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Columbia SIPA - Ranking, Courses, Fees, Requirements
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Last updated on 9 Jul '25Columbia University Humanities & Social SciencesWhat's new?
Admissions for the Fall & Spring 2025 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 Oct 15, 2025
- The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program also has a final deadline of Oct 15, 2025
- Final deadline for Executive MPA program is Nov 15, 2025
The deadlines for domestic & international students are the same, the university advises interested candidates to file respective admission applications as early as possible.
- About Columbia SIPA
- Columbia SIPA Courses and Fees
- Columbia University Humanities & Social Sciences Popular Courses
- Columbia University Humanities & Social Sciences Popular Programs
- Columbia SIPA Ranking 2026
- Columbia SIPA Admission Dates 2025
- Columbia SIPA Admission Requirements 2025
- Columbia SIPA Placements
- Columbia SIPA vs Harvard vs Princeton: Which is better?
- Columbia SIPA Campus Life
- Columbia SIPA Notable Alumni
- Columbia University Humanities & Social Sciences Students reviews
About Columbia SIPA
Established in 1946, in the aftermath of the second world war, Columbia School of International & Public Affairs is part of the prestigious Columbia University, also a member of the Ivy League institutions. Known for offering courses focused on International & Public affairs, Columbia SIPA courses includes: Master's degrees, dual degree, five year joint degree & excecutive courses, across a number of key areas of public policy studies including: International Affairs, Public Administration, Development Practice, Economic Policy Management, Environmental Science & Policy & Global Leadership among other areas.
The institute ranks #5 for Humanities & Social Studies as part of Shiksha Popularity Rankings, highlighting the quality of education the institute provides to its students.
Things to know about Columbia School of International & Public Affairs
Mentioned below are some key things to know about the School of International & Public Affairs at Columbia:
| Columbia School of International & Public Affairs |
Validation |
|---|---|
|
Established |
1946 |
|
Location |
420 W 118th St, New York, NY 10027, United States |
|
Also known as |
Columbia SIPA |
|
Acceptance rate |
4% |
|
Shiksha Popularity Ranking |
#5 in the USA |
|
Popular Courses |
|
|
Total Students |
1,364 |
|
Total Countries Represented |
92 |
| Research Centres |
|
|
Placement Rate |
87.4% (Class of 2024) |
|
Top Employers |
The World Bank, United Nations, McKinsey & Company, Amazon, Citi |
|
Notable Alumni |
Elissa Slotkin, Claire Shipman, Radha Kulkarni & Jaivardhan Singh |
Columbia SIPA History
The school founded in 1946, in the aftermath of World War II, was created with the aim of educating students to serve & lead & to produce & share knowledge of critical public policy challenges facing the global community.
The institute's founders laid a major emphasis on proper understanding of the geographic regions of importance, & to create indviduals who could pave the way to embark on a post war world.
By 1967, it had expanded its network to eight regional institutes, before shifting base to Columbia University's east campus in 1971. It was renamed to School of International & Public Affairs in 1981.
Commonly asked questions On About Humanities & Social Sciences
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
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.
Columbia SIPA is ranked very highly by numerous prominent university ranking platforms.
Listed below is a detailed description of the institute's rank based on certain parameters:
· #1 for International Global Policy & Administration
· #6 for Humanities & Social Studies
· #10 for Public Affairs programs
· #15 for Public Policy Analysis
· #17 for Social Policy
Columbia SIPA Courses and Fees
Columbia SIPA offers over 1,000 courses at the graduate & doctoral level of studies along with some additional dual degree, five-year joint, & executive education courses as part of its course catalogue.
The courses can be pursued across a number of popular areas of international & public affairs education including: Economic & Political Development, Energy & Environment, International Security, Climate Change & Human Rights among others.
Among the most prominent courses offered by the institute, includes its 21-month graduate degree prigram in International Affairs (MIA) & Public Administration (MPA).
Columbia SIPA Graduate Courses
Some other popular PG courses at Columbia SIPA includes:
- MIA & Master of Business Administration
- MA in Human Rights Studies
- MA in Sociology
- MA in American Studies
- Master of Education in Sociology & Education
Columbia SIPA Doctoral Courses
The institute offers a solitary doctoral course in the form of its six-year PhD in Sustainable Development prorgam.
Columbia SIPA Fees
The Columbia University Fees varies with the course & the specialisation, however the average fees for MIA, MPA & MPA-DP courses at Columbia is around USD 71,368 (INR 61.1 L), for one year, per official sources. Students must also pay some additional indirect costs, worth USD 8,611 (INR 7.4 L) over the year.
