Columbia University: Rankings, Courses & Admissions

Columbia University is prominent among the world’s leading institutions, consistently ranking highly across various global rankings. In 2025, Columbia secured the 13th spot in the U.S. News & World Report and ranked 18th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. These rankings reflect Columbia's ongoing commitment to academic excellence, research innovation, and global impact.​

Here’s a table demonstrating Columbia University’s rankings over the years:

For a comprehensive overview of Columbia University's rankings, visit their official rankings page.​

Top Course-Wise Rankings 2024/25

Columbia University excels across various disciplines, with several programs earning national and global recognition. Here are some of the top course-wise rankings for 2024/25:​

Graduate Programs

Undergraduate Programs

Visit their official rankings page for detailed rankings and more information on Columbia University's programs.

Ready to explore what makes Columbia University a top-ranked institution? Learn more about its prestigious academic programs, world-class faculty, and global reputation. Explore Columbia University’s rankings and see how it stands out among the world’s best.

Now that we've explored the rankings let's take a closer look at the various campuses that contribute to Columbia University's dynamic academic environment.

To seek admission to Columbia University, you must demonstrate exceptional academic abilities, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to contributing meaningfully to its diverse community. With a 4% acceptance rate, admission is highly competitive. Therefore, you must understand the specific requirements before applying.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements are essential as they set the academic and personal standards for applicants, ensuring that students are well-prepared for Columbia's rigorous programs. You must score a 4.0 GPA or 90 % to gain admission to your desired program.

Academic Qualification

Here's a structured table demonstrating admission requirements for undergraduate and graduate programs at Columbia University:

Language Proficiency

Non-native English speakers must demonstrate proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test scores.

Minimum scores are as follows:

For comprehensive requirements, you can refer to Columbia's admissions page.

Visa Requirements

To apply for a student visa for the US, you must present your passport, university acceptance letter, and proof of funds.

The visa requirements are as follows:

For comprehensive and program-specific admission requirements, please visit Columbia University's official admissions page.

Application Deadlines

Please visit Columbia University's official admissions page for comprehensive information on application deadlines and requirements.

Ready to know more about Columbia University? Read our blog on Columbia University Admissions 2025: Process, Requirements & Deadlines to get all the essential details about the application process, important deadlines, and eligibility criteria. Don't miss out, and ensure you're fully prepared to submit a successful application!

Once you're aware of the admissions process, it's essential to consider the financial aspects. Here's an overview of the cost of studying at Columbia University for 2025.

Columbia University's expected cost of attendance for the 2024–2025 academic year is $93,417. Understanding the financial investment required for higher education at Columbia University is essential for a smoother application process. Being aware of tuition fees and living expenses enables better financial planning and decision-making.

Tuition fees vary across different programs at Columbia University. Below is an overview of tuition costs for select courses:

Note: Tuition costs could change depending on the curriculum and enrollment status. The exchange rate used is 1 USD = 74.8 INR.

Living expenses in New York City are significant, and you should carefully consider them to plan your expenses abroad. Estimated annual costs for a single student living off-campus are as follows:

To ease the financial burden, Columbia offers a range of scholarships. Let's explore the scholarships available to students for the upcoming academic year.

Columbia University offers a diverse range of scholarships to support its students in their academic pursuits. More than $200 million in Columbia University scholarships and grants are available.

Administered by the university, these scholarships are available in two categories: internal and external. The university provides internal scholarships, and various other organizations provide external scholarships.

Internal Scholarships

Awarded by Columbia University, Internal scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership, and financial need among students.

External Scholarships

Organizations outside of Columbia University offer external scholarships. These scholarships can supplement financial aid packages and are often based on merit, need, or specific criteria set by the awarding organization.

For a comprehensive list of Columbia University scholarships, including eligibility criteria and application deadlines, students can visit Columbia University's Student Financial Services Scholarships page.

Scholarships aside, it's vital to look at the diverse academic offerings at Columbia. Let's explore the programs and courses you can pursue.

Columbia University offers a comprehensive array of academic programs, encompassing undergraduate, graduate, and three specialized options across diverse fields. With over 100 study areas, you can customize your educational journey to your interests and career goals.

The university's extensive program offerings span various disciplines, including:

Graduate Degrees

• MA (Master of Arts): It focuses on advanced study in humanities and social science fields.
• MS (Master of Science): It is a technical graduate degree in STEM and applied sciences.
• MBA (Master of Business Administration): It is a professional business management degree.
• MPH (Master of Public Health): It is a degree focusing on advanced training in public health practice
• MFA (Master of Fine Arts): It is a terminal degree for creative arts practitioners.
• PhD (Doctor of Philosophy): It is the highest academic degree for research scholars

Undergraduate Degrees 

• BA (Bachelor of Arts): It is a liberal arts degree focusing on humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
• BS (Bachelor of Science): This science-focused degree emphasizes technical and quantitative disciplines.
• BE (Bachelor of Engineering): It is a professional engineering degree with various specializations.
• Joint/Dual Degrees: These combined programs allow students to earn multiple degrees faster.

