Columbia University Acceptance Rate, Admissions, SAT/ACT, GPA, Tuition

Columbia University is one of the best institutions in the world, but its acceptance rate is more selective than most universities. An admission into Columbia University is dependent on an academic effort to excellently attain good grades. The admission statistics at Columbia show a large number of applications and a few admitted numbers.

If you have ever wondered why Columbia University is extremely selective in its admission process, then you should read this article for insight and facts regarding the university’s acceptance rate.

Columbia University is one of the Ivy elites and a household name among global institutions. Since its inception over 260 years ago, Colombia University has been devoted to providing top-quality education, leading innovation in technological research and advancement.

Columbia University offers a wide range of degree programs at undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. At Columbia, you will find your preferred field of study with faculty members ready to take you through engaging classes and research.

However, getting into Columbia University is very difficult as its acceptance rate is in the single digits. Each year, thousands of applicants from the United States and beyond apply to enrol in programs at different levels. The admitted applicants are those with excellent grades that meet the required standards at Columbia University.

Also Read: Columbia University, Columbia Student Portal Login: ssol.columbia.edu

About Colombia University

Columbia University is a private research institution located in New York City, New York. The university was established in 1754, the oldest institution in New York and the fifth in the United States. Columbia University’s main campus sits on 299 acres.

As of the fall of 2020, the total enrollment at Columbia University is 31,455 which comprises undergraduate and graduate students. Columbia University offers a collection of decorative degree programs at different levels through twenty-one schools.

The endowment of Columbia University as of 2021 is a whopping $14.35 billion. Columbia is a member of the famous Ivy League schools found in the New England region of the United States.

The university is arguably one of the best in the world and has graduated notable alumni such as U.S presidents, world leaders, Noble laureates, Academy Award winners, and Pulitzer Prize winners.

Columbia University operates a semester-based academic calendar.

Schools at Columbia University

These are the schools and colleges at Columbia University that offers degree programs at different levels.

Columbia College
Columbia Engineering
School of General Studies
Columbia Business School
College of Dental Medicine
Columbia Climate School
Columbia Law School
Columbia Journalism School
Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation
Graduate School of Art and Science
School of Social Work
School of Professional Studies
School of Nursing
School of International and Publica Affairs
Mailman School of Public Health
Vagelos Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons
Bernard College
Jewish Theological Seminary
Teachers College
Union Theological Seminary

Columbia University Undergraduate Programs

Columbia University offers lots of undergraduate programs and only the popular programs are listed here.

Architecture
Chemistry
Computer Science
Economics
English
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Graduate Programs

Architecture
Chemistry
Computer Science
Economics
Electrical Engineering
Law
Nursing
Medicine
Math and Stats

Please note that some of these programs are offered online and you can always visit Columbia University’s official website for more information.

Columbia University Rankings

Columbia University is ranked among the best universities in the world. Currently, the university occupies notable positions in state and national rankings.

National Rankings

2nd in National Universities
2nd in Best Colleges for English in America
3rd in Best Colleges for Environmental Science in America
3rd in Best Colleges for Global Studies in America
4th in Best Colleges for History in America
6th in Best Colleges for Education in America
6th in Best Colleges for Public Policy in America
6th in Best Colleges for Performing Arts in America
6th in Best Colleges for Philosophy in America
7th in Best Colleges for Religious Studies in America

State Rankings

1st in Hardest Colleges to Get Into in New York
1st in Best Colleges in New York
1st in Best Colleges with the Best Academics in New York
1st in Colleges with the Best Professors in New York
1st in Colleges with the Best Student Life in New York
1st in Best Colleges for Students Athletes in New York
1st in Top Private Universities in New York
1st in Best Colleges for Psychology in New York
1st in Best Colleges fThe or English in New York
1st in Best Colleges for History in New York

Also Read: Columbia School of Social Work Acceptance Rate

Columbia University Acceptance Rate

The Ivy League schools are a team of the best and most prestigious universities in the world. Most of these schools are found in the New England Region of the United States, famous for having the lowest admit rate for applicants.

