |
|---|---|
| Application | Application Portal |
| 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 | Work Experience (Avg. 5 years) |
Columbia University Cost of Attendance 2024
According to the Columbia Chronicle, full-time students will notice a 2% increase in Columbia tuition fees and housing costs for the third time in a row this fall. The cost of attendance at the university can even add up to 70,000 USD ( 58 lakhs INR) per year for some courses. The following is a detailed estimate of the cost of attending Columbia for the upcoming academic year:
Columbia University Fees: UG
| Expense Category | Amount (USD) | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | 68,400 | 56 lakhs |
| Housing and Food | 16,800 | 13 lakhs |
| Books and Personal | 3,742 | 3 lakhs |
Columbia University Fees: PG
| Expense Category | Amount (USD) | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | 65,000 | 53 lakhs |
| Housing and Food | 25,560 | 21 lakhs |
| Books and Personal | 9,111 | 7 lakhs |
Columbia University Scholarships 2024
All financial aid or scholarships at Columbia University is based on financial need. They don't offer scholarships based on academic achievements, sports skills, or any other talents.
Columbia University covers 100% of the demonstrated need of international students. On average, international students receive financial aid of around $79,375 (65 lakhs INR). Popular scholarships to study in USA for international students include -
| Scholarship | Availability | Amount award(in INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships | Minimum 55% in bachelor’s program; At least 3+ years of work experience; Community service experience | Tuition fees; partial living expenses; Healthcare expenses |
| MBA Scholarship | Available to MBA students | 10,000 to 30,000 USD |
| Debesh-Kamal Scholarship for Higher Studies | Below 30 years of age; Preferably enrolling in social science or related program | 1 lakh for 1 year |
Columbia University Placements 2024
The university has one of the best placement counseling facilities. Almost 95% of graduates of Columbia University get employed right after graduation. The average salary earned through Columbia University placements is around 170,000 USD (1.4 crore INR). The average salaries by the level of degree are tabulated below:
| Degree | Average Salary (USD) | Average Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelors | 500,000 | 4 crore |
| Other Degree | 280,000 | 2 crore |
| Doctorate | 200,000 | 1.6 crore |
| Executive MBA | 175,000 | 1.4 crore |
| MBA | 150,000 | 1.24 crore |
| Executive Masters | 147,000 | 1.21 crore |
Columbia MBA graduates found full-time positions in a wide range of businesses and function around the world through on-campus recruiting, skilled networking, and job postings. Some of the top recruiters for Columbia are Amazon, ByteDance, Dell, eBay, Facebook, Intuit, and Vivo. The top three reasons given by the Class of 2023 for accepting an offer were advancement opportunities (17.5%), firm culture and people (14.3%) and company reputation (13.8%).
Columbia University Alumni
The Columbia Alumni Association has a separate portal dedicated to the health and betterment of the varsity alumni. With over 350,000 alumni population registered in the network, the university spares no effort to help its former students in any way it can. The university has a history of high achievers including 4 presidents, 46 Olympians, 84 Nobel prize winners, over 90 Pulitzer prize winners, and many 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 |
Columbia University is divided into 20 schools, four of which are undergraduate and 16 of which are graduate. Columbia is the oldest higher education institution in New York and the fifth-oldest in USA. It is one of nine colonial colleges founded before the Declaration of Independence, seven of which are Ivy League institutions.
FAQs
Ques. Is Columbia University difficult to get into?
Ans. There are more than 19,000 international students at the university, making it one of the most popular universities among international students. Columbia University acceptance rate is approximately 4%, making it the third most selective university in USA and the second most selective within the Ivy League, following Harvard University.
The university received 57,126 international applications. Out of these, 2,285 applicants received admissions in undergraduate, graduate, and non-degree programs. The undergraduate student body is composed of 21% of international students, belonging to 152 countries.
Ques. What GPA do you need to get into Columbia University?
Ans. 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%
Ques. Is Columbia an Ivy League?
Ans. Yes, Columbia University is an Ivy League university, ranking among the top 25 universities in USA and around the world. It is well-known for its dedication to academic excellence and for its extremely selective admissions.
Ques. How can students get into Columbia University?
Ans. The admissions process at Columbia is a holistic one, which means that all parts of the application help in evaluation. Columbia university admission requirements are given below:
| Category | Admission Requirements for UG | Admission Requirements for PG |
|---|---|---|
| Average GPA | GPA of 3.5 or 95% | GPA of 3.0 or 85% |
| English Proficiency Requirements | TOEFL iBT: 100 | IELTS: 7.0 | TOEFL iBT: 100 | IELTS: 7.5 |
| Standardized Test Scores | SAT: 1440–1570 | ACT: 34–35 | GMAT Range: 700–760 |
| Additional Requirements | Personal essay | Letter of recommendation | Completed Mid-year report | Statement of Purpose | Statement of Purpose | Resume | Letter of Recommendation | Work Experience (Avg. 5 years) |
Ques. What is the tuition cost for Columbia University?
