Introduction
Columbia University, founded in 1754, is one of the most prestigious and oldest universities in the United States. Located in New York City, Columbia is a member of the Ivy League and has consistently ranked among the top universities globally. With a vibrant academic environment, rich history, and global impact, Columbia attracts some of the brightest minds from across the world.
From undergraduate degrees to advanced research programs, Columbia offers world-class opportunities in every field—ranging from engineering and sciences to journalism, law, business, and arts. This guide provides a complete overview of Columbia University’s admission process, visa procedures, courses offered, and tuition fees to help international and domestic applicants plan their academic journey.
Overview of Columbia University
- Founded: 1754
- Location: New York City, New York, USA
- Type: Private Ivy League Research University
- Enrollment: ~34,000 students (undergraduate + graduate)
- Global Ranking: Top 10 in QS, THE, U.S. News & World Report
- Notable Alumni: Barack Obama, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Warren Buffett, Langston Hughes
Columbia is known for its Core Curriculum, urban campus, Nobel Prize-winning faculty, and unmatched access to research and internship opportunities in NYC.
Admission Process
Columbia’s admission process is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of approximately 3.9% for undergraduate applicants in recent years.
1. Undergraduate Admission
Application Platforms:
- Common Application: www.commonapp.org
- Coalition Application: www.coalitionforcollegeaccess.org
- Columbia Supplement is required for both.
Key Deadlines:
- Early Decision: November 1
- Regular Decision: January 1
Required Materials:
- Completed application with Columbia Supplement
- High school transcripts
- Two teacher recommendations
- School report and counselor recommendation
- Standardized Tests:
- SAT/ACT (Test-Optional through 2025)
- English Proficiency (for non-native English speakers):
- TOEFL (minimum 105)
- IELTS (minimum 7.5)
- Duolingo English Test (minimum 135)
- Personal essays and short answer questions
Special Considerations:
- The Core Curriculum is central to Columbia’s academic philosophy, and essays should reflect intellectual curiosity.
- Holistic Review: Columbia considers academic records, extracurriculars, essays, recommendations, and leadership skills.
2. Graduate Admission
Each graduate school has its own specific requirements and deadlines.
Schools at Columbia Include:
- Columbia Business School
- Columbia Law School
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons
- Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science
- School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA)
- Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
- Mailman School of Public Health
- School of Journalism
- Teachers College
General Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- Official academic transcripts
- Statement of Purpose
- Resume/CV
- 2-3 Letters of Recommendation
- GRE/GMAT/LSAT/MCAT (varies by program)
- English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS)
- Application fee ($85–$250)
Note: Some programs waive GRE/GMAT or provide alternative assessments.
Visa Process for International Students
To study at Columbia, international students need an F-1 Student Visa (or J-1 for certain exchange or sponsored programs).
Steps to Obtain an F-1 Visa:
- Admission Offer
Receive your admission letter and confirm your intention to enroll. - Form I-20 Issuance
Columbia will issue Form I-20 once financial documentation is submitted. - Pay the SEVIS Fee
- I-901 SEVIS fee: $350
- Pay at www.fmjfee.com
- Complete DS-160
- Online visa application form: https://ceac.state.gov/DS-160
- Schedule a Visa Interview
- Book an appointment at your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Visa Interview Documents:
- Valid passport
- Form I-20
- DS-160 confirmation
- SEVIS fee receipt
- Admission letter
- Proof of financial support
- Academic transcripts and standardized test scores
- Receive Visa and Travel
- Upon approval, your F-1 visa will be stamped in your passport.
Courses Offered
Columbia offers a wide variety of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across disciplines.
