Columbia University
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#5 in MBA/PGDM in USA

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  • Institute IconColumbia Business School
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MBA
 at 
Columbia University 
Overview

Duration

2 years
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Tuition & Fees

80.90 Lakh
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International Students Admission Website

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Official Career Service Website

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Course Level

PG Degree

MBA
 at 
Columbia University 
Fees

icon1st year tuition fees
Fees componentsAmount (for 1 year)
Tuition & feesINR 80,89,692
iconOther expenses in 1st Year
Fees componentsAmount (for 1 year)
Hostel & MealsINR 15,67,859
InsuranceINR 4,39,657
Info IconCalculated at the exchange rate of 1 USD = INR 88.73 | Tuition & expenses were last updated on 30ᵗʰ August 2025

MBA
 at 
Columbia University 
Curriculum

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GMAT
GRE
PTE

MBA
 at 
Columbia University 
Entry Requirements

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CGPA

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MBA
 at 
Columbia University 
 
Frequently Asked Questions

Q:   Is Columbia University good for MBA?
A: 

 Yes, According to QS MBA Ranking 2023, the university ranks 8th in the world and 5th in the USA for business studies.it is a good choice for international students to study MBA in the USA at Columbia University because of its high ranking in the world. Columbia rank among the top 10 MBA universities in the world since 2021. 

Columbia Business School

Statistics

Students enrolled

2,472

International Student %

39.4%

Alumni

49,308

Graduate Employed

95% (within first three months)

Countries Represented

123

Q:   Does Columbia MBA require GMAT?
A: 

International applicants looking to study MBA at Columbia must submit their GMAT, Executive Assessment, or GRE score when applying. Columbia Business School considers scores to be valid for five years after your test date. Students can check below the GMAT score and other test scores required for MBA admission 2023:

Exam

Score

GMAT Scores (average)

729

GMAT Scores (range)

550–780

GMAT Scores (middle 80%)

700–760

Undergraduate GPA (average)

3.6

Undergraduate GPA (middle 80%)

3.1–3.9

Q:   What is unique about Columbia MBA?
A: 

Master of Business Administration (MBA) is one of the most popular courses offered by Columbia Uni and students across the globe desire to pursue this course. Mentioned below are some interesting facts of the Columbia University MBA course:

  • MBA course stands in the top 10 business schools across the world.
  • Median salary of an MBA graduate of Columbia University is USD 175,000 per year.
  • Columbia Business School (CBS) is about 12 km from New York City which paves the way for students to have one of the best job opportunities in the world. New York City is known as "door to success"
  • Columbia University MBA is in seventh position in Forbes’ list of Best US Business Schools and sixth in US News’ Best Business School (US) list.
  • Its core structure consists of two full-term courses and eight half-term courses, forming the foundational experience for its students. This core curriculum is designed to help students with a deep understanding of essential academic disciplines and practical skills for success in the competitive business world. 
Q:   What is the acceptance rate of Columbia Business School for an MBA?
A: 

According to the US News and World Report, the acceptane rate of Colubia Business School is 22.4%. Columbia Business School acceptance rates vary for each of the courses offered. The acceptance rate of MBA programme is 6.5% as of 2023. This figure reflects the competitive nature of the admissions process. 

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

Columbia Business School does not have a minimum GPA requirement for admission to its MBA program. But according to unofficial sources the average GPA of admitted applicants at Columbia MBA is 3.6. Moreover, 80% of the class have a GPA between 3.1 and 3.9.

