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Columbia University : Fees, Rankings, Courses, Reviews
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For the University of Columbia admissions, students must apply within the application deadlines listed below:
- Columbia University admissions are taken on a rolling basis and are done in three intakes; Fall, Spring, and Summer
- Columbia University UG Early Decision application deadline is Nov 1, 2025
- About Columbia University
- Columbia University Courses
- Columbia Popular Courses
- Columbia University Scholarships 2025
- Columbia University Admissions 2025
- + 10 more items
About Columbia University
Founded in 1754, Columbia University is a private Ivy League research university in Upper Manhattan, New York City. For a decade now, the Columbia University ranking has been consistent among the top 25 global universities.
According to the Shiksha Popularity Rankings, the overall rank of Columbia university is #9. A few Columbia majors, namely Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Business Economics rank among the top 10 courses as part of the subject rankings given by Shiksha. An array of world-class programs are offered by the university through its three undergraduate,and thirteen graduate and professional schools, a world-renowned medical center, four affiliated colleges and seminaries, twenty-five libraries, and more than hundred research centers and institutes.
Things to Know about Columbia University
A few of the Things to Know for Columbia University are given below:
|
Particulars |
Statistics |
|---|---|
|
Admission Rate |
Around 3.6% |
|
Best Known For |
World-class academic excellence | High-quality research | Top-notch academic programs in leading fields | World-renowned faculty |
|
Columbia Ranking |
#9 (Source: Shiksha Popularity Rankings) |
|
GPA Requirement |
3.7 - 4.0 (on a 4.0 scale) |
|
Columbia Top 5 Majors |
Economics, Computer Science, Political Science & Government, Psychology, Finance |
|
Duration of Columbia Courses |
UG: 4 - 5 years PG: 9 months - 3 years |
|
Placement Rate |
86.4% (MBA Class of 2024) |
Columbia University Student Enrollment
As per the Columbia University enrolment data for the session 2024-25, the university received over 60,550 applications for admissions to its courses across its various schools.
Of the total applications, only 2,218 applications were accepted for admissions giving the university an overall acceptance rate of 3.66%.
Given below is a detailed breakdown of the Columbia University’s enrolment statistics of the last 3 years:
|
Particular |
Statistics 2022-23 |
Statistics 2023-34 |
Statistics 2024-25 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Application Received |
60,734 |
57,126 |
60,551 |
|
Admitted Students |
2,255 |
2,284 |
2,218 |
|
Total Students Enrolled |
1,454 |
1,454 |
- |
|
Yield Rate |
64.5% |
63.7% |
66.5% |
|
Acceptance Rate |
3.74% |
4.00% |
3.66% |
| Race & Ethnicity | 2022-23 | 2023-24 |
|---|---|---|
| White | 33% | 27.2% |
| Foreign National | 18% | 15.4% |
| Asian | 17% | 21% |
| Hispanic | 15% | 17% |
| Other | 10% | 11.4% |
| Black | 7% | 8% |
| Economic Background | Percentage of Students |
|---|---|
| Low-income | 19% |
| Affluent | 81% |
China, India, Canada, South Korea, France are the top 5 contributors to the international student population of Columbia University. Given below is the detailed list of country-specific enrollment:
| Country | Headcount of Students (Enrolled + OPT) |
|---|---|
| China | 9,961 |
| India | 2,357 |
| Canada | 751 |
| South Korea | 689 |
| France | 460 |
For the Class of 2027, Columbia received over 57,000 applications. However, only about 2,200 candidates got enrolled in the university for their higher education.
Check out the below videos of Columbia University for more information:
Commonly asked questions On Highlights
Columbia University is a private Ivy League university. Columbia University fees for Indian students depends on the type of courses and level of study. Listed below is the estimated tuition cost in rupees for some popular Columbia University courses:
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
MS (56 courses) | INR 27 L - 76 L |
M.A. (140 courses) | INR 20 L - 73 L |
MBA/PGDM (19 courses) | INR 44 L - 76 L |
MIM (18 courses) | INR 44 L - 76 L |
B.A. (56 courses) | INR 50 L - 52 L |
B.Sc. (20 courses) | INR 50 L - 52 L |
B.E. / B.Tech (14 courses) | INR 50 L - 52 L |
Others PG (28 courses) | INR 27 L - 88 L |
MPH (7 courses) | INR 23 L - 52 L |
M.Arch (6 courses) | INR 51 L - 81 L |
Columbia is considered among the most prestigious institutions in the United States.
Given below are some fun-facts about the university:
· It was the first US institution to be granted an M.D. degree
· The famous Pulitzer Prize awarded for outstanding work in journalism, literature & music is administered annually by the university
· The university has the second most number of Nobel Prize winners (103), only behind Harvard (161)
· The institute didn't admit women until the year 1983
· Its athletics program is the largest sports program in New York City & among all institutions in the NCAA Division I
Yes, Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar and Sara Ali Khan are two popular Indian alumni members of the Columbia University.
Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was an Indian Jurist, Economist, Social Reformer and Political Leader. He was the head of the committee drafting the Constitution of India from the Constituent Assembly debates. He also served as Law and Justice minister in the first cabinet of Jawaharlal Nehru, and inspired the Dalit Buddhist movement after renouncing Hinduism.
Sara Ali Khan Pataudi is an Indian actress who works in Bollywood movies. She pursued a degree in History and Political Science at the Columbia University.
Yes, it is hard to get into Columbia University because of its low acceptance rate. Columbia College and The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science accept only 2,246 applications out of 57,129 applications for Columbia Undergraduate admission to the Class of 2027. This indicated that Columbia University admissions are competitive for international students. This year, the Columbia admission rate was just 3.9 percent.
Students with less than twenty-four post-high school earned college credits are considered freshmen applicants. International students must complete the admission procedure and meet the requirements to get into Columbia College of Columbia University for undergraduate study:
Cumulative high school GPA on a 4.0 scale
21 ACT or 1060 SAT score or rank in the top half of their graduating class
Columbia University Courses
Columbia University Courses includes more than 100 degree programs at the UG as well as PG level across a number of popular streams including: Arts, Business, Engineering, Medicine, Law, and Science among others. Additionally, the Columbia School of Professional Studies offers 18 part-time master's courses and some of them can be pursued online.
Student-to-faculty ratio at Columbia is 6:1, which gives visibility to students and helps connect one-on-one with world-class experienced faculties.
Listed below are some popular undergraduate courses, available to be pursued at Columbia:
- BS in Civil Engineering
- BA in Public Health
- BBA
- BA in Drama & Theatre Arts
- BS in Applied Physics
Listed below are some popular postgraduate courses, that are taught across a number of Columbia schools:
- MS in Computer Science
- MBA
- MS in Data Science
- MA in Business & Economics
- MA in Arts & Culture Concentration
For more courses, feel free to check out the listings below:
4.69 months - 3 years
We can fast-track your application in a week.
Guided 4.5K students to USA universities.
Guided 4.5K students to USA universities.
Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
At the Columbia University, international students can choose between more than 100 degree programs on the bachelor's as well as master's levels. According to the historical data of the university's alumni, some of the most popular Columbia University courses are:
Master of Business Administration (MBA) is one of the most popular courses offered by Columbia Uni and students across the globe desire to pursue this course. Mentioned below are some interesting facts of the Columbia University MBA course:
- MBA course stands in the top 10 business schools across the world.
- Median salary of an MBA graduate of Columbia University is USD 175,000 per year.
- Columbia Business School (CBS) is about 12 km from New York City which paves the way for students to have one of the best job opportunities in the world. New York City is known as "door to success"
- Columbia University MBA is in seventh position in Forbes’ list of Best US Business Schools and sixth in US News’ Best Business School (US) list.
- Its core structure consists of two full-term courses and eight half-term courses, forming the foundational experience for its students. This core curriculum is designed to help students with a deep understanding of essential academic disciplines and practical skills for success in the competitive business world.
Columbia is home to around 7,200 faculty members in teaching & research as part of its university faculty network.
Of these, 2,741 are full-time members, giving it a full-time faculty rate of around 38%. The rest of the faculty are employed part-time.
The university faculty impart their knowledge across several prominent sectors including: Business, Engineering, Mathematics, Science, Physical Education & Health among others.
Columbia University offers highly ranked and top-rated programs. All the programs offered by Columbia University are accredited by the relevant and leading accrediting agencies. Columbia University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. It is one of six regional education accrediting agencies in the United States. Columbia University has underwent its decimal accreditation during the 2015/16 academic year and then it was re-accredited for 8-10 years.
Columbia University MBA is one of the most pursued courses offered by the university and the Columbia Business School is a part of the top 10 global business schools. Its core structure consists of two full-term courses and eight half-term courses and help students develop a deep understanding of essential academic disciplines and practical skills for success in the competitive business world. For Indian students, the Columbia MBA fees lies in the range of INR 44 L - 76 L. As per the latest reports, the average median salary of a Columbia University MBA graduate of the university is USD 175,000 (INR 1.4 Cr) per year.
Conversion Rate: 1 USD = INR 83.51
18 monthsColumbiaColumbia University Scholarships 2025
Columbia University scholarships include need-based financial aid for students on the basis of their financial status mentioned in the application. When submitting their admission application, international applicants need to specify that they intend to apply for financial aid. International students who are admitted without requesting financial aid are not permitted to change their status in order to reapply for aid, even if their financial situation changes. Average disbursement amount for recipients of international financial aid is USD 79,375, which typically includes a student work-study position and an unrepaid Columbia grant. Additionally, many Columbia students, including international students, receive scholarships from outside on a merit basis.
