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    Columbia University, New York

    New York City, New York | Estd in 1896 | Private University

    THE Rank : 11 | QS Rank : 22

    Updated onNov 1, 2023 07:55 AM IST
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    About Columbia University

    Columbia University is a private Ivy League research university and is the oldest institution of higher education in New York. The university was established in the year 1754 and recognised as the number 1 Law university in the United States of America. 

    Columbia University student-faculty ratio is 6:1, Which suggests a close proximity among teachers and students. Columbia University Ivy League offers more than 3700 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes for students applying in chemistry, business administration, design studies, law, finance, computer science, psychology, and other Columbia University courses.

    Columbia University acceptance rate is only 4%, which makes it extremely competitive for international students. Overseas candidates seeking a wonderful career opportunity at Columbia must demonstrate an exceptional study background to get selected for the university. Applicants with strong academic profiles and English language skills are advised to apply for Columbia University admission before the deadlines. Candidates can demonstrate their command of the English language through IELTS, TOEFL-iBT, Cambridge English: C2 Proficiency, DET, and Cambridge English: C1 Proficiency certificates. 

    Columbia University is among the priciest universities in the USA, however, the institution offers a wide range of need-based scholarships for international students. For the academic year 2023–2024, the first-year tuition cost for overseas students attending the institution is approximately $65,000 per year. 

    Columbia University has over 30,000 students enrolled in its undergraduate, graduate, and professional programmes. Over 17,000 international students and scholars are enrolled at Columbia to varied degrees, according to the official report for 2022–2023. International students represent 27% of all undergraduate students, representing 145 different nationalities. 

    Columbia has a distinguished alumni network, including nine U.S. presidents, 100 Nobel Prize laureates, and numerous Pulitzer Prize winners. Columbia is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world. In the 2024 QS World University Rankings, Columbia is ranked 23rd in the world. Columbia University is a world-class institution that offers students an unparalleled educational experience. Its graduates go on to successful careers in all fields.

    Among its illustrious alumni are nine U.S. presidents, one hundred Nobel laureates, and many Pulitzer Prize winners. Being a top-tier university, Columbia University provides students with a distinctive and rewarding learning environment.

    Columbia University Overview

    • Columbia University campus was moved to Morningside Heights at 116th Street and Broadway in 1897, where it is currently running in its present campus with well structured academic buildings, libraries well equipped with a huge collection of books and other informative resources, classrooms and labs enabled with best equipment etc.
    • Columbia University has a number of schools under its administration including Columbia College, Columbia Engineering, School of General Studies, Columbia Business School, College of Dental Medicine, Columbia Journalism School, Columbia Law School, Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, School of the Arts, School of International and Public Affairs, School of Nursing, School of Professional Studies, School of Social Work and Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.
    • Other schools which are affiliated with Columbia University are Barnard College, Teachers College, Union Theological Seminary and Jewish Theological Seminary.
    • Columbia University ranks among the top universities and colleges of the United States.

    Columbia University Highlights

    not-found
    Year of Establishment1896
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    Institute TypeUniversity
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    OwnershipPrivate
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    Number Of Students8902
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    Faculty Count7010
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    Acceptance Rate5%
    Bachelors vs Masters
    Gender Ratio
    Male: 51%Female: 49%
    Male: 51%Female: 49%
    Student Demographic
    • Domestic:   7389
    • International:   1513

    Columbia University Ranking and Stats

    As per Columbia University rankings, the university is listed 12 globally according to the 2024 report of US News & World Report rankings of National Universities. The university also ranked 23 in the 2024 QS World University Rankings. In the year 2024, the Times Higher Education has listed Columbia University in 17 position among the 1,904 world universities across 108 countries and regions. 

    The University is also highly ranked for its strong academics across a wide range of disciplines and courses. In 2024, some of the popular Columbia University courses are ranked among the top 5 courses in the US including Law, Business, Medicine, Journalism, and Economics.

