Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Niche: A+

Columbia University in the City of New York has a 4.2% acceptance rate. Columbia University in the City of New York is a private nonprofit 4-year institution in New York, NY, with a median SAT of 1550 and a median ACT of 35. The average net price is $21,590 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Admissions Statistics

Acceptance Rate

4.2%

57,613 applicants

SAT Median

1550

Combined score

ACT Median

35

Composite score

Avg Net Price

$21,590

After financial aid

SAT & ACT Scores at Columbia University in the City of New York

Middle-50% test scores of admitted students at Columbia University in the City of New York (25th to 75th percentile), per federal IPEDS data:

Test25th percentileMedian75th percentile
SAT (total, 400–1600)149015501580
ACT (composite, 1–36)343535

Student Outcomes

Graduation Rate

95.5%

Retention Rate

98.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

$102,491

Student Body

8,973

Net Price by Family Income

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at Columbia University in the City of New York:

Family IncomeAvg Net Price/Year
$0 – $30,000$4,570
$30,001 – $48,000$2,275
$48,001 – $75,000$5,866
$75,001 – $110,000$11,782
$110,000+$50,621

Top Majors at Columbia University in the City of New York

MajorDegrees Awarded
Social Sciences584
Computer & Information Sciences419
Engineering302
Biological & Biomedical Sciences193
English Language & Literature130
Mathematics & Statistics123
Psychology116
Visual & Performing Arts114
History90
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies86

Financial Aid at Columbia University in the City of New York

About Columbia University in the City of New York

Official website: https://www.columbia.edu/

Admissions: https://www.columbia.edu/content/admissions

Frequently Asked Questions About Columbia University in the City of New York

What is the acceptance rate at Columbia University in the City of New York?

Columbia University in the City of New York has an acceptance rate of 4%. it received about 57,613 applications in a recent year; admitted students have a median SAT near 1550; the average net price is $21,590 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to Columbia University in the City of New York for free using your GPA and test scores.

How hard is it to get into Columbia University in the City of New York?

Getting into Columbia University in the City of New York is highly competitive — it admits 4% of applicants. Admitted students typically have a median SAT around 1550. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at Columbia University in the City of New York for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.

What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Columbia University in the City of New York?

Admitted students at Columbia University in the City of New York typically have a median SAT around 1550 and a median ACT around 35. With a 4% acceptance rate, competitive applicants usually score at or above these medians. Columbia University in the City of New York is located in New York, NY. Enter your scores in Admit Coach to see whether you land in the reach, target, or safety range.

How much does it cost to attend Columbia University in the City of New York?

The average net price at Columbia University in the City of New York is $21,590 per year after grants and scholarships. about 56% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $65,173 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.

What is the graduation rate at Columbia University in the City of New York?

Columbia University in the City of New York has a graduation rate of 96%. its first-year retention rate is 98%; median earnings 10 years after enrollment are $102,491. These federal outcome metrics let you compare Columbia University in the City of New York against similar colleges on Admit Coach.

Is Columbia University in the City of New York test-optional?

For the 2025–26 cycle, Columbia University in the City of New York is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Students who do submit scores typically have a median SAT near 1550. With a 4% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors Columbia University in the City of New York's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.

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