Listed below are some of the top Columbia University scholarships for international students:
To know more about scholarships in the US, check out the video below:
Columbia University Admissions 2025
Columbia is an ideal option for students willing to pursue undergraduate or graduate degrees outside of IITs and NITs. Prospective undergraduates can apply to Columbia University either through the Common Application or the Coalition Application. Demonstrated below are the steps to apply at Columbia:
Columbia University Application Deadlines
Here are the Columbia University application deadlines for international students applying for its UG & graduate courses for 2026 entry:
| Application Type | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| UG Early Decision Deadline | Nov 1, 2025 |
| UG Regular Decision Deadline | Jan 1, 2026 |
| PG Priority Deadline | Jan 15, 2026 |
| PG Regular Deadline | Feb 15, 2026 |
Admission Requirements for International Students
In order to secure enrollment, Indian students must fulfil all the Columbia University admission requirements. It is interesting to note that every applicant has to go through largely identical admissions process at Columbia, regardless of their citizenship or place of residence.
Admission Requirements
Mentioned below are the admission requirements for students looking to secure a seat for UG courses:
- Official high-school transcript
- Minimum 2 Letters of Recommendation signed by teachers
- A School Profile
- Submission of a mandatory application fee of USD 85 (INR 7300)
- SAT or ACT scores (Optional)
- Proof of English Language Proficiency
Columbia University English Language Requirements
The institute also prefers its students to have a decent grasp of verbal & written English, as a result, applicants must satisfy the language test scores mentioned below:
|
Exam |
Score |
|---|---|
|
105 or higher |
|
|
7.5 or higher |
|
|
135 or higher |
|
| CAE |
191 |
Note: For postgraduate programs, the minimum English language requirements vary as per the choice of course.
- Application fees :USD 78.9 - 250
- Type of deadline :Depends on course
Documents| Type of documents | Applicable for |
|---|---|
| SOP | Needed for few courses |
| LOR | Needed for few courses |
| Essays | Needed for few courses |
| CV | Needed for few courses |
| Additional documents | Required |
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
As per the latest enrollment data (2024-25) made available by the institute, Columbia recieved over 60,000 applications for admissions across its courses, of which only 2,218 applications were deemed acceptable to the university's standards.
Thus, the Columbia University acceptance rate for the 24/25 academic session, stood at: 3.6%
Those interested in admissions to the upcoming academic session, must maintain solid professional resumes & satisfy the institute's admission requirements to have the best possible chance.
Applicants with a GPA of 3.5 may still be considered for admission to Columbia University. While GPA between 3.9 and 4.0 is ideal, having a slightly lower GPA doesn’t necessarily disqualify any applicant. However, it's essential to compensate with outstanding achievements in other areas of your application, such as extracurricular activities, LORs, SOP and many more. Hence the university doesn’t just see scores but also sees an overall performance of the applicant.
Columbia University accepts admission of international students in three intakes such as Fall, Spring, and Summer intake. Columbia University acceptance rate stands at 3.6%, which indicates that the university is extremely selective. The University takes admission on rolling basis for international students. The University provides various programs at UG and PG levels for its international students. International students who are applying for undergraduate programme at Columbia University can apply through Common Application. Whereas, international students who are applying for postgraduate programs can apply through the University Official Portal at Columbia University. Columbia University application fee for international students is USD 85 (INR 7,296), which is non-refundable.
Conversion used is USD 1 - INR 85.83
International students seeking admission to Columbia University are required to meet both the course-specific and general admission requirements. International students are advised to check for the course-specific requirements before applying. Listed below are the general Columbia University admission requirements for international students:
- Application form;
- Official academic transcripts (English translation);
- Resume;
- Interview;
- Essays;
- Letter of recommendations (LOR);
- GRE/GMAT scores; and
- SAT/ACT scores.
As per the ratio of admissions to applications, the Columbia University acceptance rate stands at 3.6%. It is extremely difficult to get into Columbia University as it has a very low acceptance rate. Columbia University is one of the most sought-after universities in the world. Students from across the United States and around the world apply at Columbia University each year. In order to secure an admission in the university, students must fulfill all the Columbia University admission requirements.
Columbia University Fees
Columbia University Fees for UG students ranges between INR 51.4 L-INR 59.05 L, while that of PG courses, is around INR 20.2 L-INR 1.23 Cr.
The estimated cost of living for UG students at Columbia is around USD 22,247 (INR 19 L), this includes student fees, housing, food, books, transportation & personal expenses.
