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MS Courses at Columbia University
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Last updated on 19 Aug '25Columbia University MSWhat's new?
Below is the application deadline for Columbia University’s master's in Science courses. The University provides an array of courses under the MS program. Below is Columbia University’s admission deadline for the 2025 Intake:
Columbia Engineering:
Master's Programs:
- Priority deadline: Jan 15, 2026
- Regular deadline: Feb 15, 2026
Columbia University Computer Science:
- Spring: Oct 15, 2025
Columbia School of Professional Studies (SPS):
Certificate Programs:
- Early application deadline: Oct 15, 2025(tentative)
- Final deadline: Dec 1, 2025 (tentative)
Also check: University Application Process for the USA.
Columbia University Masters Program Overview
Columbia University offers 1 to 2 year of a master's program, depending upon the department and course chosen. Some professional programs, such as Journalism and Business Analytics, may require 12-16 months to complete the course.
Some of the most popular specializations opted for by Indians are Data Science and Business Analytics, Computer Science and Engineering Management, Finance and Financial Engineering, Public Health and International Affairs, Journalism, Architecture and Urban Planning. The tuition cost of these programs may lie between INR 28L and INR 1 Cr, and the living expenses may range between INR 21L and INR 29L per annum.
A Master's in Columbia University is ideal for students aiming for Ivy League academic prestige and global exposure and seeking STEM OPT benefits. New York City is a global hub for Finance, Consulting, Media, and Tech, which is also a reason why students give preference to Columbia master's.
Also, the course is suitable for applicants with career goals in fields such as Data Science, Public Policy, Business Analytics, or Journalism.
Who is eligible to join the MS at Columbia University?
International students must hold a bachelor’s degree with a strong academic record from a recognized university or equivalent to be admitted to Columbia. They must demonstrate their English language proficiency by submitting the scores of IELTS and TOEFL. The university also demands a GRE or GMAT score for most programs, relevant work experience, and foundational knowledge. In addition to fulfilling the basic eligibility requirements, students must submit some mandatory documents. The following are the requirements for the Masters in Science program. Applicants must provide the following:
- A statement of academic purpose (SOP)
- Applicants must have a list of all their prior colleges or universities, accompanied by unofficial transcripts from each school. However, unofficial transcripts should be uploaded with the applicant's application.
- Three letters of recommendation: Applicants must enter the names of their recommender directly in the application, and they will receive a link to upload a letter on the applicant's behalf.
- Applicants must submit their Resumes and CV
- A USD 85 application fee for PG applicants
- A standardised test scores
Commonly asked questions On Highlights
Columbia University does not set any minimum eligible scores for international students willing to join the master's programs. However, it is recommended to aim score above 320 on the GRE and over 700 on GMAT for successful admission. In addition, students who scored or performed well academically and were involved in relevant internships may get some sort of relief in standardized test scores. Columbia University is tough to get into for international students, and that is why they must aim to score much higher than the recommended scores.
Columbia University does not ask for work experience for most of the programs, particularly in Engineering, Computer Science, and Applied Science, where they prioritize academic excellence. However, there are programs such as Business Analytics, Financial Engineering, or Management Science that mandate submission of relevant experience, internships, or research exposures. In addition, Columbia prioritizes students having leadership potential, problem-solving ability, and real-world experiences.
With 4% acceptance rate, Columbia University offers tough admission to international students. To improve the chances of selection, students must take care of a few things that can also help to build a strong profile. Students can check the mandatory things below to improve their selection probability:
- Aim for high academic scores, including CGPA, GRE/GMAT, and English language proficiency, and more.
- Submit a well-written Statement of Purpose that includes all the goals and achievements.
- Ask professors to provide a letter of recommendation who know the students' abilities.
- Involved in leadership roles, gained relevant experience, international conference, and more to display the ability.
