Columbia University

Columbia University admitted 3.9% of applicants university-wide (2,325 of 60,247).

Early Decision applicants were admitted at 13.2%, vs 3.9% overall — ED is a binding commitment.

Of 2,325 admitted students, 1,483 enrolled (63.8% yield).

Columbia University Common Data Set 2024-2025 · Sections C1–C2 · 2024 — Published cohort admit rates — context, not an applicant-specific probability.

SAT (mid-50%)

1510–1560

ACT (mid-50%)

34–36

Testing policy: Test-optional (considered if submitted)

Columbia University Common Data Set 2024-2025 · Sections C9–C12 · 2024 — Published admit stats reflect the entire incoming class unless explicitly labeled international-only.

Published cost of attendance: $96,858/yr.

Average net price by family income (US, federal aid data)

U.S. Dept. of Education · College Scorecard — average net price by family income (Title IV, from IPEDS) · 2023

Columbia University Common Data Set 2024-2025 · Sections G–H · 2024

Columbia University · Application requirements (official admissions pages) · 2025

The Common App personal essay is required (one of 7 shared prompts), plus 13 college-specific supplements:

1. List a selection of texts, resources and outlets that have contributed to your intellectual development outside of academic courses, including but not limited to books, journals, websites, podcasts, essays, plays, presentations, videos, museums and other content that you enjoy. (100 words or fewer)100 words · Required
2. Why are you interested in attending Columbia University? We encourage you to consider the aspect(s) that you find unique and compelling about Columbia. (150 words or fewer)150 words · Required
3. What attracts you to your preferred areas of study at Columbia College? (150 words or fewer)150 words · Required
4. What attracts you to your preferred areas of study at Columbia Engineering? (150 words or fewer)150 words · Required
5. <b>Research Abstract</b><br><br> Please note that research abstracts are typically one page in length and encompass a brief synopsis of your work.2000 words · Required
6. Please upload your second abstract here:2000 words · Required
7. Tell us about an aspect of your life so far or your lived experience that is important to you, and describe how it has shaped the way you would learn from and contribute to Columbia's multidimensional and collaborative environment. (150 words or fewer)150 words · Required
8. In college/university, students are often challenged in ways that they could not anticipate. Please describe a situation in which you have navigated through adversity and discuss how you changed as a result. (150 words or fewer)150 words · Required
9. How did you meet your research adviser or mentor?50 words · Required
10. What role did your adviser/mentor play in your research?50 words · Required
11. How did you meet your research adviser or mentor?50 words · Required
12. What role did your adviser/mentor play in your research?50 words · Required
13. At Columbia, students representing a wide range of perspectives are invited to live and learn together. In such a community, questions and debates naturally arise. Please describe a time when you did not agree with someone and discuss how you engaged with them and what you took away from the interaction. (150 words or fewer)&nbsp;150 words · Required

Draft these in the free Essay Coach

Prompts from the Common App member feed · verified Jul 3, 2026

Median earnings

$102,491

Median earnings · 10 years after entry

Graduation rate

96.1%

Within 150% of normal time

First-year retention

98%

Return for year two · CDS Section B

Median debt

$21,500

At graduation

Columbia University · U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (2023 release) · 2023 — Earnings and debt figures are federal data for aid-receiving graduates — cohort outcomes, not a guarantee for any individual student.

• U.S. News National: #15
• WSJ: #8
• Forbes: #2
• Niche: #6
• QS: #38

• 2026-11-01Early Decision — Binding early round
• 2027-01-01Regular Decision — Standard deadline
• 2027-01-15Early Action — Non-binding early round

Columbia University Common Data Set 2024-2025 · Sections C21–C22 · 2024

Largest degree fields: Social sciences (20%), Computer & information sciences (17%), Engineering (14%).

Student–faculty ratio: 6:1 · 58% of class sections have under 20 students.

Columbia University Common Data Set 2024-2025 · Sections E, F, I · 2024 — Published institutional figures for the reporting year — descriptive of the current student body, not a prediction about your experience.

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