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Columbia University

#7 in Best Colleges in America
  • A+
    Overall Grade
  • 4 Year
  • New York, NY
  • 1,165 reviews
    A+
    Overall Niche Grade
    How are grades calculated?
    1. Academics
      A+
    2. Value
      A+
    3. Diversity
      A+
    4. Campus
      A
    5. Athletics
      B+
    6. Party Scene
      A
    7. Professors
      A+
    8. Location
      A+
    9. Dorms
      A-
    10. Campus Food
      A
    11. Student Life
      A+
    12. Safety
      B
    View Full Report Card
    Columbia is an elite private university located in Manhattan, New York in the New York City Area. It is a mid-size institution with an enrollment of 7,592 undergraduate students. Admissions is extremely competitive as the Columbia acceptance rate is only 7%. Popular majors include Economics, Computer Science, and Political Science and Government. Graduating 95% of students, Columbia alumni go on to earn a starting salary of $66,500.
    About Columbia University...
    Athletic Division
    NCAA Division I-FCS
    Athletic Conference
    Ivy League
    Address
    West 116 St and Broadway
    New York, NY 10027
    Website
    columbia.edu
    Work Here? Claim Your College

    Columbia University Rankings

    Niche rankings are based on rigorous analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews.

    Admissions

    Acceptance Rate
    7%
    Application Deadline
    —
    SAT Range
    1410-1570
    ACT Range
    31-34
    Application Fee
    $85
    SAT/ACT
    Required
    High School GPA
    Recommended
    Early Decision/Early Action
    —

    Test Prep

    SAT and ACT Prep Options
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    Cost

    Net Price
    $22,824/ year
    National
    $15,523
    Average cost after financial aid for students receiving grant or scholarship aid, as reported by the college.
    Average Total Aid Awarded
    $49,185/ year
    National
    $7,535
    Students Receiving Financial Aid
    59%

    Academics

    Professors
    A+
    Based on faculty accomplishments, salary, student reviews, and additional factors.
    Student Faculty Ratio
    6:1
    Evening Degree Programs
    No
    87%
    of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.91 responses
    65%
    of students agree that it is easy to get the classes they want.94 responses
    33%
    of students agree that the workload is easy to manage.94 responses
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    Majors

    Most Popular Majors
    • Economics
      296 Graduates
    • Computer Science
      207 Graduates
    • Political Science and Government
      205 Graduates
    • Research and Experimental Psychology
      121 Graduates
    • History
      97 Graduates
    • Biology
      91 Graduates
    • Engineering
      82 Graduates
    • English
      82 Graduates
    • Philosophy
      75 Graduates
    • Mathematics
      67 Graduates

    Students

    Full-Time Enrollment
    7,592Undergrads
    Part-Time Undergrads
    578
    Undergrads Over 25
    11%
    Pell Grant
    17%
    Varsity Athletes
    10%
    Poll
    What one word or phrase best describes the typical student at this school?
    Based on 57 responses
    Report
    • Extremely bright and motivated
      30%
    • All of the above.
      28%
    • Competitive
      18%
    • Diligent
      7%
    • Pressured
      5%
    • Smart
      5%
    • Diverse
      4%

    Campus Life

    Freshmen Live On-Campus
    97%
    Poll
    42%
    of students say that Greek life is average, and no one will treat you differently if you don't join.109 responses
    Poll
    59%
    of students say varsity sporting events are attended, but not a huge part of campus life.130 responses
    Poll
    What one word or phrase best describes your school?
    Based on 63 responses
    Report
    • Challenging
      56%
    • Passionate
      21%
    • Eye-opening
      8%
    • Fun
      5%
    • Fast-paced
      3%
    • Forceful.
      3%
    • Boring
      2%

    After College

    Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation
    $83,300/ year
    National
    $33,028
    Graduation Rate
    95%
    National
    49%
    Employed 2 Years After Graduation
    89%
    National
    83%
    88%
    of students feel confident they will find a job in their field after graduation.52 responses
    Colleges like Columbia University
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    Columbia University Reviews

    1,165 reviews
    All Categories
    I really feel included as a member of the Columbia family! There are numerous useful resources for you to explore, either student organizations to meet new people, on-campus job opportunities, concern for student safety, etc. I love the university on being clear of the steps of everything you are going to be involved, quick in response, and the people being friendly.
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    I visited Columbia at the end of March with a group and loved the vibe of the campus. Although I want to be as close as I can to or in the city, my ideal college campus needs look like a university setting. NYU, on the other hand, is right in the middle of the city and sometimes you can't tell where the buildings are without the NYU flags. I liked Columbia much better in that sense and I personally do not need to vouch for the education standard because we all know an ideal place to go for an intelligent, hard working student. Walking around the main area made me feel like I belonged there!
    I met with very intelligent and interesting people, whom I still admire and get connected with. The curriculum is intense and you'll find yourself spending many nights studying. What you get out is extremely rewarding and you'll see the value of your education in your career. One thing I would change about Columbia is the curriculum. The intensity of each and every course along with the efforts on building a career or graduate school preparation is, in general, more than one can handle. I found myself learning little from some of my courses as I had to rush to complete my projects, tests, and other coursework. For an institution that holds learning as the highest priority, this has to change.