Columbia University founded in 1754 has an urban setting with a campus size of 36 acres. Columbia University ranks among top 50 colleges in US Education System. Located in Morningside Heights in New York, British University of Columbia is the 5th oldest institution of higher education in the United States. Columbia University ranks at number #23 in the 2024 QS World University Ranking. Columbia University was established in 1754, and it is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the United States.The university has 40,000+ students and faculty members on the campus. With an acceptance rate of 6%, Columbia University admission offers a wide range of academic programs to students. Columbia Uiversity deadlines vary for different admissions cycles whether it is early decision, regular decision and or program specific deadline for international students. For accurate information stduents must consult the Columbia University admissions website for specific deadlines. Students should be aware of the fact that Subjects like Economics, Biology, Computer Science, Psychology, and English Literature are some of the highly sought-after programs at Columbia University.

Columbia University is located in New York City, with its main campus in Morningside Heights, Manhattan. All Columbia University applications are submitted online through the Common Application website.The average Columbia University GPA requirements for students in the UG program is 3.19 and for PG programs is 3.6. Candidates require a minimum TOEFL score of 100 and IELTS Score of 6 and above to be eligible for admission. The annual average Columbia University tuition fee for courses is around USD 70,000 (INR 58,31,175). MBA graduates earn a median base salary of USD 175,000 (INR 14,57,7937.50) after completing the course study. Where as non-MBA graduates earn an average annual salary of USD 91,000 (INR 75,48,996). Students need strong academic performance, standardized test scores like SAT or ACT, essays showcasing their achievements and aspirations, extracurricular activities, and a high school diploma are essential for admission at the university. Accenture, Booz, Allen, and Hamilton, The Goldman Sachs Group, J.P. Morgan Chase and Company are among the top recruiters for Columbia University graduates.
This university offers scholarships and education loans to study in USA. The amount of Columbia University merit based scholarships or need based scholarships may vary depending upon the level of study. Some popular Columbia University scholarships in USA for graduate students as well as undergraduate students include Aga Khan Scholarship, merit scholarship, Helen Lansdowne Resor Scholarship, etc. You need to prove your eligibility for availing these scholarships. The amount ranges from USD 3000 (INR 25,00,00.95) — INR 50,000 (INR 41,66,682.50).

| Table of Contents |
Columbia University Ranking
- #23 QS World University Ranking 2024
- #46 QS WUR Ranking By Subject 2024
- #33 QS Sustainability Ranking 2024
- #18 Graduate Employability Ranking 2024
Columbia University Acceptance Rate
For being one of the top universities in USA, Columbia University acceptance rate is 7%. The acceptance rate of Columbia University is extremely selective. The acceptance rates of Columbia University and its various schools are listed below:
| College | Average Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| Columbia College | 3.9% |
| Graduate School of Arts and Sciences | 28% |
| School of General Studies | 35% |
| Columbia Business School | 7% |
| Columbia Law School | 11.3% |
Columbia University Courses and Fees
The Columbia University courses offer a comprehensive range of academic programs including Columbia University masters program. The US Education System for Columbia University include:
- Three undergraduate schools
- Thirteen graduate and professional schools
- One world-renowned medical center
- Four affiliated colleges and seminaries
- Twenty-five libraries.
