Columbia University Acceptance Rate 2024

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. In 2025 U.S. News & World Report National University Rankings 2025, Columbia University ranks at #13 in the U.S. Also Read: Columbia University Reviews 

Columbia University Acceptance Rate 2024

Columbia University boasts an inclusive community of students from all around the globe and diverse backgrounds. For the Class of 2028, Columbia received over 60,000 applications. However, only about 2,300 candidates got enrolled in the university for their higher education. Hence, it can be concluded that with the Columbia University acceptance rate of merely 3.85% or roughly around 4%, the university is extremely competitive to get into.

Ethnicity Details 

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

Also Check: Columbia University Courses

Columbia University Acceptance Rate for International Students

As of Fall 2023, the international student population is 20,000+. This number is inclusive of a total number of students enrolled and students engaged in post-graduation Optional Practical Training. The total number of students enrolled at this university is 13,000+. Female student enrollment is 51.68% and male student enrollment is 48.32%. The total number of Indian students pursuing their studies at Columbia stands at 1,303. When it comes to country-specific enrollment, majority of the Columbia University international students are from China, India, Canada, South Korea, France, and more.

Columbia University Acceptance Rate Trends

Lately, the acceptance rate of Columbia University has observed a dip in comparison to the previous years. For the Class of 2028, Columbia University acceptance rate is recorded to be 3.85%, which makes it an extremely competitive university at the time of admission. 

Over the last few years, Columbia University has witnessed a surge when it comes to the number of candidates applying to the university. For the Class of 2028, Columbia received a total of 60,248 applications. Out of these, only 2,319 managed to secure an enrollment in the university for their higher studies in USA. Whereas, for the Class of 2024, only 40,084 students applied to Columbia and 2,465 were admitted.

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 regular decision.

According to the Class of 2028 statistics, in total, 60,248 students submitted their applications through the university's Early Decision and Regular Decision cycles. the total number of admitted students is 2,327 and the number of applicants who applied through this university's Early Decision program is 6,008. The number of accepted students through Regular Decision is 1,500+. The acceptance rate for Regular Decision is around 2.95%, whereas, that of Early Decision is around 11.9%. 

Also Check: Columbia University Fees

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, the 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 comprise 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 given 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 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 a 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

Both the Columbia University acceptance rate as well as Stanford University acceptance rate stand at 3.9% each, which 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 an all-rounder in order to get admitted for pursuing their higher studies. Candidates who are excellent in academics as well as activities outside class are more likely to secure admission.