Columbia University Acceptance Rate for Indian Students

One of the globally renowned Ivy League universities, Columbia University is an Ivy League research university in Upper Manhattan, New York City, United States. It is one of the best study-abroad universities for international students, as Columbia University ranking has been consistent among the top 50 global universities for a decade now. It has ranked #13 in National Universities, #38 in World University Rankings 2026, and #7 in the WUR Ranking By Subject. 

Columbia University Acceptance Rate 2025

For the Class of 2029, Columbia University received over 59,600 applications, of which the university admitted 2,900 applicants, offering them the opportunity to enroll on the Columbia University campus. As a result, the Columbia University acceptance rate 2025 stands at a low of 4.9%, meaning that the Columbia University admission criteria are extremely selective.  A total of 1,806 students have finally enrolled on the university campus, an increase of 20% from last year, making the Class of 2029 its largest ever freshman class till date. The yield rate of the university turned out to be a little over 61%.

Given below are the figures for the Class of 2028 and the Class of 2029 for a comparative analysis: 

Ethnicity Details 

Given below is the breakdown according to student ethnicity details for Columbia University, USA: 

Also Check: Columbia University Courses

Columbia University Acceptance Rate for International Students

As per the latest data, the international students make up about 40% of the total student body, and 19% of the Class of 2029 accounts for the foreign crowd, representing 83 different countries. The student demographics for the Class of 2029 are given below:

As of Fall 2024, the total international student enrollment recorded at Columbia University was 13,745, representing 145 countries. If we include international scholars, the figure for the total number of international students and scholars stands at 16,926. The top ten countries of origin for the international crowd for the University of Columbia were China, India, Canada, South Korea, Indonesia, France, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, Brazil, and Japan.

Columbia University Acceptance Rate Trends

Columbia University in the city of New York has been receiving an increased number of applications for the past few years. Where the number stood at just 40,000 for the class of 2024, Columbia University received over 59,600 applications for the class of 2029, which is a jump of almost 20,000 applicants. However, when it comes to the number of students accepted, it has ranged between 2,200-2,600. As a result, the Columbia University acceptance rate has been steadily decreasing, from 6.2% in 2020 to a Columbia University acceptance rate 2025 of 4.9%. 

Columbia University Early Decision vs Regular Decision

Every year, Columbia University admits international students through Early Decision as well as Regular Decision. Usually, the university’s early decision acceptance rate is higher in comparison to the regular decision acceptance rate. Early decision allows applicants to apply to a university earlier than the regular decision.

As per available data, Columbia Uni received 5,872 applications under the Early Decision plan for the class of 2029, and 53,744 Regular Decision applications for the same academic session. The number of Early Decision applicants has decreased by 2% this year, since last year the figure stood at 6,008. Usually, the Columbia University early acceptance rate hovers between 10-15%, which is more than double the regular admission rate

Also Check: Columbia University Cost

Columbia University Requirements for International Students

Regardless of citizenship or place of residence, the admissions process at Columbia is largely the same for every candidate. In order to secure enrollment, Indian students must fulfill all the Columbia University admission requirements. To be considered for full admission to any graduate program, applicants are required to have an undergraduate degree, GRE / GMAT scores, English language proficiency scores, etc. On the other hand, to get admission to UG courses, the applicants are required to have obtained secondary school qualifications. From here, check the details about Columbia University admissions. 

Columbia University English Language Requirements

Columbia University admission requirements for international students include proof of proficiency in the English language as a major entry requirement. Students can submit IELTS / TOEFL / PTE / Duolingo. 

Columbia University Average GPA, SAT & ACT Scores

In order to secure enrollment in Columbia University, students must appear for one of the standardized tests (SAT/ACT) or other entrance exams like GMAT/GRE for postgraduate courses. Below are some of the admission statistics for Columbia UG Class of 2028: 

Tips to get selected at Columbia University

Columbia University is an extremely competitive university to get into, and thus, students must submit exceptional academic grades as well as excel in co-curricular activities.

Fulfilling the required Grade Point Average is one of the major entry requirements at Columbia, and international students must maintain a good GPA  in order to boost their chances of getting admitted to the university. As such, there is no cut-off GPA, but students must aim to get a 4.15 GPA. Other best practices include submission of high English language proficiency scores and maintaining good grades throughout academic life. Applicants must also possess good character and be kind to others, as Columbia University admits students on the basis of a holistic approach.

Columbia University Acceptance Rate vs Stanford University Acceptance Rate

The Columbia University acceptance rate stands at 4.9%, whereas the Stanford University acceptance rate stands at 3.6%. The mere difference of just 0.6% tells us that securing admission in these top-tier universities is extremely and equally competitive.

Stanford University admissions are very selective in nature, and students must be all-rounders in order to get admitted to pursue their higher studies. Candidates who are excellent in academics as well as activities outside class are more likely to secure admission.