Overview
Founded in 1754 by royal charter of King George II, Columbia is the oldest institution of higher education in New York State and the fifth-oldest in the United States. Originally named King's College, it was renamed Columbia after the American Revolution and has since grown into one of the world's leading research universities, producing more Nobel laureates than almost any other institution. It is best known for its rigorous Core Curriculum, its Ivy League pedigree, and its influence in fields ranging from journalism and law to medicine and international affairs.
At a Glance
| Type | Private Research |
| Location | New York, New York |
| Founded | 1754 |
| Total students | 33,000 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 6:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 4% |
| Graduation rate | 96% |
| Average starting salary | $85,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $68,000 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $68,000 |
| Room & board | $17,000 |
| Average financial aid | $61,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 50% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 1500-1560 |
| ACT range | 34-35 |
| Average GPA | 4.0 |
| Regular deadline | January 1 |
Top Programs
- Journalism
- Political Science
- Economics
- Engineering
- International Affairs
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.