    Ranking Body
    THE
    Subject
    Overall

    Parametric Score and Ranking 2023

    Overall Score89.4
    Overall Rank11
    Parameter Ranking
    Citations
    97.1
    Industry Outcome
    44.8
    International Outlook
    79.9
    Research
    87.7
    Teaching
    89.4

    Ranking by year

    Ranking

    Show adjacently ranked institutions

    Score
    Rank
    Columbia University, New York
    Adjacently Ranked Colleges

    Columbia University Courses

    Columbia University Ivy League offers more than 3700 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes for students applying in chemistry, business administration, design studies, law, finance, computer science, psychology, and other Columbia University courses. Some of the popular courses of the university are ranked among the top 5 programmes in the United States. 

    Columbia University is also noted for its excellent multidisciplinary curricula, such as the Core Curriculum, which is compulsory for all undergraduates. Some of the popular Columbia University courses include Engineering, Electrical engineering, Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, and Data science. In addition to its traditional degree programmes, Columbia University also offers a variety of online courses and certificate programmes for students to learn new skills or advance their careers.

    Accreditation
    Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
    Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME)
    Education Level
    Select
    Stream
    Select
    Mode
    Select
    LevelUG
    MajorGeneral
    Duration60 Months
    LevelPG
    MajorFilm
    Duration36 Months
    LevelPG
    MajorDirection
    Duration36 Months
    LevelPG
    MajorTheatre
    Duration36 Months
    LevelPG
    MajorFilm,
    Duration36 Months
    LevelPG
    MajorVisual
    Duration24 Months

    Columbia University Affiliated Colleges

    Columbia University Cost Of Living

    Columbia University tuition fee for international students varies depending on their course selection. For the academic year 2023-2024, the university charges approximately $65,000 for undergraduate admission and approximately $62,000-$78,000 for international postgraduate candidates. All students must register online through Student Services Online (SSOL) and make the required payment before the due date. However, students who register after the scheduled period are charged a late registration fee of $100.

    Is it expensive to study at the university?

    Yes, it is expensive for international students to study at Columbia University. The university charges approximately $65,000 for each international candidate seeking admission to the university's undergraduate courses. Apart from the annual tuition fee, the candidates must take care of the essential living costs and course requirements including food, lodging, transportation, books, and others to complete their programme. 

    Columbia University Cost of Living

    Category

    Costs

    Rent, Utilities, and Food

    $22,005

    Commuting

    $1,287

    Books

    $1,400

    Student Activity Fee

    $98

    Career Education Fee

    $51

    Printing Fee

    $42

    Columbia University Admission and Application

    Application deadline December,2023

    Columbia University acceptance rate is only 4%, which makes it extremely difficult for international students to get accepted into university programmes. The university courses are available to students, and all application forms are accepted through its official application platform, which is known as the Coalition Application, Common Application, or QuestBridge Application. Students seeking admission must apply and submit all required documentation. In some situations, applicants may additionally be required to submit exam results and attend an interview. 

    Documents required for admission to Columbia University: 

    International students are required to upload the following documents to send their candidature as an international aspirant: 

    Columbia University Application Fees: All international applicants applying for undergraduate programmes must pay a non-refundable fee of $85 to submit their application forms. Students can make the required payment online using an electronic check or Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express credit card.

    Columbia University Application Deadlines: Columbia University application deadlines for first-year students for the years 2023-2024 are given below:

    • Early Decision: November 1

    • Regular Decision: January 1


    Columbia University Scholarship

    Columbia University scholarships are available for all international students irrespective of their economic background and citizenship status. All admitted first-year students will have 100% of their demonstrated needs met by Columbia. To apply for any of Columbia University's scholarships or fellowships, students must submit a separate application.  Annually, a significant amount of financial aid is applied for and awarded to international students; for the 2022–2023 academic year, international financial aid will exceed $19 million. Some of the popular Columbia University scholarships for international students include:

    • Columbia University Scholarship for Displaced Students

    • Shardashish Fellowship

    • JN Tata Endowment Scholarship

    • Narotam Sekhsaria Scholarship

    • Inlaks Scholarships

    • Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program

    Columbia University Eligibility

    International candidates seeking admission to the University of Columbia must complete the following academic requirements to get admission at the university.

