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Columbia SIPA - Ranking, Courses, Fees, Requirements

Map Pin IconNew York, New York, USA
Star Icon3.8 /5
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Shiksha popularity ranking
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#5 in Humanities & Social Sciences in USA

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Dark Clock Icon Last updated on 28 Nov '25

Columbia University Humanities & Social Sciences
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Admissions for the Fall & Spring 2026 sessions are open at Columbia SIPA, given below are the admission deadlines for some popular programs:

  • Final deadline for Master of International Affairs (MIA) program is Feb 5, 2026
  • The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program also has a final deadline of Feb 5, 2026
  • Final deadline for Executive MPA program for Summer 2026 is Apr 15, 2026

The deadlines for domestic & international students are same, the university advises interested candidates to file respective admission applications as early as possible.

About Columbia SIPA

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Commonly asked questions
On About Humanities & Social Sciences
Q:   What is Columbia SIPA known for?
A: 

The Columbia School of International & Public Affairs is known for offering a range of PG programs focusing on public policy to its domestic & international student body.

Listed below are some of the prominent courses offered by the institute:

·      MPA in Environmental Science & Policy

·      MPA in Global Leadership

·      Executive MPA

·      MPA in Development Practice

·      MPA in Economic Policy Management

Q:   Is it hard to get into Columbia SIPA?
A: 

Columbia SIPA is part of an illustrious group of institutions offering public policy education in the US.

The acceptance rate at the institute stands at around 4%, suggesting securing admission to the institute is not an easy ask, & students must perform really well in school level academics & university-entrance exams to have a chance of securing admission.

Q:   What is the history of Columbia SIPA?
A: 

Columbia SIPA was founded in 1946 in the aftermath of World War 2, with the mission to foster understanding of vital geographic regions & prepare diplomas, officials & other professionals to meet the complex needs of the post-war world.

The school expanded over the 1950s & 60s & moved to the Columbia University's east campus in 1971. It was renamed to School of International & Public Affairs (SIPA) in 1981.

Columbia SIPA Courses and Fees

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Courses1st Year Tuition FeesDuration & Eligibility
M.A.(95 courses)
INR 21 L - 68 LGet Fee Details
Duration: 9 months-24 years
Exam Accepted: PTE, TOEFL: 100 - 114, Duolingo: 130 & Above, GRE, IELTS: 7 - 7.5, GMAT
MS(5 courses)
INR 49 L - 62 LGet Fee Details
Duration: 18 months-3 years
Exam Accepted: TOEFL: 100 & Above, PTE, Duolingo, IELTS: 7.5 & Above, GRE
B.A.(48 courses)
INR 60 L - 62 LGet Fee Details
Duration: 4-5 years
Exam Accepted: PTE, Duolingo: 135 & Above, IELTS: 7 - 7.5, TOEFL: 100 - 105
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Commonly asked questions
On Fees and Eligibility
Q:   What is the best course offered at Columbia SIPA?
A: 

Columbia SIPA is known to offer various PG courses focused on public policy & international affairs.

However, the most prominent courses offered by the institute are the Master of International Affairs (MIA) & Master of Public Administration (MPA) program.

Each of these courses have a duration of around 21-months & offer great insight into the global policy making process, modern-day problems & the approach to be used to solve these problems.

Q:   What GPA is needed for admission to Columbia SIPA?
A: 

International students need min. GPA of 3.0 to get admission to university's courses.

Other than GPA, students must also fulfil other admission requirement which are-language proficiency scores and submission of required documents for proof of identity.

Q:   What is the fee for full-time MPA course at Columbia SIPA?
A: 

Columbia SIPA offers a 21-month long Master of Public Administration (MPA) programme to its domestic & international students. The tuition cost of the programme is around USD 71,368 (INR 61.1 L). 

Students must also plan to incur some other additional costs over the duration of stay in New York City such as accommodation costs, food, utilities, travel costs, personal expenses, etc.