Columbia University Cost of Living
The cost of living ultimately comes down to the standard of living internaional students opt to pursue, however, given below are the estimated costs students can expect to incur at Columbia:
| Fee Component | Cost (in USD) | Cost (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Rent & Food | USD 23,122 | INR 19.8 L |
| Books & Supplies | USD 1,250 | INR 1.07 L |
| Transportation | USD 1,323 | INR 1.14 L |
| Personal Expenses | USD 3,510 | INR 3 L |
| Total Cost | USD 29,205 | INR 25 L |
Conversion rate: 1 USD = INR 85.71
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Duration & 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 |
Commonly asked questions On Fees and Eligibility
Columbia SIPA is known to offer a range of 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.
International students need a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale to be eligible for admission to the institute's courses.
Apart from GPA, the students must also fulfil the other admission requirements of the institute including securing minimum language proficiency test scores & submission of relevant documentation for identity verification.
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 SciencesPopular Courses
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Columbia University Humanities & Social SciencesPopular Programs
Columbia SIPA Ranking 2026
Columbia SIPA ranks #5 in the USA for Humanities & Social Science as part of the latest Shiksha Popularity Rankings. Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) ranks it #12 for Sociology in the world for 2025, while US News ranks it #21 under the Best Public Affairs program category.
US News has rolled out comprehensive Columbia University Public Affairs rankings, a summary of which is mentioned below:
| Category | US News Ranking |
|---|---|
| International Global Policy & Administration | #1 |
| Environmental Policy & Management | #9 |
| Homeland Security & Emergency Management | #11 |
| Public Policy Analysis | #15 |
| Social Policy | #17 |
| Public Affairs Prorgams | #21 |
| Public Finance & Budgeting | #24 |
| Public Management & Leadership | #37 |
Commonly asked questions On Rankings
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.
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
Columbia SIPA Admission Dates 2025
Admissions to Columbia School of International & Public Affairs is now open for the upcoming Fall & Spring 2025 sessions.
Mentioned below are the deadlines for some of the institute’s popular courses:
|
Program |
Application Deadline |
|---|---|
|
Master of International Affairs (MIA) |
Oct 15, 2025 |
|
Master of Public Administration (MPA) |
Oct 15, 2025
|
|
MPA in Developmental Practice |
Nov 1, 2025 |
|
MPA in Economic Policy Management |
Nov 1, 2025 |
|
Executive MPA |
Nov 15, 2025 |
Columbia SIPA Admission Requirements 2025
Students interested in securing admissions to the institute must satisfy its eligibility criteria to secure admission to the desired course.
The admission requirements at the institute can be classified into general & course-specific requirements that students must fulfil.
Given below are the admission requirements to be fulfilled by every interested candidate:
- Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Provide valid GMAT or GRE test scores
- Demonstrate English language proficiency
There are some other course specific requirements that students must fulfil, given below are the requirements for MIA program:
- A personal statement explaining the reason for study at Columbia SIPA
- A short essay on topics specified by the official university website
- A professional resume/CV
- Minimum 2 LORs (Letter of Recommendation)
- Clearance of a video essay
- Satisfy the language test scores mentioned below:
|
Test |
Minimum Score |
|---|---|
|
7.0 |
|
|
100
|
|
|
Cambridge English C1 Advanced/ C2 Proficiency |
185 |
Admission process for International Students
Students interested in securing a seat at Columbia SIPA must follow the admission process given below:
- Choose the program you wish to apply for from the official university portal
- Ensure you satisfy the admission requirements
- Submit all mandatory documents such as LORs, SOPs, etc. as part of respective admission application
- Wait for a response from the institute’s end
- Check application status on a regular basis
- Accept the offer letter
- Pack your bags to commence your studies in New York
Commonly asked questions On Admission Requirements
Students interested in pursuing higher studies from the institute must follow the steps below to secure their seat at Columbia SIPA:
- Choose the desired programme from the official university portal
- Check the admission requirements
- Submit all mandatory documentation as part of respective application
- Wait for the university's response
- Check the application status regularly
- Accept the offer letter
- Commence your studies in New York
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.
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
Columbia SIPA Placement rate is 87.4%, with Class of 2024 graduates employed across a number of top global organizations including: The World Bank, United Nations, McKinsey & Company, Citi, Federal Reserve Bank of New York & the US Department of State among others.
Columbia SIPA Placement Stats
Some key facts & stats associated with Columbia SIPA placements are mentioned below:
| Columbia SIPA Placements | Validation |
|---|---|
| Percentage of Graduates Employed/Continuing Education/Research | 87.4% |
| Seeking Employment | 11.9% |
| Not Seeking Employment | 2.40% |
| Median Salary (Private Sector) | USD 102,000 (INR 87.75 L) |
| Median Salary (Non Profit Sector) | USD 82,000 (INR 70.3 L) |
| Median Salary (Public Sector) | USD 73,000 (INR 62.5 L) |
Placement by Industry
The table below highlights how the Class of 2024 Columbia SIPA graduates were placed across different industries:
| Industry | Percentage of Graduates Employed |
|---|---|
| Private | 39% |
| Public | 31% |
| Non-Profit | 30% |
Top Employers
Columbia graduates are known to solve complex tasks much more efficiently & possess an in-depth knowledge of respective areas of studies, when compared to most students. Hence, they are very much of demand to some of the top public & private organizations in the US & globally.