    Academic Requirements for International Undergraduates

    • A high school diploma or its equivalent from an approved institution is required of applicants.

    • Applicants should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. 

    • Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through one of the following tests: TOEFL iBT, IELTS, SAT, and ACT. 

    Academic Requirements for International Graduate Students

    • Applicants must have a bachelor's degree or equivalent credential from an accredited institution.

    • Applicants should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. 

    • Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through one of the following tests: TOEFL iBT, IELTS, SAT, and ACT.

    English language requirements 

    Columbia University requires international applicants who are not native English speakers to establish their English language proficiency (ELP) before granting them admission. The following standard tests must be completed with a minimum score in order to be eligible:

    Columbia University English Language Proficiency (ELP) Test Scores

    Test

    Score

    IELTS

    7.5

    TOEFL Internet Based Test (IBT) 

    105

    DET (Duolingo English Test)

    135

    Cambridge English C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency

    191


    Columbia University Campus Life

    • Students who apply to Columbia University campus life have year-round access to the university's campus facilities. These fantastic Columbia University facilities will enhance students’ campus life.
    • There are eateries available at Ferris Booth Commons, JJ's Place, John Jay Dining Hall, and Columbia Dining @ Faculty House
    • More than 500 Columbia University Ivy League student organizations and clubs like the Alianza, Phi Gamma Delta, National Residence Hall Honorary, SHARP, and Venom Step.
    • Sports clubs for Archery, Lacrosse, Golf, Rowing, and more.

    Columbia University Campus Facilities

    Hostel

    Boys Hostel

    On-campus accommodation is a provided facility to its students. There are approximately 94 percent of all undergraduates and 99 percent of all first-year students live in residence halls. The students have around 19 undergraduate residence halls like Furnald Hall, Harmony Hall, John Jay Hall, Mc Bain Hall, and more. There are also 18 brownstones also traditional residential settings as well as special living communities to stay. The rates are in the range of $10,416 to $11,600.

    Every first and second-year student is required to live on campus unless they meet one of the exemption categories:

    • Living in Richland or Lexington county with your parent(s)/guardian(s).
    • Living with your spouse and/or children.
    • 21 years or older.

    Girls Hostel

    Columbia University has more than 30 undergraduate residential halls under its administration which are provided with necessary facilities and comfort.

    Study Amenities

    Library

    The University of Columbia Libraries includes Avery Architectural & Fine Arts Library, Burke Library at Union Theological Seminary, Business & Economics Library in Uris, Business Library at Manhattanville, Butler Library, and more. Social Work Library is a world-class academic system of library and research that creates, sustains, and makes discoverable collections that cross traditional boundaries of format and domain. The collection of the Libraries includes resources in over 450 languages and primary source materials spanning over 4,000 years of human thought. The collection includes 13 million volumes, over 160,000 journals and serials, and extensive electronic resources, as well as manuscripts, rare books, microforms, maps, and graphic and audio-visual materials.

    Columbia University facilities at the libraries include-

    • Use, borrow, request, and renew books from the libraries
    • Make use of the many E-resources available
    • Ask a Librarian
    • Access Alumni resources
    • Many services and tools for students are available
    Sports

    Sports

    Columbia University New York is very invested in the welfare of its students' health. The university has Columbia University Athletics which has sports like Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Fencing, Football, and more for men, and Archery, Lacrosse, Golf, Rowing, and more for women.

    There is P.E. and recreation which consists of classes, fitness center memberships, club sports outdoor activities, individual sports, intramurals, camps, fitness, wellness for students, and more.

