Columbia University Courses 2026: Popular UG, PG, & Certificate Courses

New York University and Columbia University are one of the best universitues in the world. The universitys are the bets in the city of New York. However, while they share a great reputation, there are subtle differences between the two universities. The below table compares the rankings, fees and acceptance rate of NYU and Columbia. Overall this information could be useful for students who are considering them.

Here is the comparison highlighting the differences between the Universities:

(The comparison of fees was between the BTech course for UG and the MBA course for PG)

Undergraduate students at Columbia University have access to five residential halls, namely Carman Hall, Furnald Hall, Hartley Hall, John Jay Hall, and Wallach Hall. International students at Columbia University are provided with four years of undergraduate housing. Currently, about 90% of students opt to live on campus. Some of the on-campus features include dining halls, hangouts, late-night spots, and campus cafés.

Given below is the breakdown of the expenses of attending the Columbia University:

Conversion Rate: 1 USD = INR 83.96

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

Other expenses in 1st Year

Calculated at the exchange rate of 1 USD = INR 82.94

The highest salary earned by graduates of the Columbia Uni USA is USD 450,000 (INR 4.1 Cr) in the Real Estate industry. This is three times the average salary package students got offered in the Real Estate industry. The average package for students in Real Estate was USD 150,000 (INR 1.34 Cr) for the MBA Class of 2025.

1 USD = INR 89.90

In the world rankings, Columbia University rank is #34 in the QS World University rankings. In 2024 the university ranks at #23 position. In Times Higher Education rankings the university ranks at #18 position in 2025. In 2024 THE rankings the university was placed at 17 position. Though in both the world rankings, the university’s rank has declined in 2025 rankings it has still managed to stay in the Top 50 Universities in the world.

It depens on various factors, including the overall cost, accommodation facilities, location, tuition fees, faculty reputation, programme availability, individual preference, and more.

Columbia is far better than NYU, students can still go to NYU for the culture they are looking for or any other factors discussed above. The Columbia University ranked #13 among national universities, where NYU stands at #30.

Getting into Columbia can be hard but as an Indian student you can get in if you follow some basic steps of the Columbia University application process, take a look - 

• First things first, start by registering yourself on the application portal
• Then, you would have to put your personal details and a really good essay on why Columbia?  
• Now, upload all the required documents and pay the Columbia application fee 
• At the last, all you can do is wait for a decision from the uni. 

Yes, Columbia Business School provides scholarships. In fact, the CBS is well renowned for the having one of the largest scholarship funds. There is no need to apply for the scholarships separately, it is integrated in the CBS application process. Below mentioned are the scholarships provided to MBA students:

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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 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 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 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