Columbia University MSPopular courses
1
Columbia UniversityFees details 2026
| Fee components | Amount (for 9 months - 18 years) |
|---|---|
INR 29.28 L - 93.96 L | |
INR 15.73 L - 18.71 L | |
INR 3.27 L - 4.41 L | |
INR 1.02 L - 1.18 L | |
INR 7.57 K - 11.02 L | |
INR 49.38 L - 1.29 Cr |
These are estimated fees information. Actual values may differ.
Columbia University MS Application Process 2025
Below is the application process for MS application process:
Step 1: The Application Process can be made through the Columbia portal.
(www.gradengineering.columbia.edu/graduate-admissions/apply)
Step 2: Check your requirements thoroughly and see if your current qualifications are recognised.
Step 3: You should meet the entry requirements checklist before applying:
- Transcripts of your degree.
- A minimum score of 7.5 and above in IELTS
- SOP ( Things you need to know about SOP)
- LOR ( letter of recommendation)
- Creative Portfolio ( Audition depending on your chosen course )
- Resume/ CV
- An Application fee of USD 85 ( INR 7,050)
- Entrance exam ( you just take GRE or GMAT, LSAT, MCAT) if you're planning to apply for the required programs.
- Step 4: Make sure your English requirements meet the standards of the University.
Step 5: You can submit your application after your requirements are ready.
Step 6: The application fee might vary depending on the programs and courses the applicant chooses. However, for MS the application fee is USD 85 If the applicant can’t afford the application fee, they can waive it.
Step 7: After submitting the application, applicants can check their status by logging in with their credentials through the Columbia portal.
Columbia University MS Acceptance Rate
The Columbia University acceptance rate for the MS programme is around 4%. International students require a good GPA and academic profile to get into the university. Applicants must check their admission documents thoroughly to get selected.
To be admitted to the MS program at Columbia, it is recommended to have a strong academic profile, including competitive scores in the GMAT or GREs. However, the admission process at Columbia takes a holistic approach, considering multiple factors in the student's profile. These factors include Leadership, Work experience, essays, LOR and interviews that the students give during their admission process.
Columbia University MS English Language Proficiency Exams
International students must submit a proof of English Language proficiency to be considered for Columbia University admission ( especially non-english speaking countries). Students can demonstrate that they are proficient in English by submitting the English proficiency test scores.
|
English proficiency test |
Scores |
|---|---|
|
TOEFL |
A minimum score of 105 |
|
IELTS |
A minimum score of 7.5 |
|
DET |
A minimum score of 135 |
Columbia University MS Admission deadlines 2025
Below are the application deadline for Columbia University’s Masters in Science courses. The University provides an array of courses under the MS program. Below is Columbia University admission deadline for 2025 Intake:
Priority deadline: Jan 15, 2026
Regular deadline: Feb 15, 2026
Columbia University Computer Science:
Spring: Oct 15, 2025
Columbia School of Professional Studies (SPS):
Certificate Programs:
Early application deadline: Oct 15, 2025(tentative)
Final deadline: Dec 1, 2025 (tentative)
Commonly asked questions On Application Process
Below is the cost of living at Columbia University. However, the cost of living might vary as it totally depends on the individual and their spending. However, check out the below table:
1st year tuition fees
Fees components | Amount |
|---|---|
Tuition & fees | INR 49,00,759 |
Other expenses in 1st Year
Fees components | Amount |
|---|---|
Insurance | INR 3,76,631 |
Transportation | INR 94,800 |
Application Fee | INR 7,050 |
Total | INR 4,78,481 |
Calculated at the exchange rate of 1 USD = INR 82.94
Yes, a valid GRE score or GMAT score is required for pursuing an MS at Columbia University. There is no minimum requirement when it comes to GRE or GMAT scores at Columbia University USA, and students are free to submit both.
The average GRE scores for the 2024 undergraduate entering class were: 169 (Quantitative) and 161 (Verbal).
The scores ranged between: 159-170 (Quantitative) and 154-168 (Verbal).
