Columbia University in the City of New York
Columbia University
New York, New York 10027
Campus Vibe
Among the most selective in the Northeast — top graduate earnings
Columbia University in the City of New York is a private institution in New York with particular strength in computer science and engineering. With an average SAT of 1547, the school attracts a competitive applicant pool.
A mid-sized campus of 8.9K undergraduates with a 6:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
95% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $102,491 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $20,148.
Campus Visits
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
Columbia University in the City of New York Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1547
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Financial Aid
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
85.6%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$18,750
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
66
Peer Average
92
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Academics
Programs (366)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
97%
- •97% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •Classes were initially held in July 1754 and were presided over by the college's first president, Samuel Johnson who was an Anglican Priest.
- •In 1763, Johnson was succeeded in the presidency by Myles Cooper, a graduate of The Queen's College, Oxford, and an ardent Tory.
- •In the charged political climate of the American Revolution, his chief opponent in discussions at the college was an undergraduate of the class of 1777, Alexander Hamilton.
- •The Irish anatomist, Samuel Clossy, was appointed professor of natural philosophy in October 1765 and later the college's first professor of anatomy in 1767.
- •The suspension continued through the military occupation of New York City by British troops until their departure in 1783.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average