🇺🇸United States

Columbia University

US News #12📍 New York City (New York State)

About

Columbia University is situated in Manhattan, New York City. As one of the Ivy League institutions, it is also among the oldest universities in the United States, founded in 1754. Columbia boasts world-class academic strength in fields including journalism (it is the official administrator of the Pulitzer Prize), law, business, and international relations. Located in Morningside Heights in the heart of New York City, students have access to unparalleled internship and career resources. The Core Curriculum is the cornerstone of Columbia's undergraduate education, requiring all students to study classics of Western civilization.

⭐ Highlights

Ivy League institution
Prime location in the heart of New York City
Official administrator of the Pulitzer Prize
#1 ranked journalism school globally
Distinctive Core Curriculum

📚 Top Programs

JournalismLawBusiness AdministrationInternational RelationsEconomicsComputer ScienceBiomedical SciencePolitical Science

💰 Fees

TuitionApproximately $62,000 per year

Living CostsApproximately $25,000 per year

Application DeadlineEarly Decision (ED): November 15, Regular Decision (RD): January 1

💼 Career Outcomes

Graduates have top-tier global employment competitiveness, with a large number of students joining top investment banks, tech giants, management consulting firms, and leading research institutions. Average starting salaries are at the highest level in the industry, and the alumni network spans core positions across all sectors worldwide.

📋 Admission Information

🎓Undergraduate Admission

Item	Requirement
Language Requirement	TOEFL 100+ (iBT/TOEFL iBT Band 5+), IELTS 7.5+
Standardized Tests	SAT 1500-1570 or ACT 34-35 (Test-Optional policy remains in effect)
GPA	Unweighted GPA 3.9+/4.0

📄 Required Materials

Common App / Coalition App

Submit applications via the Common App

Columbia Supplemental Essays

Topics cover "appeal of the Core Curriculum", "New York City resources", "community contributions" and more

Personal Statement

650-word personal statement

Extracurricular Activities

Maximum 10 activities; Columbia values community service and leadership experience

Letters of Recommendation

2 academic letters of recommendation

Transcripts

9th-12th grade academic transcripts

Interview (Optional)

Alumni interview

💡 The acceptance rate for Columbia College and SEAS (School of Engineering and Applied Science) is approximately 5.2%. The Test-Optional policy remains in effect. The Core Curriculum is one of the most distinctive features of the program.

🎯Graduate Admission

Item	Requirement
Language Requirement	TOEFL 105+ (iBT Band 6, no section below 25), IELTS 7.5+
Standardized Tests	Recommended GRE score 325+, business school requires GMAT 730+, Journalism School does not require GRE
GPA	Undergraduate GPA 3.6+/4.0

📄 Required Materials

Online Application

Submit through the corresponding school

Statement of Purpose

Subject to program requirements

CV/Resume

Detailed curriculum vitae

Recommendation Letters

2-3 letters of recommendation

Academic Transcripts

Transcripts for all post-secondary education

Standardized Test Scores

According to program requirements

💡 The Journalism School is the world's top journalism institution; its Master's programs do not require GRE. The acceptance rate for Columbia Law is around 10%.

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