Columbia University logo

Columbia University

New York, NY, USA · Ranking #6

Columbia University is an Ivy League private research university located in New York City. Founded in 1754, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in the United States. Columbia is renowned for its rigorous academic programs, influential research, and global impact across fields such as business, law, journalism, medicine, engineering, and international affairs. The university is home to the Pulitzer Prize and has produced numerous Nobel laureates, world leaders, and industry innovators. Its location in Manhattan provides unparalleled access to global organizations, financial institutions, media companies, and cultural centers. Columbia emphasizes critical thinking, leadership, and interdisciplinary education.

Columbia University logo

Columbia University

About the university

Columbia University is an Ivy League private research university located in New York City. Founded in 1754, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in the United States. Columbia is renowned for its rigorous academic programs, influential research, and global impact across fields such as business, law, journalism, medicine, engineering, and international affairs. The university is home to the Pulitzer Prize and has produced numerous Nobel laureates, world leaders, and industry innovators. Its location in Manhattan provides unparalleled access to global organizations, financial institutions, media companies, and cultural centers. Columbia emphasizes critical thinking, leadership, and interdisciplinary education.

Key information

  • Location: New York, NY, USA
  • Ranking #6
  • QS #23
  • THE #17
  • US News #12
  • National ranking #5
  • Institution type: private

Popular faculties

  • Business
  • Law
  • Journalism
  • Engineering
  • International Relations

Programs (40)

  • Law
  • Business Administration
  • Journalism and Communication
  • Economics
  • Computer Science
  • International Relations
  • Political Science
  • History
  • Philosophy
  • Medicine
  • Nursing
  • Pharmacy
  • Dentistry
  • Veterinary Science
  • Psychology
  • Civil Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Telecommunications
  • Public Health
  • Biochemistry
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Mathematics
  • Environmental Science
  • Political Science
  • International Relations
  • Sociology
  • Anthropology
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Finance and Accounting
  • Marketing
  • Tourism and Hospitality
  • Linguistics
  • Fine Arts
  • Music

Student body

  • Total students: 36,000
  • Undergraduate: 8,800
  • Graduate: 27,200
  • International students: 34%

Campus life

Columbia University offers a dynamic urban campus experience in the heart of New York City. With hundreds of student organizations, students engage in academic, cultural, professional, and social activities. The campus blends historic architecture with modern facilities and provides access to world-class museums, theaters, and global companies. Students benefit from networking opportunities, internships, and cultural diversity. The university has a strong tradition of intellectual debate, leadership, and civic engagement, creating a highly stimulating academic environment.

Housing & accommodation

Housing cost: $1,200 - $3,200 / per month

Housing options

  • Undergraduate residence halls (John Jay, Carman, Hartley)
  • Columbia Residential apartments
  • University-managed off-campus housing
  • Graduate student housing (Morningside Heights)

Student clubs and organizations

  • Columbia Daily Spectator
  • Columbia University Players
  • Blue and White (literary magazine)
  • Columbia Political Review
  • Philolexian Society
  • Columbia Space Initiative
  • First-Generation Low-Income Partnership

Sports

  • Football
  • Basketball
  • Rowing
  • Fencing
  • Swimming
  • Soccer
  • Tennis
  • Track & Field
  • Wrestling
  • Cross Country

Career & internships

Employment rate: 95%

Partner companies

  • Goldman Sachs
  • Google
  • McKinsey
  • JPMorgan Chase
  • Amazon
  • Microsoft
  • Deloitte

Internships: Columbia provides exceptional internship opportunities благодаря its location in New York City. Students intern at leading financial institutions, media companies, law firms, NGOs, and tech firms. The Center for Career Education offers career advising, internship placement support, networking events, and employer connections. Many programs integrate internships or research opportunities, giving students practical experience and strong career prospects.

Admission requirements

Required tests

  • SAT
  • ACT
  • TOEFL
  • IELTS

Required documents

  • Application Form
  • Academic Transcripts
  • GPA
  • Personal Essays
  • Letters Of Recommendation
  • Extracurricular Activities
  • English Proficiency Test (TOEFL/IELTS)

Minimum GPA: 3.9

Tuition costs

  • $65,524 - $70,000 / per year
  • Acceptance rate: 3.90%
  • Scholarships available: Columbia University offers extensive financial aid primarily based on demonstrated need. The university practices need-blind admissions for domestic students and meets 100% of demonstrated financial need without loans for many students. Financial aid packages include grants, scholarships, and work-study opportunities. While international students are not fully covered under need-blind policies, they may still receive significant need-based aid. Columbia also offers fellowships and departmental funding for graduate students, especially in research and professional programs.

Quick facts

  • Founded: 1754
  • Teaching languages: English, english
  • Study formats: offline, hybrid

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