    Gym

    The University of Columbia has two fully-equipped gyms with regular fitness programs, and these include




    • The Dodge Fitness Center provides students with the following facilities within memberships
      • Access to the tri-level fitness center, open 114 hours per week during the academic year and 90 hours during the summer
      • Access to an eight-lane, 25-yard swimming pool
      • Access to our indoor running track
      • Access to open recreation hours in Levien and Blue Gymnasiums, as well as squash/racquetball courts
      • Free equipment checkout
      • Towel and locker service (additional fee may apply)
      • And personal trainers, classes, and group sports programs for additional fees
    • 50 Haven Athletic Center
      • Locker rooms, restrooms, and sauna
      • Cardio room
      • Aerobics room
      • Free weight room
      • Strength training room
      • Pool
      • Basketball court
      • Squash court
    Differently Abled

    Physical Challenged Student

    Disabled students are provided with many facilities and include-

    • Extended time for tests
    • Learning Center
    • Registration and seating priority
    • Reading machines
    • Substitution Courses
    • Provision of scribes
    • Adaptive equipment
    • Braille
    • Interpreters for hearing-impaired
    Infrastructure

    Cafeteria

    Columbia Dining is dedicated to one thing: delicious food. This enthusiasm pervades every aspect of the university’s business and every delectable meal they serve. It is what drives the university’s daily decisions, from the nutritious, high-quality ingredients they use to the sustainable practices woven into every aspect of the business. The food is locally sourced, and home cooked with keen attention paid to nutrition, food allergy, and special diets. The university also has special culinary chefs and are also advocates of sustainability and resource management.

    Food outlets include dining Halls like

    • Ferris Booth Commons
    • JJ's Place
    • John Jay Dining Hall
    • Columbia Dining @ Faculty House
    • Chef Mike's Sub Shop
    • Chef Don's Pizza Pi

    The students are also offered on-Campus Meal Plan Costs

    • 19 meals/week: $2,185 (Required for First Years)
    • 15 meals/week: $2,125
    • 10 meals/week: $2,000 (Seniors Only)
    • 5 meals/week: $900 (Commuters Only)

    Medical/Hospital

    Students are provided Insurance, Health services, Nonremedial tutoring, and Placement service to live a healthy campus life.

    Columbia University International Office Details

    Columbia University acceptance rate is a mere 4%, therefore, International students find it very challenging to be accepted into university programmes at Columbia. According to the 2022-2023 official report, more than 17,000 international students and scholars are enrolled at Columbia to varying degrees. 27% of the total undergraduate student population is covered by overseas learners across 145 nationalities. International students seeking assistance with Columbia University admission can International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) for queries regarding student visas, maintaining their status, etc. 

    Is it hard to get into Columbia University as an international student? 

    Yes, admission into Columbia University is very competitive for international students. Students with strong academic records and stellar student profiles are admitted to Columbia because of the university's extremely low acceptance rate. In addition to having a GPA of at least 3.0, applicants must exhibit their ELP abilities in order to be admitted to Columbia University.

    Columbia University Gallery

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    Gallery

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    FAQ's

    No, it's commonly believed that Columbia is easier to get into than Harvard. Harvard and Columbia have different admission rates for the class of 2027: 3.4% and 4%, respectively. This indicates that compared to Columbia, Harvard admitted a lower proportion of its candidates.

    Candidates must have a 3.0 GPA score on a scale of 4 to get admission to Columbia. However, candidates with a GPA score of 3.5 or higher are generally preferred.

    Both Harvard University and Columbia University are renowned Ivy League schools of the highest calibre. Harvard routinely receives higher ranks than Columbia in academic publications. Harvard is ranked #3 and Columbia is placed 18 in the 2023 U.S. News & World Report rankings of national institutions.

    Yes, Columbia University acceptance rate is only 4%, which suggests the highly selective mode of admission for international students. International students must demonstrate an exceptional academic profile to get admission to Columbia.

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