MBA
 at 
Columbia University 
Application Process

Step one
Prepare documents for application
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LOR
  • First-time applicants require one recommendation. Reapplicants are required to submit one new recommendation
  • The university asks the recommender to consider the following guidelines when writing their recommendation (recommended limit: 1000 words)
    • How do the candidate's performance, potential, background, or personal qualities compare to those of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles? Please provide specific examples
    • Please describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant's response
ESSAYS
  • Applicants must complete two short-answer questions and three essays:
    • Short Answer Question
      • What is the applicant's immediate post-MBA professional goal? (50 characters maximum)
      • Why do applicants prefer the January-entry term? (50 characters maximum)
    • Essay 1
      • Through the applicant's resume and recommendation, the university has a clear sense of their professional path to date. What are the applicant's career goals over the next three to five years, and what is their long-term dream job? (500 words)  
    • Essay 2 
      • Please share a specific example of how applicants made a team more collaborative, more inclusive, or fostered a greater sense of community within an organization. (250 words)
    • Essay 3
      • The university believes Columbia Business School is a special place with a collaborative learning environment in which students feel a sense of belonging, agency, and partnership--academically, culturally, and professionally. How would you co-create your optimal MBA experience at CBS? Please be specific. (250 words)

CV
  • Applicants should upload their current professional resume or CV to the online application. Applicants' professional resume or CV should ideally be one page in length, but one-to-two pages is also acceptable

MBA
 at 
Columbia University 
Rankings

MBA
 at 
Columbia University 
Placements

ParticularsStatistics (2025)
Internship AvailableYes,

MBA
 at 
Columbia University 
 
Students also asked

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:   Which famous Indian attended the Columbia University?
A: 

Former Minister of Law and Justice of India, BR Ambedkar, attended the Columbia University, receiving a PhD in Economics in 1927, and an Honorary degree in 1952. 

Ambedkar, was the first politically prominent, and highly educated member of the Hindu "untouchable" Dalit cast in India, who fought for their civil rights and social justice. 

Q:   Is GRE compulsory for MS in University of British Columbia?
A: 

Requirements for the University of British Columbia for MS programs include:

  • Bachelor's degree (four-year or three-year UG + one-year MS) with First Class/Division 1 (65%) or Very Good (8 on a 10-point scale)
  • GREMCAT LSAT/MCAT scores as per the course requirement
  • Academic transcripts
  • English Language Proficiency test score of IELTS/TOEFL/PTE
  • Resume / CV
  • Essays or SOP, as per course requirement
  • Two to three LORs
  • Additional or optional supplements, as per course requirement

NoteAll applicants must complete an online application form and pay the application fee to be considered for admission to UBC.

Q:   How good is the University of Northern British Columbia?
A: 

The University of Northern British Columbia is one of the best small universities in Canada. As per Maclean’s Magazine the University of Northern British Columbia ranking is #1 in Canada. The University of Northern British Columbia is placed among the top 5% of universities in Canada by THE. Also, the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2024 ranked the University of British Columbia in the range of #801-1,000 in the world.

Q:   What is the UNBC Masters Tuition Scholarship of the University of Northern British Columbia?
A: 

The UNBC Masters Tuition Scholarship is a graduate award offered by the university itself. This scholarship reduces half the value of the tuition fee units for the degree programme into which the student has been accepted. This scholarship is for a full-time student who has successfully competed for a national or provincial scholarship or fellowship equal to or greater than CAD 10,000. Students must keep a satisfactory academic standing to maintain the scholarship.

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
Offered by Columbia University
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
AnonymousVerified Icon
MS in Data Science - Batch of 2026
Offered by Columbia University
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
Offered by Columbia University
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
View All 3 ReviewsRight Arrow Icon

MBA
 at 
Columbia University 
Highlights

  • This Full-Time MBA Program is designed to be completed as following schedule: August Entry: 20-month program (including summer internships) and January Entry: 16-month program (no summer internship)
  • The curriculum consists of 18 credits of required core coursework, and a minimum of 42 credits of elective courses
  • Students who exempt out of core courses replace them with electives to fulfill the MBA requirement of 60 credits of graduate-level courses taken in residence at the School in four terms of study
  • Students may count a combined maximum of six credits of Independent Study, Cross-Cultural Seminar, and graduate-level courses from other Columbia schools toward the MBA degree
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MBA
 at 
Columbia University 
Scholarships

Class Icon
Class Profile

Average class profile for this course
Work Experience5 years
Bachelors GPA / Percentage3.6
GMAT Score Average729
Student Age28
Percentage of International Students51%

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MBA
 at 
Columbia University 

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MBA
 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)

Go to College Website ->