Columbia University
Columbia University, formally known as Columbia University in the City of New York, is a prestigious private Ivy League research institution located in New York City. Founded in 1754 as King’s College on the grounds of Trinity Church in Manhattan, it holds the distinction of being the oldest institution of higher learning in New York State and the fifth-oldest in the United States.
Originally established by royal charter under King George II of Great Britain, the college was renamed Columbia College in 1784 after the American Revolution. In 1787, governance was transferred to a private board of trustees led by prominent alumni, including Alexander Hamilton and John Jay. The university moved to its current Morningside Heights campus in 1896 and adopted the name Columbia University.
Today, Columbia comprises twenty schools—four undergraduate and sixteen graduate divisions. Its research enterprise includes leading institutions such as the Lamont–Doherty Earth Observatory, the Goddard Institute for Space Studies, and collaborations with major tech companies like Amazon and IBM. Columbia was a founding member of the Association of American Universities and holds the distinction of being the first U.S. institution to award the MD degree. The university also oversees the administration and annual presentation of the prestigious Pulitzer Prize.
- Location: New York, NY
- Alumni Nickname: Columbia Lions
- Mascot: Roar-ee the Lion
2025 Rankings
by U.S. News & World Report
by QS World University Rankings
by Times Higher Education
Undergraduate Admissions Process Summary
Application Deadlines
Early Decision: November 1
Regular Decision: January 1
Application Portal
Common Application,
Coalition Application and
QuestBridge Application
Standardized Tests
Optional
Recommendation Letters
Counselor Recommendation: 1 letter
Teacher Evaluation: 2 Letters
On Campus Residence for Freshmen
Required
International Students
English Proficiency
TOEFL: minimum score 100
IELTS: minimum score 7.0
Duolingo English Test minimum score 120
Interview
Optional
Offered Alumni Conversations
University Specific Requests
Columbia-specific questions, also known as the writing supplement.
Application Fee
$85
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Economics 15-20%
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Political Science 12-15%
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Computer Science 8-10%
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History 7-9%
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Biology 6-8%
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Psychology 6-8%
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English 5-7%
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Sociology 4-6%
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Engineering 6-8%
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Film Studies 4-6%
Popular
Majors
3.9%
Acceptance Rate
60,248 applications to the undergraduate Class of 2028
2,319 undergraduate students admitted; Class of 2028
$14.5 billion endowment
4,000+ Faculty Members
150+ countries represented
30% of undergraduate classes at Columbia have fewer than 20 students
14 million+ Books volumes
$1.2 billion allocated for research annually.
Total Students
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White: 34%
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Asian: 22%
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Hispanic/Latino 17%
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Black or African American 7%
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International students: 7%
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Other 3%
Campus
Columbia University’s campus is located in the vibrant Morningside Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. Spanning approximately 36 acres, the campus is known for its stunning blend of historic architecture and modern facilities. The centerpiece of the campus is the iconic Low Memorial Library, a beautiful neoclassical building, and the Columbia University Cathedral of St. John the Divine is just a short walk away.
The campus is home to several green spaces, such as the College Walk, a pedestrian pathway that runs through the heart of the university, and the Morningside Park across from the university, offering students access to both open spaces and urban life. Columbia’s campus is not just about academic buildings. It has an array of research centers, libraries, performance spaces, and cutting-edge laboratories. The Butler Library and the Science and Engineering Library house millions of volumes and digital resources for research. The campus also offers recreational facilities, including the Dodge Physical Fitness Center, which supports student-athletes and the general student population in staying active.
The university’s location in New York City further enhances the student experience, providing access to global industries, cultural events, and endless opportunities for internships, networking, and exploration in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
Cost of Attendance
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Tuition $71,170
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New student fees $675
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Housing and food $17,580
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Books, personal expenses and transportations $3,992
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Total Estimated Cost $93,417
At Columbia, 14% of undergraduates qualified for the Pell Grant
Notable Affiliations
Columbia University has long been a breeding ground for influential figures across diverse fields, with its alumni making landmark contributions in science, business, politics, and popular culture.
In the realm of science and innovation, Columbia has produced numerous Nobel laureates and pioneering researchers. Robert Lefkowitz, a Columbia College graduate, won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his groundbreaking work on G-protein-coupled receptors. Baruch Blumberg, received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his discovery of the hepatitis B virus and the development of its vaccine. Enrico Fermi, who played a major role in the development of nuclear energy, and Richard Axel, whose research in neuroscience earned him a Nobel Prize.
In business, Warren Buffett, one of the most influential investors in history, earned a graduate degree from Columbia Business School and Henry Kravis, co-founder of the private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR).
The university has played a significant role in shaping political leadership both in the U.S. and abroad. Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, graduated from Columbia College in 1983. Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who began her legal studies at Harvard and completed her law degree at Columbia, eventually becoming a U.S. Supreme Court Justice. Internationally, alumni such as Madeleine Albright, the first female U.S. Secretary of State, and several heads of state and diplomats have walked Columbia’s halls.
Columbia also has a strong presence in film, media, and the arts. Hollywood stars such as Jake Gyllenhaal, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Julia Stiles attended the university. Acclaimed filmmaker Kathryn Bigelow, the first woman to win the Academy Award for Best Director, is also a Columbia graduate. In journalism and literature, Pulitzer Prize-winning authors like Jhumpa Lahiri and Jennifer Egan reflect the university’s deep literary roots.
Columbia University is renowned for its academic rigor, world-class faculty, and groundbreaking research. It is one of the Ivy League schools and is known for its excellence in a range of disciplines, including humanities, sciences, business, and law.
Tucked above the Alma Mater statue on Low Library’s steps is a small bronze owl, symbolizing wisdom. It’s a tradition for students to try and spot it—legend has it that the first student in each class to find the owl will graduate as valedictorian.
Yes, Columbia provides need-based financial aid and meets 100% of the demonstrated financial need for admitted students. The university also has a no-loan policy, replacing loans with grants and work-study opportunities.
Yes! Columbia engineering professor Edwin Armstrong developed FM radio technology in the 1930s. His breakthrough changed the way the world listened to music and news—right from Columbia’s own labs.
Columbia College is famous for its Core Curriculum, a series of required courses in literature, philosophy, history, art, music, and science. It emphasizes critical thinking and a shared intellectual foundation among all students.
The steps in front of Low Memorial Library, simply called “The Steps,” are Columbia’s unofficial social hub. Students gather here to study, protest, people-watch, or just soak in campus vibes. They’re also rumored to be a better source of campus gossip than any official bulletin board.
No. As of 2023, Columbia has adopted a permanent test-optional policy, meaning students are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their application.
Yes. In 1968, students famously occupied five campus buildings in protest of university expansion and Vietnam War ties. It became one of the most iconic student protest movements of the 1960s and is still taught in social movement and urban studies courses today.
Some of the most popular undergraduate majors include Economics, Computer Science, Political Science, Biology, and Psychology. Columbia also offers many interdisciplinary and dual-degree programs.