Columbia University Humanities & Social Sciences
Popular Courses

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Showing 158 Courses

MA in American Studies

1 year
₹50 L
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MA in Sociocultural Anthropology

1 year
₹54 L
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MA in Museum Anthropology

1 year
₹54 L
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MA in European History, Politics and Society

1 year
₹54 L
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MA in Global Thought

9 months
₹54 L
#6
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MA in Japanese Pedagogy

1 year
₹54 L
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MA in Latin American and Iberian Cultures with a concentration in Hispanic Cultural Studies

1 year
₹54 L
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MA in Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African Studies

1 year
₹54 L
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MA in Oral History

1 year
₹54 L
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MA in Russia, Eurasia, and Eastern Europe: Regional Studies

1 year
₹54 L
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MA in Sociology and Education

1 year
₹49 L
#9
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MA in Applied Linguistics

1 year
₹49 L
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MA in Bible

18 months
₹30 L
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MPA in Economic Policy Management

1 year
₹54 L
– / –
36 Months

Master of Architecture and M.S. in Historic Preservation

4 years
₹54 L
#4
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M.S. Urban Planning and Master of Science in Social Work

3 years
₹54 L
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MS in Learning Analytics

1 year
₹49 L
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MS in Sociomedical Sciences

1 year
₹49 L
#9
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MIA AND MASTER OF SCIENCE IN SOCIAL WORK (MSSW)

3 years
₹54 L
#4
36 Months

MSW/JD

4 years
₹55 L
#6
– / –
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Columbia University Humanities & Social Sciences
Popular Programs

Showing 6 Programs

M.A.

95 Courses9 months - 24 years
₹21 L - 68 L
#6

MS

5 Courses18 months - 3 years
₹49 L - 62 L
#11

B.A.

48 Courses4 - 5 years
₹60 L - 62 L
– / –

BBA

4 Courses4 years
₹61 L
– / –

MPA

5 Courses1 year - 4 years
₹54 L - 61 L
– / –

M.Arch

1 Course4 years
₹54 L
#4

Columbia SIPA Ranking 2026

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Commonly asked questions
On Rankings
Q:   How prestigious is Columbia SIPA?
A: 

Columbia SIPA is one of the most illustrious & prestigious institutions in the US for studies related to public policy.

The institute is ranked highly by several prominent publications. A prominent unofficial source ranks it #1 for International Global Policy & Administration studies, while it is ranked #5 for Humanities & Social Studies programme by Shiksha.  

Q:   Is Columbia part of the Ivy League?
A: 

Yes, Columbia University of which SIPA is a part is among the 8 member institutions of the Ivy League.

The Ivy league institutions are considered the best institutions in the US, & are known as the pinnacle of quality education & academic excellence.

Listed below are the 8 institutions that form part of the Ivy League:

  • Harvard University
  • Columbia University
  • University of Pennsylvania
  • Yale University
  • Princeton University
  • Cornell University
  • Brown University
  • Dartmouth College
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Columbia SIPA Admission Dates 2025

Columbia SIPA Admission Requirements 2025

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Commonly asked questions
On Admission Requirements
Q:   How do I apply for Columbia SIPA from India?
A: 

Students who are interested to study from institute must follow steps mentioned below to get seat at Columbia SIPA-

  • Choose desired program
  • Check admission requirements
  • Submit all mandatory documentation
  • Wait for university's response
  • Check the application status regularly
  • Accept the offer letter
  • Commence your studies in New York
Q:   Is GRE required for admission to Columbia SIPA?
A: 

The SIPA recommends the GRE or GMAT, but it is not a mandatory requirement. GRE/GMAT score is a complementary requirement that students can opt to pursue in case they feel they do not have a strong list of quantitative courses/ work experience as the exam scores strengthen the application.

A score above 320 can significantly improve the chances of admission.

Q:   What is the difference between MIA and MPA programs offered at Columbia University?
A: 

The MPA & MIA degrees are very similar in terms of the area of study they focus on. The MPA program is more aligned with the rigorous quantitative & data-driven aspects of public policy while MIA takes a more qualitative approach to international issues & diplomacy harnessing language skills & expertise.

Columbia SIPA Placements

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Commonly asked questions
On Placements
Q:   What is the average salary earned by Columbia SIPA graduates?
A: 

Median salary of Columbia SIPA graduates varies with different industries they are employed in. Figure for those employed in Private sector is USD 102,000 (INR 91.27 L), for Non Profit sector employees is USD 82,000 (INR 73.37 L), while that of Public sector employees is USD 73,000 (INR 65.32 L). 

