Columbia University

Overview

Columbia University is a private Ivy League research university located in Upper Manhattan, New York City. Founded in 1754, it has consistently ranked among the top 25 universities in the world for over a decade. The Columbia Business School is particularly renowned, holding the #3 spot in the Financial Times MBA Rankings 2024.

At Columbia University, students can apply for admission during three main intakes: Fall, Spring, and Summer. For international undergraduate students, the application deadline is January 1, 2025. The university has an acceptance rate of just 3.9%, making it highly competitive. In the 2023 academic year, Columbia enrolled 35,872 students from over 160 countries.

Columbia University offers a wide range of academic programs through its three undergraduate schools and thirteen graduate and professional schools. There are more than 100 degree programs available in various fields, including Arts, Business, Engineering, Medicine, and Law. The student-to-faculty ratio is 6:1, allowing for personalized attention and support from experienced faculty members.

The university has a rich history, having started as King's College under a royal charter from King George II. It became Columbia University in 1784. Over the years, it has expanded significantly, including the establishment of various schools and programs, such as the Columbia Law School and the Columbia School of Nursing. Columbia also celebrated its 250th anniversary in 2003.

Columbia University prides itself on its diverse student body. In Fall 2023, the university welcomed students from different backgrounds, including significant representation from countries like China and India. The university's commitment to inclusion creates a vibrant campus life for all students.

Columbia University also boasts an impressive placement rate of 95%. This means that most graduates find jobs within three months of finishing their studies. Many alumni work for top companies like Google, Amazon, and Goldman Sachs, showcasing the value of a Columbia education.

Overall, Columbia University not only offers high-quality education but also a supportive and diverse environment for students from around the globe. Its strong academic programs and successful alumni make it a top choice for those looking to study in the United States.

About Columbia University

Columbia University, established in 1754, is a private Ivy League research university located in Upper Manhattan, New York City. For the past ten years, it has consistently ranked among the top 25 universities in the world. In addition to its overall ranking, the Columbia Business School is ranked #3 in the Financial Times MBA Rankings 2024.

According to GyanDhan, Columbia University has an overall grade of A++. Some of its popular majors, such as Biology, Biomedical Engineering, and Business Economics, have received an A grade in their subject rankings. The university offers a wide range of top-quality programs through its three undergraduate schools, thirteen graduate and professional schools, a famous medical center, four affiliated colleges and seminaries, twenty-five libraries, and over one hundred research centers and institutes.

Important Information about Columbia University

Here are some important things to know about Columbia University:

Columbia University History

Columbia University was started in 1754 by a royal charter from King George II of Great Britain. It was originally called King's College and was for male students. Samuel Johnson was the first president and taught the first class. In 1767, Columbia's first medical school opened, led by Samuel Bard. Classes were stopped in 1776 because of the American Revolutionary War and did not resume until 1783. In 1784, King's College changed its name to Columbia University. In 1857, the university moved from Park Place in lower Manhattan to 49th Street and Madison Avenue in midtown Manhattan, where it stayed for 50 years. The Columbia Law School was founded in 1858. In 1867, the university started its sports programs, including a baseball team. The Columbia Daily Spectator, the student newspaper, began publishing in 1877. The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences was created in 1880. Barnard College for Women opened in 1889, and the Columbia School of Nursing started in 1892. In 1916, the Columbia Business School opened its doors. In 1983, Columbia University began accepting women students. In 2003, the university celebrated its 250th anniversary.

Columbia University Student Enrollment

Columbia is a diverse and welcoming school. It is a great place for international students. In Fall 2023, Columbia University had 35,872 students from over 160 countries. Students from all around the world, including Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Alaska Natives, come to study at Columbia University.

China, India, Canada, South Korea, and France are the top five countries with the most international students at Columbia University. Below is a detailed list showing the number of students from each country:

Columbia University Admissions 2025

Admission Requirements for International Students

To get accepted, Indian students need to meet all the admission requirements set by Columbia University. It's important to mention that all applicants follow a similar admissions process at Columbia, no matter where they come from or where they live.

Columbia University Application Deadline for International Students

Columbia University accepts international undergraduate students through Early Decision and Regular Decision each year. Here are the application deadlines for first-year students:

English Language Requirements

International students at Columbia University need to reach the minimum scores shown below:

Columbia University Fees

Studying at Columbia University can be quite costly for Indian students, with first-year tuition fees for undergraduate programs ranging from INR 50 L to 52 L. For postgraduate courses, the annual tuition fees vary between INR 27 L and 77 L.

Columbia University Cost of Attendance

The cost of living for international students at Columbia University includes expenses for housing, food, transportation, and personal needs. In total, the cost of living for Indian students at Columbia University is around INR 18 L for one academic year.

Columbia University Placements

Columbia University is a top choice for international students because of its strong job placement rates, which provide great returns on investment for its graduates. According to the Employment Report from the Columbia Business School for the MBA program, around 96% of graduates find job opportunities within three months after finishing their studies.

Return on Investment After Studying at Columbia University

Return on Investment (ROI) measures how much money graduates earn compared to what they spent on their education. It shows the salary that students receive as a job offer after paying for their college education and completing their degree. Below are the details about the costs (investment) and earnings (return) for the MBA program at Columbia University:

Columbia Vs Stanford Vs Harvard: Which is better?

Columbia University Notable Alumni

Columbia University is one of the most respected universities in the world because of its great teaching, rich history, and famous alumni. Its graduates come from many different backgrounds, including several well-known Indians.

Columbia University Campus Life

The campus of Columbia University is among the top campuses in the world. A standout feature is the bronze statue of Ambedkar, which many find appealing. Columbia offers a welcoming and fair environment for all students, staff, faculty, and alumni to succeed. The university's Disability Services provides support and accommodations to eligible students, both online and in person, based on the student's location and class format.

Here are the details about the campuses of Columbia University:

Columbia University Location