Given below is a detailed breakdown of the Columbia University estimated cost of attendance for UG students:
| Columbia University Fee | Validation |
|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | USD 71,170 (INR 60.88 L) |
| New Student Fees | USD 675 (INR 57.4 K) |
| Housing & Food | USD 17,580 (INR 15 L) |
| Books, Personal Expenses & Transportation | USD 3,992 (INR 3.41 L) |
| Total Estimated Cost | USD 93,147 (INR 79.9 L) |
Source: Columbia University
1 USD = 85.55
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Duration & Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
MS(74 courses) | INR 28 L - 1 CrGet Fee Details | Duration: 9 months-3 years Exam Accepted: TOEFL: 99 - 114, GRE, IELTS: 6.5 - 7.5 |
M.A.(140 courses) | INR 20 L - 75 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 9 months-5 years Exam Accepted: TOEFL: 100 - 114, GRE, IELTS: 7 - 8 |
MBA/PGDM(19 courses) | INR 45 L - 80 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 9 months-2 years Exam Accepted: TOEFL: 99 - 114, GRE, IELTS: 7 & Above |
B.A.(55 courses) | INR 58 L - 59 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4-5 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 - 7.5, TOEFL: 100 - 105, Duolingo: 135 & Above |
B.E. / B.Tech(14 courses) | INR 51 L - 59 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 - 7.5, TOEFL: 100 - 105, Duolingo: 135 & Above |
Others PG(28 courses) | INR 28 L - 1 CrGet Fee Details | Duration: 9 months-2 years Exam Accepted: TOEFL: 100 - 114, GRE, IELTS: 7 - 8 |
B.Sc.(20 courses) | INR 58 L - 59 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 - 7.5, TOEFL: 105 & Above, Duolingo: 135 & Above |
MPH(6 courses) | INR 23 L - 54 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 1 year-30 months Exam Accepted: TOEFL: 100 & Above, GRE, GMAT |
MPA(5 courses) | INR 52 L - 59 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 1 year-4 years Exam Accepted: TOEFL: 100 & Above, IELTS: 7 & Above |
MSN(2 courses) | INR 75 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 15 months-4 years Exam Accepted: TOEFL |
Commonly asked questions On Fees and Eligibility
Columbia University is highly competitive mainly because it is one of the Ivy league institutions. Students must demonstrate outstanding achievements and a strong commitment to academic excellence to stand out in the highly competitive applicant pool. Thus, aspiring applicants should be prepared to present a compelling application for Columbia University admissions.
Test scores (GRE, GMAT, ) are not required for Columbia University. However, if the applicants have taken one of these tests and feel your scores strengthen your application, you may submit your scores as part of your application.
Columbia University is among the top choices of international students for continuing higher studies in Canada. Columbia University offers a variety of programs at undergraduate and postgraduate levels for its international students. The university tuition fee can vary from undergraduate to postgraduate programs. International students must refer the program-specific page at the university for detailed information about the program. Check the table listed below for tuition fee of programs at Columbia University:
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees |
|---|---|
MPH (74 courses) | INR 29 L - 1 Cr |
MPA (140 courses) | INR 21 L - 76 L |
MBA/PGDM (19 courses) | INR 46 L - 81 L |
B.A. (56 courses) | INR 59 L - 60 L |
MPH (20 courses) | INR 59 L - 60 L |
MPH (6 courses) | INR 24 L - 54 L |
MPA / B.Tech (14 courses) | INR 52 L - 60 L |
BBA (6 courses) | INR 59 L - 60 L |
M.Arch (6 courses) | INR 53 L - 85 L |
MPA (5 courses) | INR 53 L - 59 L |
Columbia University is one of the best universities for higher education in the USA. The University provides a variety of programs at undergraduate and postgraduate levels for its international and domestic students. Columbia University tuition cost can vary from domestic students to international students. Students can refer to the programme specific page at the university for specific programme fee. Columbia University tuition cost for international students of undergraduate and postgraduate programs is as follows:
| Course level | Annual Tuition Fee in INR |
|---|---|
| UG | INR 50.64 L - 58.18 L |
| PG | INR 19.95 L - 1.21 Cr |
Undergraduate students at Columbia University have access to five residential halls, namely Carman Hall, Furnald Hall, Hartley Hall, John Jay Hall, and Wallach Hall. International students at Columbia University are provided with four years of undergraduate housing. Currently, about 90% of students opt to live on campus. Some of the on-campus features include dining halls, hangouts, late-night spots, and campus cafés.
Given below is the breakdown of the expenses of attending the Columbia University:
| Expenses | Cost of Living (2024-2025) | Cost of Living in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Housing & Food | USD 17,580 | INR 14.7 L |
| Books, Personal Expenses & Transportations | USD 3,992 | INR 3.3 L |
| TOTAL | USD 21,572 | INR 18 L |
Conversion Rate: 1 USD = INR 83.96
ColumbiaStudents Ratings & Reviews
1 Verified Review
- Multi-dimensional
- Friendly
- Academically oriented
- 50% students never faced discrimination in this university
Columbia University Placements
Columbia University Placements rate for MBA graduates stands at 86.4%, with 89% of the Class of 2024 MBA graduates receiving job offers within the first 3 months of graduation. The median salary earned by MBA graduates stood at USD 175,000 (INR 1.50 Cr), along with a average signing bonus worth USD 30,000 (INR 25.8 L), as per data curated from official sources.
The table below gives a detailed breakdown of the key facts & figures associated with placements at Columbia:
| Compensation Type | Receiving | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | 100% | USD 175,000 (INR 1.5 Cr) | USD 370,000 (INR 3.18 Cr) |
| Signing Bonus | 71.3% | USD 30,000 (INR 25.8 L) | USD 151,000 (INR 1.29 Cr) |
| Other Guaranteed Compensation | 12.3% | USD 21,185 (INR 18.23 L) | USD 225,000 (INR 1.93 Cr) |
1 USD = INR 86.06
Columbia graduates are known for possessing in-depth knowledge of their respective areas of studies & as a result are paid well for their contributions to respective industries.
