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Master of Science in Financial Economics 

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#11 in MS in USA

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  • Institute IconColumbia Business School
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Master of Science in Financial Economics
 at 
Columbia University 
Overview

Duration

2 years
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Tuition & Fees

68.41 Lakh
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Course Level

PG Degree

Master of Science in Financial Economics
 at 
Columbia University 
Fees

icon1st year tuition fees
Fees componentsAmount (for 1 year)
Tuition & feesINR 68,40,771
iconOther expenses in 1st Year
Fees componentsAmount (for 1 year)
Hostel & MealsINR 16,06,203
InsuranceINR 3,34,148
Info IconCalculated at the exchange rate of 1 USD = INR 90.9 | Tuition & expenses were last updated on 11ᵗʰ December 2025

Master of Science in Financial Economics
 at 
Columbia University 
Curriculum

Latest curriculum for Master of Science in Financial Economics at Columbia University can be downloaded from the below link. The curriculum PDF has semester wise course structure, electives and detailed course content. You can also check course curriculum of other specializations offered in MS at Columbia University

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Master of Science in Financial Economics
 at 
Columbia University 
Entry Requirements

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Master of Science in Financial Economics
 at 
Columbia University 
 
Frequently Asked Questions

Q:   Which is harder to get into Harvard or Columbia?
A: 

As an Indian student, it's not easy to get into either. Your chances of admission at admission stand at 4.94% at Columbia. If you think this is low, Harvard accepted its Class of 2028 at a rate of 3.6%. This means Harvard asks you to put in that extra effort.

Q:   What GPA do you need to get into Columbia?
A: 

Columbia University ask for a GPA of 4 or above from Indian students. Students should fulfill the basic qualification and submit all the documents like ACT or SAT scores, transcripts, English language requirements, and more to increase the chances.

Q:   What is the minimum GRE/GMAT score required for MS programs at Columbia?
A: 

Columbia University does not set any minimum eligible scores for international students who want to join the MS programs. But, it is needed for the students to make sure to score above 320 on the GRE and over 700 on GMAT for successful admission.

Also, students who scored nicely and performed well academically and were involved in relevant internships may get some sort of relief in standardized test scores. 

Q:   How can Indian students improve their chances of admission to Columbia MS programs?
A: 

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.
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.

Master of Science in Financial Economics
 at 
Columbia University 
Rankings

Master of Science in Financial Economics
 at 
Columbia University 
Placements

ParticularsStatistics (2025)
Internship AvailableYes,
Lock IconTop Recruiters for Columbia University
Barclays Bank
CITI Bank
Google
Morgan Stanley

Master of Science in Financial Economics
 at 
Columbia University 
 
Students also asked

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.

Q:   How are the subjects of Columbia University ranked?
A: 

Columbia University’s Law course ranks exceptionally well in THE subject rankings. It ranks at the #4 position in 2024. A few of the other courses that rank well are:

Course

THE Subjects Rankings 2024

Arts and Humanities

#10

Social Sciences

#12

Psychology

#13

Life Sciences

#14

 

Q:   What is the highest package of Columbia University?
A: 

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

Q:   Which is better: NYU or Columbia University?
A: 

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:

 Name of The University

Ranking

Acceptance Rate

1st Year Tuition Fee

New York University

#39

 10%- 11%

  UG course: INR 17 L - 50 L

  PG course: INR 68 L - 90 L

Columbia University

#23 

 3.9%

UG Course:  INR 50 L - 52 L

PG course:  INR 44 L - 76 L

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

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.

Columbia University
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
Thumbs Up IconThumbs Down Icon
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
Thumbs Up IconThumbs Down Icon
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Master of Science in Financial Economics
 at 
Columbia University 
Highlights

  • The Master of Science in Financial Economics is a two-year STEM eligible master's degree program offered by the Finance Division of Columbia Business School
  • The MSFE provides academically distinguished and industry-oriented students the opportunity to obtain a rigorous, graduate-level finance and economics training in an intensive two-year program
  • The goal of the program is to provide students with the quantitative and theoretical tools for a successful career in finance with potential employers such as investment and commercial banks, economic and financial asset management companies, consulting firms, and policy-oriented organizations

Master of Science in Financial Economics
 at 
Columbia University 
Scholarships

Scholarship information is not available. You can apply to non-college specific scholarships available for USA.
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Class Icon
Class Profile

Average class profile for this course
Work Experience1.2
Bachelors GPA / Percentage3.85
Student Age24
Percentage of International Students89%

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About the author

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Tasneem Hoda

Study Abroad Expert

Tasneem Hoda 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, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and alignment with instit...Read Full Bio

Master of Science in Financial Economics
 at 
Columbia University 

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Master of Science in Financial Economics
 at 
Columbia University 
 
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Master of Science in Financial Economics
 at 
Columbia University 
Contact Information

Address

116th and Broadway, New York, NY 10027, United States

New York

Phone
212-854-4400

(For general query)

212-854-2522

(For admission query)

Email
registrar@columbia.edu

(For general query)

ugrad-ask@columbia.edu

(For admission query)

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