Conversion rate: 1 USD = INR 89.48

Q:   What is the employment rate for Columbia SIPA?
A: 

According to latest employment data of total members of Class of 2024, percentage of students to get employment or looking at pursuing higher studies is around 87.4%. University's status is one of best employing institutions in the US & worldwide.

Q:   What companies hire graduates from Columbia SIPA?
A: 

Columbia has a rich history of providing industry ready individuals with a willingness & capabilities to make significant contribution to the public sector & bring about a positive change in the overall global society.

Listed below are some of the institute's top recruiters:

  • US Department of State
  • Amazon
  • United Nations
  • Federal Reserve Bank of New York
  • USAID

Columbia SIPA vs Harvard vs Princeton: Which is better?

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Columbia SIPA Campus Life

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Commonly asked questions
On Campus Life
Q:   Where do most Columbia students live?
A: 

Most of the institute's student body is based in the university-owned housing in Morningside Heights. The residential facilities that consist of shared apartments & dormitory style-rooms are just a walking distance from the university campus.

Students are also housed in Manhattan Valley, just south of Morningside Heights. Additionally, some students are also housed in Riverdale, Bronx, at The Arbor. Shuttle services are available to & from the Arbor.

Q:   What accommodation facilities are offered to students at Columbia SIPA?
A: 

The university provides all essential facilities needed to maintain a decent lifestyle to students as part of its residential buildings. Given below is a description of the same:

·      Door Attendant – Full time

·      Laundry in each unit

·      Elevator Building

·      Bike Storage

·      Community Room

·      Playroom

·      Gym

·      Parking

·      Roof Deck

·      Shuttle service to & from the campus

Q:   Is off-campus accommodation available to students at Columbia?
A: 

The university does not maintain off-campus accommodation facilities, however, it does maintain a special Off-Campus Housing Assistance Office (OCHA) that helps students contact room lenders near the university campus & get the best accommodation facilities possible at affordable prices.

Columbia SIPA Notable Alumni

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Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
On Alumni
Q:   Who are the most famous members of the Columbia SIPA alumni network?
A: 

Listed below are some of the most notable members of the Columbia SIPA alumni network:

  • Radha Kulkarni: Investment Manager, UNICEF
  • Frank Reig: Co-founder & CEO of Revel
  • Gabriela Rocha: Co-founder & CEO of Laboratoria
  • Lingdong Hua: Vice-chair of ISSB
  • Katie Napolitano: Co-Founder & Director of Fair Futures