Undergraduate Majors (Bachelor’s Degrees)
Over 100 areas of study across these schools:
- Columbia College
- School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS)
- School of General Studies
Popular Majors:
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Political Science
- Psychology
- History
- Mechanical Engineering
- Applied Mathematics
- English and Comparative Literature
- Neuroscience and Behavior
- Financial Economics
- Film and Media Studies
- Biomedical Engineering
Graduate Programs
Columbia Business School:
- MBA (Full-Time and Executive)
- EMBA Global
- MS in Marketing, Financial Economics, Accounting
- PhD in Business
Law School:
- JD, LLM, JSD Programs
- Dual degrees with SIPA, Business School
Engineering:
- MS in Computer Science, Data Science, Biomedical Engineering
- PhD in various engineering fields
School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA):
- Master of International Affairs (MIA)
- Master of Public Administration (MPA)
- Executive MPA
Journalism:
- MS and MA in Journalism
- Data Journalism, Documentary Specialization
Public Health:
- MPH, MS, DrPH, PhD in epidemiology, biostatistics, and more
Arts and Sciences:
- MA and PhD in History, Philosophy, Sociology, Physics, Chemistry, Political Science
Columbia also offers dual-degree programs, joint degrees with Sciences Po (France), London Business School, and other global institutions.
Tuition Fees
Undergraduate Fees (2024–2025 Estimate)
| Fee Type | Amount (per year) |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $71,700 |
| Mandatory Fees | ~$3,100 |
| Housing and Meals | ~$17,100 |
| Books and Personal Expenses | ~$3,600 |
| Total | $95,000 – $97,000/year |
Graduate Tuition (Varies by Program)
| School | Tuition per Year |
|---|---|
| Columbia Business School (MBA) | $84,496 |
| Law School (JD) | $78,278 |
| School of Engineering (MS) | $65,000 – $70,000 |
| SIPA (MPA, MIA) | $60,000 – $68,000 |
| Mailman School of Public Health | ~$66,000 |
| Journalism School | ~$73,000 |
| PhD Programs | $50,000 – often fully funded |
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Undergraduate Students:
- Need-Blind Admission for U.S. citizens and permanent residents
- Need-Based Aid for international students (Columbia is one of the few Ivies offering this)
- No loans: Aid is given as grants
- 50%+ of students receive financial aid
- Average financial aid package: ~$62,000
Graduate Students:
- Merit-Based Scholarships: Available in Business, Journalism, SIPA, Law, Engineering
- Fellowships: Department-funded scholarships for MA/PhD
- Assistantships: Teaching or research positions for graduate students
- External Aid: Fulbright, Inlaks, Tata, Chevening, etc.
Campus Life and Student Experience
- Location: Upper Manhattan, New York City – endless opportunities for internships, networking, entertainment
- Housing: On-campus and off-campus housing for students
- Clubs and Societies: 500+ student organizations, including cultural clubs, Model UN, tech clubs, arts groups
- Athletics: NCAA Division I, Ivy League sports, fitness centers
- Libraries: Butler Library, Avery, and 20+ specialized libraries
- Global Centers: Columbia operates Global Centers in Paris, Mumbai, Beijing, Nairobi, and more
Career and Job Prospects
Columbia University is a top choice for recruiters across industries.
Career Support:
- Center for Career Education (CCE): Resume help, job fairs, interview coaching
- Internships: Extensive network in finance, media, law, government, tech
- Top Employers: Google, Goldman Sachs, UN, JPMorgan, Meta, Amazon, WHO, Bloomberg
- Graduate Outcomes:
- MBA: Avg salary ~$180,000
- Law: Median salary ~$195,000
- MPA/International Affairs: $85,000–$120,000
- CS/Engineering: $110,000+
Why Choose Columbia University?
- Ivy League prestige with a global network
- Located in New York City, the business, culture, and innovation capital of the world
- Columbia’s Core Curriculum fosters analytical and interdisciplinary thinking
- Unmatched access to world-class faculty and research facilities
- Strong post-graduation outcomes and employer connections
- Need-based aid for international students (rare among Ivy League schools)
Final Thoughts
Columbia University is an academic powerhouse offering intellectual rigor, cultural vibrancy, and career-making opportunities in the heart of NYC. Whether you’re looking for undergraduate liberal arts or graduate specialization, Columbia provides the resources, network, and global perspective to help you thrive.
If you’re ready to pursue your academic dreams at one of the world’s most elite institutions, start preparing early—Columbia looks for students with not just strong academics, but bold ideas and a commitment to making an impact.
