Columbia University, located in New York City. It is one of the vine League institutions and among the top-ranked universities in the world. Columbia University is known for its rigorous academics, prestigious faculty, and strong research programs.
Highlights of Columbia University
Founded |
1754 |
Location |
Manhattan, New York City |
Type |
Private Ivy League University |
Total Enrollment |
35,000 students |
International Students |
40% of the student body |
Motto |
"In lumine Tuo videbimus lumen" |
Academics & Rankings
Popular Programs at Columbia University
Computer Science & Engineering
Business & Finance
Law
Medicine
Political Science & International Relations
Journalism
Student Life & Campus
Urban Campus in Manhattan, NYC
Over 500+ student organizations
Ivy League athletics
Diverse international student community
Access to NYC’s top internships & career opportunities
Columbia University Rankings
3in National Universities
7 in Global Universities
5 in Business & Finance
6 in Law School Rankings
Famous Alumni
Barack Obama – 44th U.S. President
Theodore Roosevelt – 26th U.S. President
Ruth Bader Ginsburg – Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice
Eric Holder – Former U.S. Attorney General
Warren Buffett – CEO of Berkshire Hathaway
Richard Axel – Nobel Laureate in Medicine
Robert A. Millikan – Nobel Prize in Physics
Jack Steinberger – Nobel Prize in Physics
Langston Hughes – Legendary poet and leader of the Harlem Renaissance
Jack Kerouac – Beat Generation writer
Hunter S. Thompson – Founder of Gonzo Journalism
Maggie Gyllenhaal – Actress
Casey Neistat – YouTuber & filmmaker
Alicia Keys – Grammy-winning singer-songwriter
Art Garfunkel – Musician
Leonard Cohen – Legendary singer-songwriter
Lou Gehrig – Baseball Hall of Famer
Kaitlyn Jenner – Olympic gold medalist
Important dates of Columbia University
Regular Decision – Non-Binding
Application Deadline: January 1, 2025
Financial Aid Deadline: February 15, 2025
Decision Notification: Late March 2025
Enrollment Deposit Due: May 1, 2025
Transfer Admissions
Application Deadline: March 1, 2025
Decision Notification: Mid-May 2025
Columbia Business School
Round 1 Deadline: September 2024
Round 2 Deadline: January 2025
Round 3 Deadline: April 2025
Columbia Law School
Application Opens: September 2024
Deadline: February 2025
Application Process for Columbia University (2025-2026)
Choose Your Application Plan
Columbia offers two application plans:
Regular Decision – Deadline: January 1, 2025
Complete the Online Application
Columbia accepts applications via:
Common Application
Coalition Application
Application Fee: $85
Submit Required Documents
High School Transcript
Counselor Recommendation & School Report
Two Teacher Evaluations
Columbia-Specific Essays & Short Answers
Standardized Tests (Optional for 2025) – SAT/ACT not required but accepted
English Proficiency Test (For International Students) – TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo
Submit Financial Aid Documents
U.S. Students: FAFSA + CSS Profile
International Students: CSS Profile + Supporting Documents
Track Your Application
After submission, you will receive access to Columbia’s Applicant Portal to check your status.
Decision Notification & Enrollment
Early Decision Results: Mid-December 2024
Regular Decision Results: Late March 2025
Commitment Deposit Due: May 1, 2025
Transfer Student Application Process
Eligibility:
Completed one full year of college coursework
Strong academic record in college
Application Deadline:
March 1, 2025
Required Documents:
Common App
College Transcripts
High School Transcript
Two Academic Recommendations
College Report & Mid-Term Report
Decision Notification:
Mid-May 2025
Graduate & Professional School Applications
Columbia’s graduate schools have different deadlines and requirements. You must apply directly to the specific school or program via their application portals.
Examples of Graduate Programs
Columbia Business School
Columbia Law School
General Graduate Requirements:
Online Application
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university
Transcripts
Statement of Purpose
Letters of Recommendation
GRE/GMAT
TOEFL/IELTS
Documents required for Columbia University
Required Documents:
Completed Online Application
High School Transcript
School Report & Counselor Recommendation
Two Teacher Recommendation Letters
Columbia-Specific Essays & Short Answers
Standardized Test Scores SAT/ACT
Mid-Year School Report
Application Fee: $85
Optional Documents:
Supplementary Materials
Resume (If you have notable extracurricular, internships, or research experience)
Transfer Student Admissions
Required Documents:
Completed Common App
Official College Transcripts
High School Transcript
College Report
Two Academic Recommendation Letters
Mid-Term Report
Columbia-Specific Essays
English Proficiency, Test for International Students – TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo
Application Fee: $85
Fee Structure of Columbia University
Tuition |
$68,400 |
Mandatory Fees |
$3,100 |
Housing & Meals |
$16,500 |
Books & Supplies |
$1,400 |
Personal Expenses |
$3,000 |
Health Insurance |
~$4,000 |
Total Estimated Cost |
~$93,000 per year |
Columbia University Famous for
Columbia is a top-ranked Ivy League university known for its rigorous academics and highly competitive admissions.
Ranked among the top 10 universities worldwide
Oldest higher education institution in New York
Columbia is a leader in scientific, medical, and technological research.
Nobel Prize Winners – Over 100 faculty and alumni have won Nobel Prizes
Medical Breakthroughs – Columbia researchers contributed to DNA research, MRI technology, and cancer treatments
Artificial Intelligence & Data Science Hub – Home to the Columbia Data Science Institute
Journalism & Media Excellence
Columbia is home to the prestigious Columbia School of Journalism, which administers the Pulitzer Prize—one of the highest honors in journalism.
Top journalism program in the world
Pulitzer Prize administration since 1917
Alumni include top journalists, editors, and media executives
Business & Finance Influence
Columbia Business School is one of the world’s top MBA programs, producing global business leaders.
Focus on entrepreneurship, finance, and global business
Political & Legal Impact
Famous Alumni: Barack Obama, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt
Top-ranked law faculty with global influence
Strong network in government and policy-making
Arts, Film & Entertainment
Hollywood & Broadway Connections – Many actors, directors, and producers are Columbia alumni
Columbia MFA in Film – One of the best film programs in the world
Global & Cultural Hub
Located in New York City, giving students unmatched access to internships, culture, and networking
One of the most diverse Ivy League schools, with students from over 150 countries
FAQs
Ques. What is the acceptance rate at Columbia University?
Ans. It is around 3.9%
Ques. Where is Columbia University located?
Ans. New York City, Upper Manhattan
Ques. Can students double major or have minors?
Ans. Yes
Ques. Does Columbia have study-abroad programs?
Ans. Paris, London, Hong Kong