Candidates can attain Columbia University online MBA programs or other graduate and undergraduate programs.The top Columbia University courses and the fees are included here:
| Courses | Duration | Columbia University Fees |
|---|---|---|
| MA in Biotechnology | (9 months-3 years) | USD 38,806 per semester (INR 32,19,191) |
| MA in QMSS | (9 months-3 years) | USD 39,520 per semester (INR 32,78,421) |
| MA in Mathematics of Finance and Statistics | (9 months-5 years) | USD 43,602 per semester (INR 36,17,048) |
| MA in Economics | (9 months-2 years) | USD 41,914 per semester (INR 34,77,018) |
| All Other Masters in Columbia University | (2 years) | USD 33,932 per semester (INR 28,14,863) |
| Summer MA Program in Japanese Pedagogy | (4-5 years) | USD 18,650 per semester (INR 15,47,129) |
| Others UG | (4 years) | USD 59,966 – USD 72,059 (INR 49,74,539 – 59,77,726) |
| M.Arch | (3-4 years) | USD 60,944 – USD 62,440 (INR 50,55,670 – 51,79,772) |
| B.E. / B.Tech | (4 years) | USD 59,966 – USD62,428 (INR 49,74,539 – 51,78,777) |
| MFA | (2 years) | USD 64,975 (INR 53,90,066) |
| Doctor’s Programs | - | USD 26,788 per semester (INR 22,22,225) |
Note: USD 1= 82.85 INR as on March 1, 2024

Columbia University Admission Requirements
Candidates must meet the Bachelor, MBA, MA, MS in USA eligibility criteria to apply for admission. Columbia University admissions criteria for bachelor, masters and Columbia University degrees courses are tabulated below:
| Courses | ELP Score Requirement | Standardized Test Scores |
|---|---|---|
| MS | TOEFL: 99.0-114.0 IELTS: 6.5-7.0 |
GRE: Accepted |
| M.A. | TOEFL: 100.0-114.0 IELTS: 7.5 & Above |
GRE: Accepted |
| Others PG | TOEFL: 100.0-114.0 GMAT: Accepted |
GRE: Accepted |
| MIM | TOEFL: 99.0-114.0 IELTS: 7.0 & Above |
GRE: Accepted |
| MBA/PGDM | GMAT: Accepted TOEFL score: Accepted |
GRE: Accepted |
| B.A. | IELTS: 7.0 & Above TOEFL: 100.0 & Above |
GRE: Accepted |
| Others UG | IELTS: 7.0-7.5 TOEFL: 105.0 & Above DET: 135 & Above |
GRE: Accepted |
| M.Arch | TOEFL: Accepted IELTS: Accepted Duolingo English Test: Accepted |
GRE: Accepted |
| B.E. / B.Tech | IELTS: 7.0-7.5 TOEFL: 100.0-105.0 Duolingo English Test: 135.0 & Above |
GRE: Accepted |
| MFA | IELTS score: 7.5 & Above | GRE: Accepted |
Columbia University Admissions Process
The Columbia University admission process also have three steps which helps them through the admission process:
- Visit
- Learn
- Apply

Columbia University UG Admission Process
Columbia University application fee for UG admission is USD 85 (INR 6,969). There are multiple requirements for admission to US universities. Columbia University admissions process and requirements for undergraduate courses is detailed below:

Columbia University PG Admission Process
Candidates might ask how to get into Columbia University. The application fees for Columbia University graduate programs is USD 120 (INR 9,838). The details required for the post graduate admissions to top colleges in USA for MS are:
- Transcript from all colleges and universities attended till date
- Statement of Purpose
- Teacher recommendation letter
- English proficiency test results
- Personal essay
- School profile
- Completed Mid-year report
- English Language Proficiency Score: TOEFL iBT- 100 or IELTS- 7.0
Columbia University Application Deadline
Candidates applying using the Visiting Student application must know that the applications are evaluated and admissions decisions are released on a rolling basis. Here is the application deadlines for in USA for Columbia admissions:
| Intakes | Application Deadlines |
|---|---|
| Spring 2024 | Wednesday, November 15, 2023 |
| Fall 2024 |
Priority: Monday, April 1, 2024 |
Columbia University Cost of Attendance
Candidates must be aware of the cost for pursuing Columbia University majors and minor courses. The Columbia University cost of living in USA for are provided below:
| Expense | |
|---|---|
| Average Accommodation Expense | USD 8,088 (INR 6,71,443) |
| Average Meals Expense | USD 4,708 (INR 3,90,844) |
| Cost of Visa Application | USD 160 (INR 13,282) |