Professional Degrees

• JD (Juris Doctor): It is a professional law degree for practicing attorneys
• MD (Doctor of Medicine): It is a medical degree for physician training
• DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery): It is a professional degree for dental practitioners
• MArch (Master of Architecture): It is a professional architecture degree
• MSW (Master of Social Work):  It is a professional degree for social work practice

Program Fees at Columbia University

Columbia University’s tuition fees vary significantly by program type and level of study. For the 2025–2026 academic year, undergraduate fees range from 72,000 per year, while graduate and professional programs typically cost between 85,000 annually (approximately INR 55.6 lakhs to INR 70.6 lakhs). Below is a detailed breakdown:

Note: Fees exclude additional costs like housing, health insurance, and materials. For program-specific financial aid details, visit Columbia University Financial Aid.

Now, let’s explore placements at Columbia University in the next section.

Columbia University is famous for its strong academic programs and exceptional career support, ensuring you are well-prepared for the job market. 89% of students receive placement offers after graduating from Columbia.

The university’s dedicated placement cell and career services provide students with the resources, guidance, and networking opportunities needed to secure top-tier employment.

Columbia University’s Career Services team plays a pivotal role in connecting students with leading employers across industries. Columbia University’s placement outcomes are as follows:

• Undergraduate Placement Outcomes: Columbia University reports strong career outcomes, with 92% of undergraduates securing full-time employment within six months of graduation. Salaries range from 65,000 to $120,000 (INR 55,96,274 to INR 10,33,1583).
• Graduate Placement Outcomes: Columbia's graduate programs boast a 94% employment rate within three months, with many graduates joining consulting, finance, and technology sectors. Average salaries range from $68,000 to $78,000  (INR 58,54,564 to 67,15,529), highlighting Columbia’s strong career connections.

Top Recruiters

Columbia University attracts recruiters from globally recognized companies. Some of the top employers hiring Columbia graduates include:

Finance & Consulting

• Goldman Sachs
• Morgan Stanley
• McKinsey & Company
• Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
• J.P. Morgan

Technology

• Google
• Amazon
• Microsoft
• Apple
• IBM

Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals

• Pfizer
• Johnson & Johnson
• Novartis
• Mount Sinai Health System

Media & Entertainment

• The New York Times
• Warner Bros.
• NBCUniversal
• Spotify

Columbia’s strong industry connections and career support ensure that you have access to the best opportunities, helping you launch a successful career in your chosen field.

Now that we've looked at placements, it's time to compare Columbia with two other Ivy League giants, Stanford and Harvard, to see how it stands in relation.

Student life at Columbia University is dynamic and diverse, offering a rich blend of academic, cultural, and extracurricular experiences. Located in the heart of New York City, students have access to world-class resources, including internships, networking opportunities, and a vibrant social scene. Columbia has 500+ student-run clubs, and you can find the most prominent ones below:

• The Columbia Daily Spectator: One of the oldest college newspapers in the U.S.
• Columbia University Orchestra & Bach Society: A premier musical ensemble.
• Columbia Debate Society: A competitive Ivy League debate team.
• Columbia Space Initiative: NASA-affiliated student aerospace group.
• Campus political groups: These include College Democrats, Republicans, and the Roosevelt Institute.
• Cultural organizations: The Korean Student Association (KSA) and the Black Students Organization (BSO) are some of the largest cultural organizations on campus.

Sports Programs & Notable Teams

Columbia competes in the Ivy League (NCAA Division I) with 31 varsity teams. Highlights include:

• Lions Basketball: Historic program with intense rivalries against Princeton and Penn.
• Fencing: Consistently ranked among the nation’s best.
• Heavyweight Rowing: Competes in the prestigious Head of the Charles Regatta.
• Columbia Cheerleading: Performs at major university events.

Beyond varsity sports, students join intramurals (soccer, volleyball, squash) and club teams (ultimate frisbee, rugby). The Dodge Fitness Center provides top-tier training facilities. Columbia’s student life blends academic rigor with NYC energy, ensuring an unforgettable college experience.

Lastly, it’s inspiring to see the successful individuals who have walked the halls of Columbia. Let’s take a look at some of the university's most notable alumni.

Columbia University is ranked fifth in the world, second in North America, and second in the United States based on aggregate alumni prominence. Columbia University has more than 100 famous alumni and over 365,000 in total.

Columbia University’s alumni include the world's most influential leaders, innovators, and creatives across diverse fields. Here are some of its most distinguished graduates:

These alumni highlight Columbia’s legacy of shaping global leaders in law, business, arts, and public service.

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Admission in Columbia University is highly competitive. The Columbia University acceptance rate is 4%. Of the applicants who submitted their test results to Columbia University, half had an ACT score between 34 and 35. This means only 4 out of 100 applicants are accepted by the University. 

Coming to Columbia University fees, to apply to Columbia University, one must pay a nonrefundable application fee of $85 in addition to other requirements. Under no circumstances will the University refund the application fee. Candidates may pay online using an American Express Credit Card, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or an electronic check.