Given below is a median salary-wise breakdown of the best paying industries:
| Industry | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Consulting | USD 188,000 (INR 1.6 Cr) |
| Investment Banking | USD 175,000 (INR 1.5 Cr) |
| Private Equity | USD 165,000 (INR 1.41 Cr) |
| Hardware/Software/Telecom | USD 163,000 (INR 1.4 Cr) |
| Investment Management | USD 160,000 (INR 1.37 Cr) |
| Internet Services/E-Commerce | USD 157,050 (INR 1.35 Cr) |
|
Consumer Finance & Analytics |
USD 150,000 (INR 1.29 Cr) |
To know more about MBA placements at Columbia, get your FREE PDF: Columbia University Placement Report
Top Recruiters
Commonly asked questions On Placements
Yes, both tech giants Google & Amazon, are among the top recruiters of MBA grads from Columbia University. However, these are not the only top companies queuing up to recruit Columbia graduates.
The likes of JP Morgan Chase & Co, Deloitte, American Express, Bank of America, Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs & Barclays are some other notable names in the industry, well known for hiring Columbia passouts.
Columbia MBA graduates are paid very well for their contributions, with the average salary figure for Class of 2024 MBA graduates standing at USD 175,000 (INR 1.5 Cr), per data curated from official sources.
This is not it, around 70% of the graduates, also received a signing bonus worth USD 30,000 (INR 25.8 L), while 12.3% of the MBA graduates were also on the receiving end of additional guaranteed compensation worth USD 225,000 (INR 1.93 Cr).
1 USD = INR 86.06
The Columbia University placement rate for the Class of 2024 stood at 86.4%, with around 89% of the institute's MBA graduates receiving job offers within the first 3 months of graduation.
Moreover, the Columbia MBA graduates were placed across the globe including the US, Asia, Europe, Middle East & Central & South America.
Given below is a detailed breakdown of the countries employing Columbia MBA graduates:
| Country | Percentage of Graduates Employed |
|---|---|
| United States | 79% |
| Asia | 9% |
| Europe | 5% |
| Central & South America | 4% |
| Africa & Middle East | 3% |
| Other | 0.3% |
The Columbia University the highest base package is around USD 370,000 (INR 3.18 Cr.) earned by a MBA grad employed in Consulting.
Another graduate, employed in Private Equity, secured a packagae worth USD 350,000 (INR 3.01 Cr).
Students get a median salary of around USD 188,000 (INR 1.61 Cr) in the Consulting industry.
Mentioned below are the highlights of Columbia University MBA Placements by Industry:
Industries | Median Salary |
|---|---|
Consulting | USD 188,000 (INR 1.6 Cr) |
Financial services | USD 120,000-USD 175,000 (INR 1.03 Cr-INR 1.5 Cr) |
Manufacturing | USD 140,000 (INR 1.2 Cr) |
Media/Technology | USD 140,000 (INR 1.2 Cr) |
Others | USD 140,000 (INR 1.2 Cr) |
Columbia University is one of the finest universities in the United States of America for continuing higher education. The University offers a variety of programs for its international and domestic students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The University graduates work for top-notch companies such as Google, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, LinkedIn, Chief, YPO, etc. Columbia University graduates are in high demand worldwide. Columbia University graduates work in top sectors that are listed below:
- Business Development
- Operations
- Education
- Engineering
- Research
- Media and Communication
- Finance
- Community and Social Services
- Information Technology
- Consulting
- Marketing
- Sales
- Entrepreneurship
- Human Resources
- Product Management
Columbia University Ranking 2025
Columbia University ranks #9 in the United States & #15 globally as part of the latest Shiksha Popularity Rankings. The institute is considered one of the best higher educational institutions in the world, & is also part of the prestigious Ivy League.
Further, some of its popular courses, also rank highly as part of course-specific rankings given by Shiksha, given below is a detailed description of the same:
| Course | Shiksha Popularity Rankings |
|---|---|
| MS | #11 |
| MBA/PGDM | #10 |
| BE/BTech | #25 |
| MArch | #4 |
| MSN | #6 |
| LLM | #6 |
| MA | #6 |
| MIM | #7 |
| Others PG | #7 |
#15
#9
Commonly asked questions On Rankings
Columbia University ranks #15 among all colleges & universities in the United States, as per the latest global university rankings rolled out by Shiksha.
The institute is also a part of the prestigious group of Ivy League Schools that are known for being the best higher educational institutes in the United States.
Further, Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) ranks Columbia #34 as part of its variation of the World University Rankings 2025, again cementing its status as one of the best universities in the world.
Yes, Columbia University is an Ivy League University among the other 7 top universities which were introduced as a group of 8 in terms of tough athletic competition among them. Other members of the Ivy League universities include Brown University, Cornell University, Harvard University, Princeton University, Dartmouth College, University of Pennsylvania, and Yale University. The term Ivy League is typically used beyond the sports context to refer to the eight schools as a group of elite colleges with connotations of academic excellence, selectivity in admissions, and social elitism. It is not easy to get into Ivy League schools as their acceptance rate is very low.