As one of the Ivy elites, Columbia University is not an exception. As of the fall of the previous admission period, the acceptance rate at Columbia University is 3.72% which is extremely selective. With such a low acceptance rate, it simply means that Columbia University admits 3 applicants out of every 100.

According to the admission statistics at Columbia University, a total of 60,377 undergraduate applications were received via the Early Decision and Regular Decision. Out of that number, only 2,253 applicants were admitted into the undergraduate schools at Columbia.

Admission into Columbia University requires the best grades and convincing application credentials.

GPA Requirement at Columbia University

The acceptance rate of a particular college or university provides little insight on what to expect as an average required GPA.

The average GPA required at Columbia University stands at 4.12. To attain such a high GPA requirement, you will need more A’s in your high school courses to ensure your application to Columbia University is considered.

SAT Requirements

Although standardized tests may not be required at Columbia University, the school might suggest you self-report your test score.

The average SAT required at Columbia University is 1505 on the new 1600 SAT scale.

Here are statistics for the new SAT scores.

Section	Average	25^th Percentile	75^th Percentile
Math	770	740	800
Reading + Writing	735	710	760
Composite	1505	1450	1560

ACT Requirement

The average ACT score at Columbia University is 34. You should aim for an ACT score above 33 to increase your chances of getting into Columbia University.

Here are the ACT score for the 25th and 75th percentile.

Percentile	25^th	75^th
ACT Score	33	35

Application Requirements at Columbia University

For a successful application to Columbia University, you are required to provide essential documents which include a school report, recommendation letters, application fee, etc.

Application Requirements for First-Year Applicants

All first-year applicants who want to apply to Columbia University are required to provide the following.

Application Platforms

Columbia University accepts applications from three application platforms. You can apply via the Common Application, Coalition Application, or the QuestBridge Application. The QuestBridge application is for students named as QuestBridge Finalists.

Columbia Specific Application Questions

The Columbia-specific questions are requirements you must respond to. By completing the Columbia-specific questions, you will provide the admission committee at Columbia with personal details about your character and intellectual interests. The admission committee at Columbia is interested to know about your involvement in the community and why Columbia University is your preference.

Application Fee or Waiver Fee

Columbia University demands that you pay a non-refundable application fee of $85. You can pay the application fee online with a credit card.

Secondary School Report

Ask your school counsellor or other officials at your school to submit your secondary school report with an official transcript. These documents must be submitted online.

Counsellor Recommendation

Columbia University demands a recommendation letter from your school counsellor and must be submitted online.

Teacher Recommendations

Ask two teachers who have taught you in core subjects to write a recommendation letter for you.

If you are an engineering applicant, Columbia University requires that the recommendation letter come from a math or science teacher.

Mid Year Report

Mid-year reports are required due to some of the courses in your senior year might be unavailable during application.

Please note that these first-year application requirements are for applicants who intend to enrol on a full-time basis in Columbia Engineering or Columbia College.

For more specific information on application requirements at Columbia University, you can visit the school’s official website via the link below.

Visit Columbia

Application Requirements for International Applicants

Despite the acceptance rate at Columbia, thousands of applications received at the university are from international applicants. Statistics from the last cycle of Early Decision and Regular Decision show that applicants from eighty-six countries were among the newly admitted students in the class of 2026.

The first-year application requirements at Columbia University are the same for international applicants. However, applicants who are non-native English speakers are required to take an English proficiency test.

Englis Proficiency Requirement for International Applicants

Columbia University demands that all applicants must be fluent in English for easy interaction and understanding when receiving instructions in class.

You can show your proficiency in the English language on your application by;

Indicating that your home language is English.
You attended a secondary school where instructions are offered in the English language.
Prove that you have earned one or more of these subsection scores.
#1. A score of 29 or more on the English or Reading sections of the ACT.
#2. A score of 700 or more on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section of the SAT.

Once you have met one or more of these criteria above, you have successfully fulfilled the English language proficiency requirements at Columbia University.

Failure to meet these requirements, you will have to take the following English proficiency exams.

