Columbia University
New York, NY
3.9%
Acceptance Rate
$65,524
Avg Cost (In-State)
$65,524
Avg Cost (Out-of-State)
95%
Graduation Rate
36,649
Total Enrollment
Popular programs
Application requirements
Regular Deadline
January 1
Early Deadline
November 1 (Early Decision)
Common App
Yes
Test Policy
Test Optional
Essays Required
4
Letters of Rec
3
Application Fee
$85
Interview
Not required
Essays: Common App personal essay plus 3 Columbia-specific short essays including 'Why Columbia' and list questions about activities, readings, and interests
Note: Mid-year school report required; counselor recommendation separate from teacher recommendations
Requirements are AI-generated from public data and may change. Always verify directly with the college.
Getting there
Graduate outcomes
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard
$88,535
Median Earnings at 6 Years
median graduate salary 6 years after starting
$102,491
Median Earnings at 10 Years
median graduate salary 10 years after starting
96%
4-Year Graduation Rate
students completing degree within 4 years
Earnings data: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Figures reflect federal aid recipients only — actual median earnings may be higher at schools where many students receive grants rather than loans.
Earnings by major
Median earnings 1 year after graduation, by bachelor's program. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard FieldOfStudy data.
| Program | Median earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Political Science and Government. | $61,077 | $100,245 | 187 |
| Computer Science. | $118,636 | $188,265 | 186 |
| Economics. | $83,135 | $137,710 | 157 |
| Research and Experimental Psychology. | $53,156 | $86,946 | 78 |
| History. | $53,828 | $98,079 | 72 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | $35,838 | $59,396 | 51 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | $72,036 | $111,491 | 47 |
| Area Studies. | $41,479 | $96,884 | 41 |
Tracked through federal tax records. Programs with fewer than 30 graduates with reported earnings are privacy-suppressed. 4-year figure tracks the same cohort 3 years later.
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