Columbia is considered among the world's most important research centers. It is among a select group of R1 institutions in the US. R1 institutions are known for their very high research activity.
The university's scientists have been credited with about 175 new inventions in health Science each year & over 30 pharmaceutical products based on research conducted by Columbia researchers have reached the market.
Some notable works in the market include: Xalatan, Remixade, Reopro, Benefix, Latanoprost & Zolinza.
Columbia University is one of the finest institutions of higher education in the United States of America. Its campus offers a very diverse and culturally vibrant environment for international students. As of Fall 2022 international student population at Columbia University is over 19,000+ students from 152 countries around the world. India is the second top country by enrollment at Columbia University.
Columbia University is part of an illustrious group of Ivy League institutions that are considered the trend-setters of the modern day education system in the United States.
A prominent university ranking platform also ranks it among the top 4 national universities in the United States.
The institute also ranks among the top 10 universities in the US, securing a country-level rank #9 as per the latest Shiksha Popularity Rankings.
Columbia Vs Stanford Vs Harvard: Which is better?
Columbia University, Harvard University & Stanford University form part of some of the best higher educational institutions, not just in the United States, but worldwide. As part of the latest Shiksha Popularity Rankings, each of these universities form part of the top 10 in the United States. While each has its own pros & cons, there are some parameters that could allow students, get a more clearer idea of which one is right for them.
Given below is a comparison between Columbia, Harvard & Stanford:
|
Criteria |
Columbia University |
Harvard University |
Stanford University |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Location |
116th and Broadway, New York, NY 10027, United States |
Massachusetts Hall, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States |
450 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford, CA 94305, United States |
|
Acceptance Rate |
3.6% |
3.4% |
3.9% |
|
Popular Programs |
Economics, Computer Science, Finance |
Psychology, Engineering, MBA |
Computer Science, Economics, MBA |
|
Tuition Fee (MS) |
INR 27.9 L-INR 1.03 Cr |
INR 18.1 L-INR 64.9 L |
INR 30.01 L-INR 1.2 Cr |
|
Shiksha Popularity Rankings |
#9 |
#4 |
#2 |
Compare Columbia with other similar colleges
| College | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| INR 28.14 L - 1.04 Cr | #13 US News, 2025 | |
| INR 37.03 L - 72.61 L | #5 US News, 2025 | |
| INR 44.36 L - 53.37 L | #1 US News, 2025 | |
| INR 27.15 L - 81.3 L | #30 US News, 2025 | |
| INR 27.18 L - 35.95 L | #879 US News, 2023 | |
| INR 35.92 L - 78.05 L | #1 QS, 2025 |
CompareCommonly asked questions On Comparisons
Columbia University and Harvard University are some of the most prominent universities in the United States. Both universities have their merits and demerits. When choosing a university, every student has their requirements and needs. Students must consider factors such as location, fees, scholarships offered, acceptance rate, and more. Check the comparison listed below between Columbia University and Harvard University:
Parameters | Columbia University | Harvard University |
|---|---|---|
Shiksha Popularity Rankings | #9 | #4 |
Salary | INR 1.46 Cr | INR 1.5 Cr |
Popular Programs | Economics, Computer Science, Finance | Psychology, Engineering, MBA |
Location | New York, New York, USA | Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA |
Annual Tuition Cost | UG - INR 50.25 L - 57.73 L | PG- INR 19.79 L - 1.2 Cr | UG - INR 52.24 L - 54.45 L | PG- INR 24.84 L - 1.2 Cr |
Acceptance Rate | 3.6% | 3.4% |
Columbia University and Stanford University are some of the most prominent universities for higher education in the United States of America. Both the universities are expert in their own field and offers something unique for its international and domestic students. Every student has their own needs and requirements when choosing a university. Some crucial factors to check include location, fees, placement rate, acceptance rate, and more. Check the comparison listed below between Columbia and Stanford University. The below comparison will help students in gaining more clarity on these universities respectively:
Parameters | Columbia University | Stanford University |
|---|---|---|
Shiksha Popularity Ranking | #9 | #2 |
Salary | INR 1.46 Cr per year | INR 1.6 Cr per year |
Popular Programs | Economics, Computer Science, Finance | Computer Science | Economics | MBA |
Location | New York, New York, USA | Stanford, California, USA |
Annual Tuition Cost | UG - INR 50.25 L - 57.73 L | PG- INR 19.79 L - 1.2 Cr | UG - INR 52.66 L - 54.88 L | PG- INR 25.04 L - 1.21 Cr |
Acceptance Rate | 3.6% | 3.9% |
University Type | Private | Private |
ColumbiaStudent profile
Others
58%
Asian
18%
Hispanic
15%
Black
7%
Out of state
63%
In state
19%
Foreign
16%
UG Number of Applicant
Overall Graduation Rate
Study in USA
Key Facts About USA
Insights on education, demographics & weather.