Ans. 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 | 68,400 USD | 65,000 USD |
Ques. What is the application deadline for Columbia University?
Ans. The basic deadlines at Columbia University for international students are:
| Deadline Type | Fall Intake | Spring Intake |
|---|---|---|
| Priority Early Action | Mid- January | Early September |
| Early Action | Early March | Early October |
| Regular Decision | Early June | Early November |
Ques. Does Columbia University accept the GRE or GMAT for admission?
Ans. Yes, Columbia University accepts both GRE and GMAT scores for graduate admission. Applicants must first determine which tests are accepted and then attempt only one of them before submitting their scores for admission.
Ques. Does Columbia University require an English proficiency test?
Ans. 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 |
Columbia University Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Exams Score | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Final Application Deadline For Summer/Fall 2023 Intake (15th Jun 2024) | INR 28.3 L/Yr USD 33,932 /Yr |
| ||
M.A Statistics 2 years | Application Deadline For Fall Intake (2nd May 2024) | INR 28.3 L/Yr USD 33,932 /Yr |
| |
Application Deadline For Fall Intake (9th May 2024) | INR 36.4 L/Yr USD 43,602 /Yr |
| ||
M.A Philosophy 1 year | Application Deadline For Fall Intake (18th Apr 2024) | INR 28.3 L/Yr USD 33,932 /Yr |
|
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Columbia University comparison
| Columbia University | Harvard University | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | University of California | Yale University | Stanford University | Cornell University | Georgia Institute of Technology | Carnegie Mellon University | Fordham University | Duke University | University of Oxford | Columbia College | University of Pennsylvania | Princeton University | University of Southern California | New York University | Brown University | |
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| Collegedunia Score | 8.4 Out of 10 | 10 Out of 10 | 9 Out of 10 | 8.4 Out of 10 | 8.1 Out of 10 | 9.3 Out of 10 | 7.9 Out of 10 | 6.1 Out of 10 | 6.4 Out of 10 | 4.1 Out of 10 | 6.9 Out of 10 | 8.9 Out of 10 | - Out of 10 | 7.9 Out of 10 | 8.3 Out of 10 | 5.9 Out of 10 | 6.9 Out of 10 | 6.7 Out of 10 |
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| Acceptance Rate | 3.9 % | 7.0 % | 4.0 % | 16.4 % | 6.2 % | 3.9 % | 14.1 % | 23.0 % | 21.7 % | 45.2 % | 32.5 % | 17.5 % | 90.0 % | 7.0 % | 4.5 % | 12.0 % | 31.9 % | 5.0 % |
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Overall 17 out of 1600 in Global Ranking
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Columbia University Student Profiles
Columbia University Reviews
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What students say about Columbia University
Likes
- For somebody who hasnt had industry experience, this can become challenging, but it will help students once they step out of the university.
- Research opportunities are also pretty good; everyone can apply to do research and file publications.
- There are many clubs (both tech and non-tech) that have access to very good resources.
- The location is absolutely amazing, and this rent is one of the more affordable ones youll find in this area.
- The cost is pretty high, on par with the cost of a masters course for an international student at Columbia University.
- I think the faculty is all incredibly knowledgeable in their subjects, and many of them are active researchers or have extensive experience in the industry, which I really like because they share that experience as part of the class.
- The quality of faculty at Columbia is on par with that of other top institutes, ensuring that you are learning from the best.
15 Reviews Found
Campus Life:
My college doesn’t have a campus, but main columbia has and it’s always lively. There are numerous events happening everyday and lots of resources in library. Wifi is everywhere and we have access to gym too.
- Likes:
- I accepted it for the reputation, career opportunities, location and courses.,
- It has a great reputation and is located in New York City, with close access to large corporations and an extensive network. The courses offered at the Business School is really informative and interactive. The people are really helpful.
- Dislikes:
- Columbia is smaller than the other ivy league institutions in the US. The classes at the engineering school are heavily quantitative, and I found it less useful compared to the more business school classes, due to my focus on pursuing a consulting career.
Overall, Columbia University was a fantastic experience. Its located in a vibrant city, with opportunities to stick to a campus life, and still enjoy everything NYC has to offer. The students are helpful and collaborative. The professors are incredibly well experienced with several accolades. All in all, had a great learning experience.