| Part Time Work | allowed to work part-time for 20 hours per week |
| Post Study Work Permit | Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a one-year work |
Columbia University Accommodation
There are two types of accommodations which are On Campus accommodation and off campus accommodation. First year candidates can find accommodation in either of the five residential halls namely - Carman Hall, Furnald Hall, Hartley Hall, John Jay Hall, and Wallach Hall. Students can also stay in Columbia University dorms for attaining the course sutdy. Here detailed below the accommodation for international students of Columbia University:
| Accommodation Details | On Campus | Off Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Students | 93-95% | 5-7% |
| Type | 19 undergraduate residence halls 18 brownstones | Privately owned apartment Double and triple rooms |
| Price | $3,150 per term(UG) (INR 2,61,504) | USD 1,300 to USD 2,100 per month (INR 1,07,922 – 1,74,336) |
Note: USD 1= 82.85 INR as on March 1, 2024
The Academic Year 2023-24 Rates are:
| Class | Rates |
|---|---|
| First-Year Residents | USD 9,986 / year (INR 8,29,009) |
| Upperclass Residents | USD 11,096 / year (INR 9,21,158) |
Note: USD 1= 82.85 INR as on March 1, 2024
Columbia University Extracurricular Activities
There are several benefits of studying in Columbia University. The percentage of positive response is above 90%.
Sports include:
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Football
- Golf
- Swimming
- Archery
- Basketball
- Fencing
- Squash
- Volleyball
The Club and Activities
- Dance
- Drama
- Music
- Theatre
Famous cafes in the Columbia University campus:
- JJ's Place
- John Jay
- Ferris Booth
Columbia University Gender Ratio
Below table describes the gender ratio of Columbia University students.
| Name | Female | Male | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate School | 4,926 | 4,813 | 9,739 |
| Columbia College | 2,564 | 2,391 | 4,955 |
| Engineering | 855 | 988 | 1,843 |
| General Studies | 1507 | 1,434 | 2,941 |
Columbia University Scholarships Offered
Students are offered multiple scholarship programs for attaining Columbia University masters programs and bachelor programs. The scholarships to study in USA enable the candidates to bear the studying expenses. The details of the Columbia University scholarships offered are:
| Scholarship | Availability | Application | Amount award(in INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Helen Lansdowne Resor Scholarship | Available to women enrolled in Architecture, Business, Communication, etc. | Required | 7.55 lakhs |
| Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships | Minimum 55% in bachelor’s program; At least 3+ years of work experience; Community service experience | Required | Tuition fees; partial living expenses; Healthcare expenses |
| Business Studies Scholarship | Available to Management, Economics, and Marketing students | Not Required | 1.50 lakhs |
| Northwest IB Scholarship | Offered to the first 20 IB School Graduates | Not Required | 0.75 lakhs |
| International Merit Scholarship | Available to International freshmen students | Required | Upto 2.26 lakhs |
| Debesh-Kamal Scholarship for Higher Studies | Below 30 years of age; Preferably enrolling in social science or related program | Required | 1 lakh |
Note: USD 1= 82.85 INR as on March 1, 2024
Columbia University Notable Alumni
Columbia University has a prominent list of alumni including Barack Obama and Theodore Roosevelt (Former Presidents of the U.S.). Few of the benefits of Columbia University Notable Alumni are:
- Insurance Including
- Long term care benefit
- Credit card issued and administered by Bank of America
- Alumni discount on computers and other technology
- Access to on-campus accommodations and guest rooms
- Average of 26% off hotel rates worldwide
- Various Car Rentals available at discounted rates
There are many well known Columbia University notable alumni. The lists of famous alumni of Columbia University include:
- Alan Greenspan (Chairman of U.S. Federal Reserve Bank)
- Eric Holder (Attorney General, U.S.)