Commonly asked questions On Study in Country
USA offers three types of visas to students; F-1, J-1 and M-1. So, the cost of a student visa will depend on the type of visa you are applying for. US visa cost for a F-1 student visa is USD 185. F-1 visa is for international students who are applying for a course in any American university that requires more than 18 hours of study in a week. J-1 student visa is for exchange students, and M-1 student visa is for students enrolled in vocational and non-academic programs.
USA is one of the most popular countries for study abroad options for international students and is a hub of globally renowned universities. According to the World University Rankings 2025, some top universities in USA are Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, Stanford University, and many more.
Given below is the list of top Universities in USA as mentioned in the prominent rankings.
University | Shiksha Rankings 2025 |
|---|---|
#1 | |
#2 | |
#3 | |
#4 | |
#5 | |
#6 | |
#7 | |
#8 | |
#9 | |
#10 |
Opting to study abroad is a major step that students take for their career and managing the expenses (including the tuition fee and living costs) play a deciding factor in this decision. Here is where scholarships dive in and help students study in their dream college by cutting down a portion of their expenses. Here are some scholarships offered by the top universities in USA that are available for international students:
Columbia University Notable Alumni
Columbia University is one of the most reputated universities in the world due to its excellence in teaching, heritage as well as celebrated alumni. These graduates include figures from all walks of life and include several notable Indians. Listed below are the Columbia University notable alumni:
|
Columbia Alumni |
Profession |
|
|---|---|---|
|
B.R. Ambedkar |
Former Minister of Law and Justice of India
|
 |
|
Barack Obama |
First African- American President of the USA |
 |
|
Founding Father of the United States |
 |
|
|
American Singer (Winner of 15 Grammys) |
 |
|
|
Sara Ali Khan |
Indian Bollywood Actor |
 |
Commonly asked questions On Alumni
Yes, Bhimrao Ambedkar, a former social reformer & the Chief Justice of India, is an notable alumni of the Columbia University alumni network.
He is known for his contribution to the promotion of social justice & civil rights in India, fighting for the rights of the Dalits who were often discriminated by the society.
Bhimrao, attained a PhD in Economics from Columbia University in 1927, & an honorary degree in 1952.
Amartya Sen, known for his contributions to the welfare economics & social choice theory is a notable economist who received a Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 1998 for his work at Columbia University.
During his tenure at Columbia, he gave some theories on important topics such as poverty, development & famine that had a significant impact on economic policies globally.
Yes, the Columbia University faculty consists of a number of Nobel Prize winners, placing it among the most esteemed faculty networks in the world.
Martin Chalfie, Professor of the Biological Science Department at Columbia is a recipient of a Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
Further Elena Aprile, a professor at the institute's Physics Department is a recipient of “Laurea” in Physics from the University of Naples, Italy.
Columbia University is among the top choices of international students for pursuing higher education in the United States. Each year thousands of international students apply to the university. The University is known for offering the best academic programs for its international students. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar is one of the notable Indian alumni of Columbia University. Moreover, the alumni are highly skilled in Project Management, Social Media, Strategic Planning, Business Strategy, and more.
Columbia University has a rich alumni network all over the world. The University has more than 375,000 alumni network who are working worldwide. The University alumni network includes various famous personalities, entrepreneurs, innovators, leaders, etc. The University graduates also work in top companies such as Google, Amazon, Meta, JP Morgan Chase, and Microsoft. Moreover, the graduates work in leading sectors such as Business Development, Engineering, Finance, Information Technology, etc.
Columbia University Campus
Located in New York City, The Columbia University’s Morningside Heights campus is spread around 32 acres of land occupied by over 40,000 students, faculty & staff members from across the globe as they pursue respective studies.
Athletics
The Columbia University’s athletic program is the largest athletics program in the NCAA Division I & New York City. The institute has been home to 46 Olympians. Some popular varsity sports available to students include: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf & Swimming as part of American College system’s most prestigious competitions: Ivy League & NCAA Championships.
Research
The university is part of an exclusive group of R1 universities which are renowned for their high research activity.
Interestingly, Columbia also happens to be the first North American site where the uranium atom was split. The university’s researchers are credited with 175 new inventions every year & have more than 30 pharmaceutical products in the market that have been developed based on their research.
Dining
The campus offers a number of dining halls, food trucks & café’s spread across the campus, serving some of the most delicious food for students all throughout the day.
Food is available in a number of delicacies such as Indian, American, Chinese & Thai among others. That’s not it, monthly dining competitions are also a regular feature, with students competing with each other for coveted prizes.
Housing
For Housing, students can visit the university’s official housing portal that offers a vast array of room formats including: shared apartments, studio rooms, private apartments as well as designated accommodation facilities for respective schools as part of the Morningside Heights campus.
Commonly asked questions On Others
The Columbia University student life is described as inclusive & vibrant that foster innovation & brilliance as per reviews posted by students on Shiksha Study Abroad.
The faculty is described by students as amazing & one that possesses great knowledge of their respective fields.