Fees:
$2000 per credit, and 38 credits were required to graduate. So, a total of $76K for just the course fees.
- Likes:
- MS Data Science program is a well know program by Columbia University with renowned and distinguished Professors.,
- The courses, both academic and professional developmental helped me learn more about myself - my strengths and weaknesses and how to build a work oriented lifestyle which would help me in the long-run.,
- The college campus is ecstatic, and the libraries provide a beneficial space to study with a clear mind and focus. I like the way events are organized and students are encouraged to pursue their goals.,
- In a gist, supportive mentors and batch mates have helped me realize the value of networking and making connections.
- Dislikes:
- I do not like the location of the university as it in not in the middle of a happening area. Although it stretches various streets in New York City, it is not an eventful place. This is the only aspect which I do not like.
Very good infrastructure, renowned professors and a smart cohort, in a gist.
Fees:
$92,000
- Likes:
- This is an Ivy League University. its one of the best and most elite universities in the world offering first class facilities and academic education to students.,
- The University is really great. There are tremendous amount of resources available for each student.,
- The academic curriculum is really intense but every bit worth the efforts.,
- The faculty and university staff are very helpful and everyone is open to chat even outside of academics.,
- The location of Columbia University right in the heart of NYC poses an added advantage.,
- You have so many experiences and opportunities to explore new things while studying from the top Ivy League University in the world.
- Dislikes:
- Nothing. So far I haven't encountered anything that I would say I dislike about this university. Maybe for students who are vegetarians, its a bit challenging due to lack of veg options available for eating. But with time one becomes used to it.
My experience at Columbia university has been exceptional so far. Its truly one of the best Ivy League universities in the world. Everything from academics, to faculty to extra curricular activities has been top - notch and worth every penny.
Fees:
The cost is pretty high, at par with a master's course for an international student at Columbia University. It keeps on getting updated each semester and can be found from the program website.
I chose it for multiple reasons. The top being: Prestige, Course value, professors, location
Fees:
Its about $30,000 per semester. My course is 3 semesters. This does not include the rent, general expenses or health insurance.
The flexible curriculum is a key factor, it allows student to pursue courses from both Engineering and Business schools. The Ivy League tag and the location of the University were also key factors for me.
Fees:
For a 3 semester course it would be around 75 Lakhs INR
Prestige of Ivy League, location in New York City, rigorous Computer Science program
Fees:
Full tuition is $80,000 if you are not offered any need-based financial aid
I chose Columbia University because of its brand and location, access to immense opportunities in NYC, and the opportunity to build a good professional network.
Fees:
$72000 for the entire program fees (1.5 years)
I had two PhD offers and I chose this one mainly because my previous advisors recommended it. It is a presitigious university in an exciting and happening city and an experienced advisor who is a "good human being". All of these points, except university prestige, I still think are important parameters to make the choice. I would also look at the department structure and work culture - both of which are often better at public universities.
It was the most prestigious school I was accepted into, and I really wanted to go to a smaller school in an urban setting. I looked into specific programs I was interested in and found one that fit my needs pretty closely, and I particularly liked the integrated bachelors and masters program offered.
Fees:
Tuition fee is around $80k a year and for me, around 80% of it is covered by financial aid. I also qualify for work study, which covers about 25% of what I have to pay. Financial aid is available for international students, however, their admittance isn't need-blind like national students. There are also many outside scholarships that are available to international students.
Columbia University Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| TEC Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 83,470/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarships | Scholarship per student₹ 16.7 Cr/Yr$2,000,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Microsoft Tuition Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Business Administration Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| University of Utah Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific |
View All 88 Scholarships
Columbia University Admissions
Application Portal: https://admissions.columbia.edu
Early Decision Deadline Deadlines
Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)Early Decision Financial Aid Applications Deadlines
Important Date: November15 (Application deadline)Regular Decision Deadline Deadlines
Important Date: January1 (Application deadline)Regular Decision Financial Aid Applications Deadlines
Important Date: February15 (Application deadline)
Columbia University Exam Scores
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
Columbia University Campuses, Schools & Faculties
School
Teachers College at Columbia University
Columbia Business School
Columbia University Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants | 3245 | 1583 | 1662 | - |
|---|
Columbia University Campus Location
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Comments
32 Comments
Does Columbia University provide any waiver for GMAT/GRE scores?
No, Columbia Business School, which offers the MBA program at Columbia University, does not offer any waivers for GMAT/GRE scores for their full-time MBA program applicants. However, you can explore the Columbia University courses to learn more about the curriculum, fees, and other details.
Columbia University does not provide waivers for GMAT/GRE scores. These standardized tests are a mandatory requirement for application, with no exemptions granted under any circumstances.