Columbia University
New York, NY
Acceptance rate
3.9%
Tuition
$66,139/year
Cost total
~$87,000/year
Room & board
$16,000/year
Application fee
$85
QS Rank
#22 (2025)
Financial Aid
Meets 100% of demonstrated need with significant need-based aid packages.
Scholarships
- Columbia Scholarship (need-based)
- Kluge Scholars Program
Admission & Deadlines
Common App + Columbia supplement. Early Decision (binding): Nov 1. Regular Decision: Jan 1.
Test Requirements
SAT 1490-1570 or ACT 34-36 typical range; currently test-optional.
Essays & Recommendations
Supplement includes list questions and Why Columbia/Core essay. 2 teacher + 1 counselor recommendations.
Extracurriculars & Interview
Urban impact, research and strong profile coherence matter. Interview is generally not offered.
Housing
On-campus housing guaranteed mainly for first years, then more limited upper-year availability.
Step-by-step application plan
- Choose ED or RD strategy.
- Complete Common App + Columbia supplements.
- Write strong Why Columbia/Core essay.
- Submit aid forms (CSS + FAFSA).
- Track portal and admissions timeline.
Undergraduate Programmes
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Political Science
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Psychology
- Film Studies
- Sustainable Development
Graduate Programmes
- MS Computer Science
- MBA
- MA Journalism
- JD
- MD
- PhD programmes