The campus offers a number of recreational opportunities to students. However, some students have some discontent over the number of internship fairs conducted by the university over the academic year & feel that can be improved on.
The overall student population is very diverse with students coming from very different backgrounds from across the globe to pursue higher studies. However, as per student reviews posted on an unofficial platform, finding like-minded students who share your interests is not difficult at all.
Most students belonging to the Indian community live nearby each other & seniors are said to be helpful & always ready to help.
As per data (Fall 2022) curated from an unofficial source, the Columbia University housed about 8,902 undergraduate students as part of its campus facilities.
Of these, about 50.9% students were identified as males, while 49.1% students identified as females, giving a very balanced distribution of gender.
The institute offers a very diverse student population, with students visiting from India, China, Canada, South Korea & France among a number of other nations.
Morningside Heights is considered among the safest neighbourhoods in New York City.
All Columbia owned buildings in the area are operated & managed by university employees & the institute takes extra measures to provide a safe & supportive residential environment for all members of the community.
Columbia's Department of Public Safety oversees all security & safety procedures, while the Morningside Area Alliance also provides security patrols.
Evening & Night shuttles are available during evenings & nights throughout the neighbourhood to Columbia students over the academic year.
Columbia University operates on three beautiful and vibrant campuses, namely: CU Irving Medical Center, Manhattanville Campus, and Morningside Heights.
Columbia University Campuses | Highlights |
|---|---|
CU Irving Medical Center |
|
Manhattanville Campus |
|
Morningside Heights |
|
Columbia FAQs
Founded as a King's College for males, Columbia University was established by a royal charter issued by Great Britain’s King George II in 1754. Due to the American Revolution the university had to go through am eight-year long hiatus period. Once resumed, in 1784 the institution was renamed Columbia College as a form of patriotic reference to explorer Christopher Columbus. Columbia University acquired its now known name 112 years post this incident.
While applying for Columbia University admissions, all international students are required to pay the Columbia University application fee. For Indian students, the payable amount is USD 85 (INR 7 K). International students must note that this fee non-refundable fee and the university will not refund it under any circumstances. However, applicants may qualify for a fee waiver at the time of application.
Conversion Rate: 1 USD = INR 83.31
Columbia is known for its academic rigor & providing a world class learning environment that also focuses on the overall development of students & not just the academic part.
The campus offers a number of extra-curricular facilities including a world class athletics program, 24x7 dining facilities, state-of-the-art arts facilities including dance halls & museums.
It's world class faculty is also very helpful & ever present to impart their knowledge.
Columbia is considered among the world's most important research centers. It is among a select group of R1 institutions in the US. R1 institutions are known for their very high research activity.
The university's scientists have been credited with about 175 new inventions in health Science each year & over 30 pharmaceutical products based on research conducted by Columbia researchers have reached the market.
Some notable works in the market include: Xalatan, Remixade, Reopro, Benefix, Latanoprost & Zolinza.
The significance of being a Division 1 athlete is it comes with better tuition benefits & a higher level of competition as compared to the lower divisions. The chances of D1 athletes becoming professional players is also much higher as a bigger number of scouts watch these games.
The lower division athletes, however, do have more flexibility when it comes to time & pursuing other extracurricular activities.
Columbia
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 days ago
Placement after B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) at Lovely Professional University (LPU) is considered one of the strongest among its academic programs. The university has built a solid reputation for attracting top-tier recruiters, both national and international, offering excellent
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
I would like to tell you that there is a mandatory entrane test for taking admisson in B.A. LL.B course at Chandigarh University. The Chandigarh University has a CUCET entrance test which is mandatoy for law programs and yes everyone can give it.
CUCET also helps in scholarships, the university give
G
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 2 weeks ago
Hi, As far as I know, the fees of B.A. in psychology in Chandigarh University is not very much,it's just 64000/- INR per semester and examination fees is Rs. 2500 and security fees is Rs. 2000, let me tell you the fees at Chandigarh University is very less as compared to other universities.
Moreover,
G
Beginner-Level 5
Answered Yesterday
The total cost to attend an undergraduate course at Columbia can cost between INR 68 L and INR 83 L. The total expense includes tuition cost, hostel, insurance, and other miscellaneous expenses. Students must make a high budget if considering Columbia for UG and PG education. The estimated cost of l
M
Contributor-Level 8
Answered a month ago
Shiksha has ranked Columbia University for some of its top courses such as Biological Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, Business and Management, Supply Chain and Management, Engineering, etc. Some of the subject rankings at the university are given in the table below:
| Course Name | Shiksha Popularity Ranking | US News Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| MS | #11 | #7 |
| MBA/PGDM | #10 | #4 |
| Supply Chain | #27 | #21 |
| BE/BTech | #25 | #13 |
| Computer Science Engineering | #17 | #19 |
Contributor-Level 10
About the author
Study Abroad Expert
Columbia
Campus
Campus
Business school
ColumbiaLocation
| University City | New York, New York, USA |
| Size of city | Large |
| Population of City | 86,22,697 |
ColumbiaCampuses
116th and Broadway, New York, NY 10027
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