Columbia University in the City of New York is a private nonprofit 4-year college in New York, New York with 8,973 undergraduates. It admits 4% of applicants, costs an average of $15,370 a year after grants and graduates 95% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
Columbia University in the City of New York acceptance rate and admissions
Columbia University in the City of New York admitted 4% of applicants for fall 2024, about 1 in 25. The median acceptance rate at 4-year colleges is 77%.
Test scores: Considered but not required (as reported for fall 2024 admission). That means you can apply without SAT or ACT scores. Check the admissions office for the current policy.
SAT total
1510 to 1580
4001600
ACT composite
34 to 35
136
The colored band is the middle 50% of enrolled students in fall 2024 (reading and writing 740 to 780, math 770 to 800). The tick marks the typical 4-year college. Check how your scores fit.
Columbia University in the City of New York application deadlines 2026-27
Round
Deadline
Early decision
Nov 1, 2026 (passed)
Regular decision
Jan 1, 2027
Next deadline: Regular decision, Jan 1, 2027. Application fee through the Common App: $85 for U.S. applicants. Confirm dates on Columbia University in the City of New York’s admissions page; see every college on the deadline calendar.
Source: Common App 2026-27 first-year deadlines, fees and requirements grid, updated Sep 25, 2026.
Columbia University in the City of New York tuition, cost and net price
Tuition and fees (2025-26)
$74,180
On-campus housing and food (2025-26)
$18,680
Total cost of attendance (2024-25)
$92,198
Average net price after grants (2024-25)
$15,370
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $15,370 a year after grants and scholarships, $76,828 less than the full cost of attendance.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students, by family income (2024-25):
Columbia University in the City of New York graduation rate, earnings and debt
95%finished within 6 years98%came back for year two25%get a Pell Grant
95% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years (students who started in 2019).
Former students earned a median of $109,430 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
Students who completed left with a median of $20,500 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Columbia University in the City of New York$109,430
New York median, private nonprofit 4-year$66,326
U.S. median, private nonprofit 4-year$59,582
Debt compared
Columbia University in the City of New York$20,500
New York median$23,045
U.S. median$23,250
Median debt is 19% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
Columbia University in the City of New York majors and what graduates earn
Columbia University in the City of New York awarded bachelor's degrees in 59 fields recently. The best-paid graduates four years out came from computer engineering ($194,365).
Computer engineering$194,365
Computer science$188,265
Operations Research$167,572
Electrical engineering$143,332
Economics$137,710
Mathematics$117,252
Mechanical engineering$111,491
Civil engineering$108,246
All 59 majors at Columbia University in the City of New York
Four-year earnings: graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, measured in 2022 and 2023, in 2024 dollars. Fields with few graduates have no published earnings.
Graduate programs at Columbia University in the City of New York
168 graduate programs awarded degrees recently. Largest first.
What is the acceptance rate at Columbia University in the City of New York?
Columbia University in the City of New York admitted 4% of applicants for fall 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
How much does Columbia University in the City of New York cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $74,180. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $15,370 a year in 2024-25.
What SAT score do you need for Columbia University in the City of New York?
The middle 50% of enrolled students scored 740 to 780 in reading and writing and 770 to 800 in math, and 34 to 35 on the ACT. Scores inside these ranges are typical for admitted students.
Is Columbia University in the City of New York test-optional?
For fall 2024 admission, Columbia University in the City of New York reported that test scores were: considered but not required. Policies change, so confirm with the admissions office.
What is the graduation rate at Columbia University in the City of New York?
95% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years.
How much do Columbia University in the City of New York graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $109,430 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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