- Edwin Armstrong (inventor of FM Radio)
- B.R. Ambedkar (Founding Father of India)
- Jake Gyllenhaal (Actor and Film producer)
- Amelia Earhart (First female aviator to fly solo across Atlantic Ocean)
Placements Offered at Columbia University
According to 2022 Employment Report, 95% of students received offer letters for jobs in USA within 3 months of graduation. The median base salary offered to the MBA graduates was USD 175,000 (INR 1,43,39,010). Through on-campus recruiting, networking, and job postings, Columbia MBA graduates secured full-time positions across a diverse range of businesses and functions worldwide.
| Head | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | 864 |
| Offers Received Within 3 Months from Graduation | 95% |
| Median Base Salary | USD 175,000 (INR 1,45,28,010) |
| Salary Range | USD 52,700 - 400,000 (INR 43,90,041.75 - INR 3,32,06,880) |
| Top Recruiters | McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group, Amazon, Bain & Company, Deloitte Consulting, Goldman Sachs, Google, Credit Suisse, Bank of America, Citi, J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., Morgan Stanley, American Express, etc. |
| Signing Bonus | USD 30,000 (INR 24,99,075) |
Note: USD 1= 82.85 INR as on March 1, 2024
Columbia University vs Cornell University vs Princeton University vs MIT
Columbia University is considered to be one of the top universities in the world. Cornell University, Princeton, MIT: all these are also among the top universities. But Columbia University stands out among them with the lowest tuition fees of $38,806 (INR 32,19,191). Hence, if you are looking for an affordable yet, top tier university, Columbia University can be a good option. If you have the minimum prerequisites, apply now to be a part of it.
| Particulars | Columbia University | Cornell University | Princeton University | MIT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QS World ranking | #23 | #13 | #17 | #1 |
| Acceptance rate | 4.1% | 8.7% | 6% | 5% |
| Tuition fees | USD 38,806 (INR 32,19,191) | USD 65,204 (INR 54,19,757) | USD 59,710 (INR 49,60,791) | USD 59,750 (INR 4,967,916.36) |
| ELP scores |
IELTS: 7.0 TOEFL: 100 DET: 135 |
IELTS: 7.5 TOEFL: 100 |
IELTS: 8.0 TOEFL: 100 |
IELTS- 90 TOEFL- 7.0 |
| Average annual salary | USD 96,000 (INR 79,79,520) | USD 83,861 (INR 69,70,527) | USD 75,000 (INR 62,34,000) | USD 1,08,263 (INR 89,98,821) |
| Top recruiters | Apple, Google, Facebook, IBM | Google, Adobe, Dell, NVIDIA | Abbott, Google, BCG, Meta | Apple, Microsoft, Facebook, NVIDIA |
Note: USD 1= 82.85 INR as on March 1, 2024
Columbia University comprises twenty schools, including four undergraduate and sixteen graduate schools. As the oldest higher education institution in New York and the fifth-oldest in the United States, it is one of the nine colonial colleges established prior to the Declaration of Independence, with seven of them belonging to the Columbia university Ivy leagues.
FAQs
Ques: What GPA do you need to get into Columbia?
Ques: Is it very difficult to get into Columbia University?
Ques: Is Columbia an Ivy League college?
Ques: How can I get admission in Columbia University from India?
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Ques: Is it worth studying at Columbia?
Ques: What is the acceptance rate for Columbia University for Indian students?
Ques: What is the highest package of Columbia University?
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Ques: Does Columbia University require IELTS?
Ques: What is Columbia University's acceptance rate, and how competitive is admission?
Ques: Can students pursue a dual degree or cross-register with other Ivy League schools at Columbia?
Ques: How does Columbia University support research opportunities for undergraduates?
Ques: What is the Core Curriculum at Columbia, and why is it significant?
Ques: How does Columbia University engage with New York City's resources and culture?
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Ques: Can students participate in extracurricular activities while maintaining a challenging academic schedule at Columbia?
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Ques: How is the academic reputation of Columbia University compared to other universities?
Ques: What types of research opportunities are available for undergraduate students at Columbia University?
Ques: What resources are available for career counseling and job placement for Columbia University graduates?
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