THE BEST COLLEGES IN AMERICA

Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY http://columbia.edu/

Awarded one of America’s Best Colleges

Columbia University is one of the more expensive colleges in the Ivy League, in part because it's in one of the world's most expensive cities.

But Columbia's Manhattan location also provides its roughly 9,000 undergraduates with extraordinary opportunities, including proximity to top cultural attractions and access to countless internship opportunities. The location also helps draw world-class scholars, such as Nobel Prize-winning economists Edmund Phelps and Joseph Stiglitz.

The first two years of study at Columbia, during which Columbia College and Columbia Engineering students must dive into the school's celebrated Core Curriculum, can be especially challenging. Even so, more than 9 out of 10 freshmen go on to earn a degree within six years. Columbia students then post average earnings of $97,500 a decade after enrolling.

Previous students include former President Barack Obama, investor Warren Buffett and comedian Jenny Slate. And that’s not its only claim to fame: You can spot Columbia’s campus in scores of films, including the original Ghostbusters, Tobey Macguire’s Spider-Man, Hitch and Kill Your Darlings.

Costs

Est. full price 2023-2024: $86,500

% of students who get any grants: 60%

Est. price for students who receive aid: $13,300

Average price for low-income students: N/A

NET PRICE CALCULATOR

Admissions

Acceptance rate: 4%

GPA: N/A

Median SAT/ACT score: 1520/35

SAT/ACT required?: No

Undergraduate enrollment: 8,830

Financial Aid

% of students with need who get grants: 99%

% of need met: 100%

% of students who get merit grants: N/A

Average merit grant: N/A

Student Success

Graduation rate: 93%

Average time to a degree: 4.1 years

Median student debt: $21,500

Early career earnings: $97,500

% earning more than a high school grad: 83%

Notes: Prices reflect in-state charges for public universities. Students who get merit grants are full-time undergraduates who had no financial need and were awarded grants. Graduation rate measures degree completion within six years for both transfer students and first-time students. Early career earnings are the median earnings for both graduates and non-completers, 10 years after they first enrolled.

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, Peterson’s, Money/Witlytic calculations.

Columbia University in the City of New York tuition and fees

Estimated cost and due date

Tuition and fees at Columbia University in the City of New York amount to $66,139. Remember that you’ll also need to consider room and board, books, and living expenses while enrolled.

The due date for Fall is July 31, 2023. However, it's always a good idea to check the university's official calendar or your student portal regularly for any changes. Late payments may incur extra fees.

Feeling overwhelmed by the cost? That’s understandable; college can be expensive, but there are a variety of financial aid sources you can access, including student loans, grants, and scholarships. Here is a brief overview of the available options; for a more comprehensive step-by-step, read our How to Pay for College guide.

Exploring financial aid options at Columbia University in the City of New York

Scholarships and grants

The typical grant aid for undergraduates at Columbia University in the City of New York is $46,156, which is composed of awards from federal, state, local and college programs. The federal Pell Grant, which is given to those with lower incomes, is one of the most common sources of college aid. Approximately 23% of students at Columbia University in the City of New York are recipients of a Pell Grant. To be eligible for Pell Grants and other types of financial aid, you must fill out the FAFSA.

State grants

Most states have programs to assist students with college expenses. Generally, these awards are only available to those living in the state and attending a college there, but it's worth looking into the eligibility requirements of your home state. For example, in New York, residents can qualify for the Excelsior Scholarship and other programs.

University scholarships, aka institutional aid

At Columbia University in the City of New York, the majority of freshmen (52%) receive a scholarship from the school, with an average award of $53,589. This type of financial aid is known as merit-based aid — which is distinct from need-based aid, which is based on one's financial circumstances. Merit scholarships can be awarded for a variety of reasons, such as academic achievement, artistic talent and leadership qualities.

External scholarships

Remember to search for external scholarships too. There are many local organizations that provide scholarships to assist students with college costs; some have year-round deadlines so you can get funds after you've enrolled. Check out our guide on college grants and scholarships to find out more about the various types of gift aid.

Student loans

Federal student loans

Federal student loans are the most common way to finance educational expenses. These are loans provided by the government and have relatively low-interest rates, as well as flexible repayment options.

Private student loans

Private student loans are an alternate choice. Banks and credit unions are some of the private lenders that offer them. They can be used to cover the costs not taken care of by federal loans, but they usually have higher interest rates and less flexible repayment plans.

How to pay tuition bills at Columbia University in the City of New York

If you are awarded a loan, grant or scholarship, the funds will usually be sent directly to the university. You will need to cover the remaining balance. Tuition payments can be made online at https://www.columbia.edu/.

This page contains data published in university sites, government public records and other vetted sources as of June 23, 2023. Be advised to validate this information with the university registrar or financial office.

This content was created with the assistance of AI technology and has been reviewed, edited and fact-checked by Money's editorial staff.