TOEFL
TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition
TOEFL IPT Plus for China
IELTS
Duolingo English Test

Also Read: 10 Cheap Universities in Canada to study almost for free

Application Dates and Deadlines

Here are the application dates and deadlines at Columbia University.

1st of November

Early Decision Application Deadline
Deadline for QuestBridge National College Match Applicants

15th of November

Early Decision Financial Aid Application Deadline

Mid-December

Admission & Financial Aid Decisions Released Online to Early Decision Applicants

1st of January

Regular Decision Application Deadline
Deadline for Early Decision Response

15th of February

Regular Decision Financial Aid Application Deadline

Early April

Admission & Financial Aid Decision Released Online to Regular Decision Applicant

2nd of May

Deadline for Regular Decision

15th of May

Deadline for Enrollment Deferral Request

Late June

Final Transcript Scheduled for New Students

Please note these dates are subject to change. You can visit Columbia University’s official website.

How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Into Columbia University

The acceptance rate at Columbia University is extremely selective and only a few of the thousands of applications received were admitted. With these few tips, you can give your enhance your admission chances.

#1. Apply via Early Decision

According to statistics, the acceptance rate for Early Decision at Columbia University stands at 10.31% considerably less selective when compared to the overall admit rate. An application via Early Decision increases your chances of getting into Columbia.

However, applying through Early Decision means getting fewer financial aid packages. For information regarding application dates and deadlines, you can visit the official website of Columbia University.

#2. Obtain a High GPA While Taking Hard Class

Columbia University GPA requirement is highly selective. You will need to be at the top of your class to compete with thousands of applicants.

However, you can take hard AP or IB classes to convince the admission committee at Columbia University of your candidacy.

#3. Write Interesting Essays

The application readers at Columbia University want to know about your intellectual curiosity, sense of person, and character. You can write unique essays in your voice to prove you are a worthy candidate to be considered.

Also Read: How to get into an Ivy League School and their Acceptance Rate

Columbia University Tuition and Fees

Columbia University’s cost of attendance which incorporates tuition and fees, room, book, supplies, and expenses, is estimated at $86,000.

Here are the stats for the cost of attendance at Columbia University.

Tuition and fees:	$65,524
New student fees	$615
Room and board	$16,156
Books and personal	$3,672
The total cost of attendance	$85,967

Is Columbia University a Good School?

Columbia University is one of the best and most prestigious institutions in the world. The university offers decorative degree programs at undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels.

Columbia University is leading the innovation in technology advancement through scientific research that has led to breakthroughs in brain-computer interface and nuclear magnetic resonance.

At Columbia University, you will find your preferred field of study in a school filled with qualified faculty members to take you through engaging classes and research.

Also Read: 15 Best Schools For Business In New York

Is It Hard to Get Into Columbia University?

The acceptance rate at Columbia University is extremely selective as only 3.73% of its total applicants are admitted. However, you can increase your chances of getting into Columbia University by applying via Early Decision.

Columbia University Contact Address

School Address: New York, NY 10027, United States

Phone: +1 212-854-1754

Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions about Columbia University Acceptance Rate

Here are some of the frequently asked questions regarding the acceptance rate at Columbia University.

What GPA do you need to get into Columbia?

To increase your chances of admission into Columbia University, you will need a GPA of 4.12 or above. If your GPA is below the standard at Columbia University, you can take hard AP or IB classes to convince the admission committee at Columbia of your candidacy.

What is the acceptance rate at Columbia University?

The recent acceptance rate for the class of 2026 is 3.73% which is very competitive. You can apply via Early Decision, as the admit rate for ED stands at 10.31%.

Is Columbia an Ivy?

Yes! Columbia University is among the Ivy League.

The Ivy elites include Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Princeton, University of Pennsylvania, and Yale University.

Conclusion

Columbia University is one of the best universities in the world with a touch of prestige and uniqueness.

The acceptance rate at Columbia University for the class of 2026 is very selective and if you want to stay in the race of becoming the next freshman at Columbia, get the best grades available in your class.

Recommendations:

References

https://www.prepscholar.com/
https://blog.collegevine.com/