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College

Columbia University

#7 in Best Colleges in America
  • A+
    Overall Grade
  • 4 Year
  • New York, NY
  • 1,147 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
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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 $65,100.
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
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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.
Net Price by Household Income
  • <$30k
    $10,917/ year
  • $30-48k
    $6,596/ year
  • $49-75k
    $7,648/ year
  • $76-110k
    $17,463/ year
  • $110k+
    $42,912/ year
Student Loan Options from Lenders
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  • Rates starting at 4.26% APR + 1% Cash Back
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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
66%
of students agree that it is easy to get the classes they want.90 responses
33%
of students agree that the workload is easy to manage.90 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
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 53 responses
Report
  • Extremely bright and motivated
    30%
  • All of the above.
    28%
  • Competitive
    19%
  • Diligent
    8%
  • Diverse
    4%
  • Pressured
    4%
  • Smart
    4%

Campus Life

Freshmen Live On-Campus
97%
Poll
43%
of students say that Greek life is average, and no one will treat you differently if you don't join.105 responses
Poll
60%
of students say varsity sporting events are attended, but not a huge part of campus life.126 responses
Poll
What one word or phrase best describes your school?
Based on 59 responses
Report
  • Challenging
    59%
  • Passionate
    20%
  • Eye-opening
    8%
  • Forceful.
    3%
  • Fun
    3%
  • Boring
    2%
  • Fast-paced
    2%

After College

Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation
$78,200/ year
National
$33,028
Graduation Rate
95%
National
49%
Employed 2 Years After Graduation
88%
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

1,147 reviews
All Categories
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!
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Columbia University is a quality academic institution which blends the focus of a small campus and the high energy of a big city. Classes can be challenging depending on workload but the ability to build connections with academics and researchers leading their field is top tier. The opportunity for networking that Columbia offers is one of its biggest pros. The student body is relatively diverse and there are many clubs and organizations for minority demographics and interests. Campus provides a quiet space for those concentrating on their studies while still being a quick ride to the entirety of New York City. The university still has to improve the quality of housing and perhaps safety, but for those who want to experience quality education in an exciting urban setting, this institution is a good choice.
Everyone at the school truly cares for the students and their well being as well as their academic success. Great diversity of students where you can meet people from all over the world. Safety precautions they take at the school make me feel protected. Dorm life is amazing, where you feel like family with the students on your floor. All in all it is a wonderful school to be a part of and I find it an honor to be there!