The application fee for the MS in Computer Science programme at Columbia University is $85 (INR 7,290). The fee is non-refundable, and students having financial hardships can request a fee waiver. Prospective students can pay the fee by credit card through the online application system.
Columbia University
Compare MS at Columbia University with other similar colleges
| College | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| INR 29.2 L - 93.67 L | #15 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 46.02 L - 55.37 L | #1 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 38.42 L - 75.33 L | #4 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 28.16 L - 84.34 L | #55 QS, 2026 | |
| INR 28.19 L - 37.29 L | #879 US News, 2023 | |
| INR 19.01 L - 80.72 L | #7 US News, 2026 |
Compare
Columbia University Popular Masters Specializations
Columbia University offers a range of master's programs to international students. Some of the popular specializations include Industrial Engineering, Actuarial Science, Economics and Education, Data Science, Computer Science, Pharmaceutical Statistics, Business and Economics, and more. The tuition cost of these programs ranges between INR 28L and INR 1 Cr. Students can check the table below for the popular Columbia specializations with the tuition cost:
|
Popular Programs |
Tuition Cost in INR |
|---|---|
|
Industrial Engineering |
INR 49 L |
|
Actuarial Science |
INR 48 L |
|
Economics and Education |
INR 47 L |
|
Data Science |
INR 44 L |
|
Computer Science |
INR 51 L |
|
Pharmaceutical Statistics |
INR 55 L |
|
Business and Economics |
INR 61 L |
Columbia University MS Ranking
Columbia University has been consistently ranked well in engineering. In 2025, it secured 95 place in the QS Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering Ranking, improving from previous year which was 108th place. Its programs in Engineering and Technology, Business Analytics, as well as computer science, also received a notable ranking. These Rankings reflect as a good and reputable university in terms of MS and Engineering courses.
|
Ranked By |
2024 |
2025 |
|---|---|---|
|
QS - Engineering and Technology [10] |
44 |
50 |
|
QS - Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering Rankings |
108 |
95 |
|
Master's in Business Analytics |
NA |
6 |
|
THE (Times Higher Education) - Engineering [11] |
25 |
28 |
|
PG Computer Science |
24 |
26 |
|
THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Computer Science [11] |
24 |
26 |
Columbia University Cost of Living
Below is the cost of living at Columbia University. However, the cost of living might vary as it totally depends on the individual and their spending. However, check out the below table:
1st year tuition fees
|
Fees components |
Amount |
|---|---|
|
Tuition & fees |
INR 49,00,759 |
Other expenses in 1st Year
|
Fees components |
Amount |
|---|---|
|
Insurance |
INR 3,76,631 |
|
Transportation |
INR 94,800 |
|
Application Fee |
INR 7,050 |
|
Total |
INR 4,78,481 |
Commonly asked questions On Rankings
Yes, it is worth studying MS in Data Science at Columbia University as this programme allows students to apply data Science techniques to their field of interest. Master of Science in Data Science is one of the most highly rated and sought-after advanced data Science programs in the world. Columbia is a perfect choice to study MS in Data Science in the USA for international students. The university graduates are placed in below companies:
Alibaba
Amazon
Citibank
IBM
Microsoft
Students can also check the list of Top 10 Master of Data Science Colleges in USA
Columbia University MSExplore Other Courses
Columbia University MSStudents Ratings & Reviews
2 Verified Reviews- Academically oriented
- Multi-dimensional
- Friendly
- Liberal
- 67% students never faced discrimination in this university
Columbia University FAQs 2025
The cost of the Master of Science in Data Science programme at Columbia University is approximately $51,680 (INR 44,70,560) per year. The duration of this programme is 18 months. Students should take living expenditures into account in addition to tuition, as these can greatly raise the total cost of attendance in New York City.
No professional experience is required to get admission to Columbia University's MS in Data Science program. However, students are expected to have a strong academic background with prior coursework in subjects like calculus, linear algebra, and introductory programming.
Columbia University
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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
116th and Broadway, New York, NY 10027, United States
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