Overview
Enrollment
| Location | New York, New York |
| Online | columbia.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Large City |
| Size | Large |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Columbia University occupies several blocks in Manhattan's Morningside Heights neighborhood, featuring a cohesive campus of Beaux-Arts architecture centered around the iconic Low Memorial Library. Founded in 1754 as King's College, it is one of eight Ivy League institutions and the oldest college in New York State. The university maintains highly selective undergraduate programs through Columbia College and The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, with notable strengths in the humanities, social sciences, and engineering disciplines. The core curriculum, a cornerstone of Columbia's undergraduate education, emphasizes classic Western literature and philosophy while requiring all students to complete specific courses in contemporary civilization, art humanities, and music humanities. First-year students typically reside in the neo-Gothic residence halls along 114th Street, while the university's location provides direct access to New York City's cultural and professional opportunities.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Columbia is rated within the top 5% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 10 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Columbia University in the City of New York within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#22 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#22 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#2 in Best Colleges in New York
#2 in Best Private Colleges in New York
#12 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#1 in Best Value Colleges in New York
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1490/1570 |
| ACT | 34/35 |
| Estimated GPA | 3.91 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Jan 1, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Extreme |
| Application Fee | $85 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,392 |
| Other Fees | $3,705 |
| Room and Board | $16,800 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,350 |
| Total One Year Cost | $89,587 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Social Sciences | 26% |
| Engineering | 12% |
| English and Literature | 7% |
| History | 7% |
| Health Professions | 7% |
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Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about Columbia University in the City of New York.
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Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=190150 IPEDS survey data for Columbia University in the City of New York.
Current students may use the Columbia University in the City of New York GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025