Quick Summary
Columbia University, in New York City, United States, is a private research university that has shaped higher education since 1754. Ranked #34 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 36649 students including 36% from outside United States. Known for strengths in Social Sciences and Management, Arts and Humanities, Life Sciences and Medicine, it maintains an acceptance rate of 3.9%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
Columbia offers the unique combination of an Ivy League education, the rigorous Core Curriculum, and immediate access to the professional and cultural landscape of New York City.
Subject Strengths
Social Sciences and ManagementArts and HumanitiesLife Sciences and MedicineLawJournalismEconomicsEnvironmental Sciences
Founded1754
TypePrivate research university
Total Students36649
Intl Students36%
Faculty Ratio6:1
CampusUrban
Campus Size36 acres
Affiliated HospitalsNewYork-Presbyterian Hospital,Mount Sinai St. Luke's,Harlem Hospital Center
AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#34
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#17
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#8
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate,Graduate,Doctoral,Professional
Programs
Biological Sciences,Chemistry,Economics,History,Physics,Philosophy,Earth and Environmental Sciences
PhD Programs
Master of Science in Computer Science,Master of Public Health,Executive Education,Master of Science in Bioethics
Online Programs
Columbia Nano Initiative,The Earth Institute,Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute,Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Accreditation
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Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate3.9%
IELTS7.5
TOEFL105
Min GPA3.8
GREProgram-specific
GMATProgram-specific
SATOptional
ACTOptional
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · January 1
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Emphasize your fit with the Core Curriculum, demonstrate deep intellectual curiosity, and utilize the 'Why Columbia' essay to connect your goals specifically to New York City's resources.
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Cost Ledger
Annual estimate
UG Tuition
$68,400/yr
per year · USD
Living Cost
$24,000/yr
per year · USD
PG Tuition
$62,000/yr
per year · USD
Application Fee
$85
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$92,400/yr
tuition + living + essentials · USD
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$63,971
Financial AidNeed-blind for US citizens and permanent residents; 100% of demonstrated need met for all admitted students.
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate,Graduate,Doctoral,Professional programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Economics | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Computer Science | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Political Science | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Psychology | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| History | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Business Administration | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$89,000
Average Salary After Graduation
94%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementUnrivaled access to New York City-based global corporations, NGOs, and cultural institutions.
Industry Connections
Wall Street Financial FirmsUnited NationsSilicon Alley Tech HubsMajor Media Outlets
Notable Alumni
Barack Obama,Warren Buffett,Ruth Bader Ginsburg,Alexander Hamilton,Alicia Keys
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Dodge Physical Fitness Center,Baker Athletics Complex,Levien Gymnasium
Student Clubs
500
Library Resources
22 libraries with a collection of over 15 million volumes and extensive digital archives.
Exchange Programs
Available
Summer Programs
Available