Mentioned below are some top organizations recruiting Columbia SIPA graduates:
- The World Bank
- United Nations
- McKinsey & Company
- World Economic Forum
- Amazon
Commonly asked questions On Placements
The median salary earned by Columbia SIPA graduates varies with the different industries they are employed in. The figure for those employed in the Private sector stands at USD 102,000 (INR 87.75 L), for Non Profit sector employees it stands at USD 82,000 (INR 70.3 L), while that of Public sector employees stands at USD 73,000 (INR 62.5 L).
Conversion rate: 1 USD = INR 85.71
As per the latest employment data, of the total members of the Class of 2024, the percentage of students to have secured employment or looking at pursuing higher studies is around 87.4%. Thus cementing the institute's status as one of the best employing institutions in the US & worldwide.
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?
Columbia, Harvard & Princeton are all considered one of the best institutions for public policy & international affair studies in the US. Incidentally, these are also very hard to get into as per their overall acceptance rates ranging between 4-6%. Interested candidates must perform really well in school level academics & university entrance exams to secure admission to one of them.
Listed below is a detailed comparison between the institutes based on some vital parameters:
|
Criteria |
Columbia |
Harvard |
Princeton |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Location |
New York |
Cambridge, Massachusetts |
Princeton, NJ |
|
Acceptance Rate |
4% |
4% |
6% |
|
Popular Programs |
International Affairs, Public Administration, Development Practice, Economic Policy Management |
Public Policy, Public Administration, International Development
|
Public Affairs, Public Policy, International Affairs |
|
Tuition Fee (MPA) |
INR 61.1 L |
INR 49.83 L |
INR 43.57 L-45.27 L |
|
Shiksha Popularity Ranking (Humanities & Social Sciences) |
#5 |
#4 |
#9 |
Each of these institution specialise in similar streams, with Columbia offering a slightly bigger range of courses. As far as the tuition fee is concerned, each of the institutions would cost students a fortune over the duration of studies, with tuition fee ranging between INR 43.5 L-INR 61 L. The 3 institutions form part of the top 10 of Shiksha’s latest popularity rankings, with Harvard being ranked the highest (#4).
Columbia SIPA Campus Life
Located between Broadway & Amsterdam from 114th to 120th Street. The institute’s Morningside Heights campus offers students a place where they can discover themselves & enjoy an intimate campus experience they can truly call home over the duration of studies & even after they leave.
The campus offers students an enriching environment full of a diverse international student population, with over 500+ student led-clubs & organizations & guaranteed housing for the entire duration of studies. It is also full of green spaces, coffee shops, extraordinary restaurants & eclectic hangout spots for students to unwind & form lasting relationships with their peers.
The campus offers a blend of urban & natural study environment with its institution buildings surrounded by its 3 public parks. It is well connected with the city’s metro services, with over 15 transit lines within walking distance of the campus making every corner of the city accessible to students.
For Housing, students can opt to stay at the institute’s residential university housing or opt for off-campus accommodation:
- University Housing: The university housing includes over 150 buildings located within walking distance of the campus serving the institute’s 8000+ faculty, staff, students & other members of the community.
Each building offers accommodation in the form of apartments, equipped with all essential facilities needed to maintain a decent lifestyle.
- Off-Campus: The institute does not offer off-campus housing to its students, however it does maintain an Off-Campus Housing Assistance Office (OCHA) to help students find the best possible living facilities near the campus at the right price.
Commonly asked questions On Campus Life
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.
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
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
Columbia School of International & Public Affairs is home to over 25,000+ individuals from over 160 countries who have gone on to use respective talents & knowledge earned from the institute to make respective contributions to the society.
Mentioned below are some popular Columbia SIPA alumni members:
|
Alumni Name |
Alumni Profession |
Alumni |
|---|---|---|
|
Katie Napolitano |
Co-Founder & Director of Fair Futures |
 |
|
Nthabiseng Mosia |
Social Entrepreneur |
 |
|
Jingdong Hua |
Vice-chair of ISSB |
 |
Commonly asked questions On Alumni
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
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Columbia UniversityLocation
| University City | New York, New York, USA |
| Size of city | Large |
| Population of City | 86,22,697 |
Columbia UniversityContact Information
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