Columbia University Humanities & Social Sciences
Explore Other Streams

Columbia University Humanities & Social Sciences
Students Ratings & Reviews

3.8/5
Verified Icon2 Verified ReviewsInfo Icon
Student Views (Based on Reviews)
  • 67% students never faced discrimination in this university
Vibe of Campus
Academically oriented
Multi-dimensional
Friendly
Liberal
Internships3.5
Part time work3.5
Post study jobs4
Quality of faculty5
Student Life3.5
Value for money2.5
Public transportation5
Safety4
Indian Food3.5
Permanent Immigration3.5
N
Nithishma Allu Verified Icon
MS in Computer Science - Batch of 2024
4.6
Columbia University: Fostering Brilliance and Innovation
Tips: Networking is the key. Make as many connections as possible. New York is an amazing place to be and make the most of it. There is a Shardarshish scholarship which waves 50% tuition fees and also numerous graduate research assistant roles available if interested.
Likes (Quality of faculty): The diversity of faculty is amazing with most of them graduating from the top universities. Their knowledge on the subject is remarkable and they challenge you to be better and work harder. They let you engage in projects and conduct many office hours for discussions
Dislikes (Internships): The coursework and the brand value added because of Columbia University is great which lands you in a good internship but there are comparatively fewer career fairs than other universities. The career advisors are super helpful in guiding and suggesting changes to resumes and cover letters.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1500
Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 150000
Reviewed on 11 Feb 2024Read more
Thumbs Up Icon(1) Thumbs Down Icon1 person found this helpful
A
Anonymous
MS in Data Science - Batch of 2026
3.6
Columbia is an expensive school, and the competition is very fierce.
Tips: Be mentally prepared before coming, the scholarships are rare, you need to be best at what you do. The competition is fierce, and things are not so dreamy anymore in the USA. But if you are good at it, you can make it. I am satisfied, hopefully I will get a job, and it will be easier for me.
Likes (Quality of faculty): Mostly, the faculty are adjunct faculty, giving a more practical experience. The faculty is diverse and well-rounded, and the way things are done here is different from in India. They are more concerned with practicality than with theoretical knowledge, so you need to study and prepare on your own.
Dislikes (Value for money): Columbia is an expensive school, and the competition is very fierce. Off-campus jobs don't pay well compared to the living costs. There are better private schools that offer scholarships you can attend. Brand value still matters in today's world, though.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 2300
Prepping time for classes27 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 87000
Reviewed on 1 May 2025Read more
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A
AnonymousVerified Icon
Computer Science Master's Degree - Vision, Graphics, Interaction and Robotics - Batch of 2026
3
Ivy League Tag does not work anymore.
Tips: No overwhelming cultural shift that I have experienced as of now. I didn't get any scholarship, they pay you nothing, no on campus jobs and even if you get any, you'll be paid peanuts. You basically take a crore rupees loan, study and work like a machine and still end up with no internship call, no certainty about jobs.
Likes (Quality of faculty): Excellent faculty, coursework, teaching and most importantly research. But don't expect to get paid for your research. They won't pay you. They'll ask you to take it for credit. All professors are great researchers and top in their domain but not all are good teachers.
Dislikes (Value for money): It's very expensive with zero or very few on campus jobs paying you peanuts. No proper career fair for internships. Uncertainty of jobs, constantly changing government regulations, disregarding all the effort and money we put to study here. Disregard for your skill and knowledge.
Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 2125
Prepping time for classes50 hours/Week
Expected Annual SalaryUSD 80575
Reviewed on 28 Sep 2025Read more
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Columbia University

Student Forum

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Is LL.B from CU a good option? How is the environment or faculty of law in CU?

Answered 3 days ago

LLB from Chandigarh University is an amazing option. The environment and faculty are also best. The department has modern classrooms, a special law library, a big auditorium, and two moot courts for real practice. One of the most unique things about the department is the Pro Bono Club, which is supp

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Manpreet Kaur

Beginner-Level 3

How many Indian students are at Columbia University?

Answered 2 weeks ago

India had around 1,241 students at Columbia, by Fall 2024, the second the largest international community of students, behind only China (6,463). Of these, around 72 were enrolled in UG, 1,153 in graduate, and 16 in non-degree courses at Columbia Uni.

A

Akash Gaur

Contributor-Level 10

Is GRE required for Columbia MS-CS?

Answered 3 weeks ago

The GRE is optional for doing an MS at Columbia University, but international students are required to meet certain admission requirements. 

You should have a UG degree with English language requirements like IELTS or TOEFL.

V

Virajita Bisht

Contributor-Level 8

What GPA do I need to get into Columbia?

Answered 2 weeks ago

As an Indian student, 3.0 is generally considered the bare minimum if you want to study at Columbia Uni. For Engineering, a minimum 3.3 in your past academics is needed. Make sure to maintain a good profile non-academically as well.

A

Akash Gaur

Contributor-Level 10

What is the best course at Columbia University?

Answered 2 weeks ago

STEM, Business, Law and Medicine are the standout options. An idea of the best courses at Columbia Uni can also be taken from the rankings given by Shiksha to its courses, on a national level:

CourseRank in the US
MArch#4
MIM#5
MBA or PGDM#5
LLM#6
MA#6

A

Akash Gaur

Contributor-Level 10

About the author

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Kanishka Gambhir

Study Abroad Expert

Kanishka Gambhir is a Content Creator and Writer working for Shiksha.com. Her role includes developing and maintaining web pages for international universities at the Shiksha Study Abroad Portal, maintaining precision, thoroughness, and consistency w...Read Full Bio
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