Columbia University in the City of New York
Columbia University
New York, New York 10027
Data last updated: May 29, 2026
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
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
86.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.9%/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%
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
Estimated from NY state average + large city premium