Columbia University
Private college · New York, NY · 8,973 undergraduates
Acceptance rate, SAT and ACT scores, cost, and financial aid
Acceptance rate
4%
Extremely selective
SAT (middle 50%)
1510–1580
ACT (middle 50%)
34–35
Average net price
$15,370
per year, after grants
Cost of attendance
$92,198
per year, before aid
Graduation rate
95%
within 6 years
These numbers haven't been checked against official data yet. Values marked changed a lot or disagree with another source. Costs, aid, and policies change every year — always confirm on the college's website before you decide.
How hard is it to get into Columbia University?
Columbia University accepts about 4 of every 100 applicants (4%), which makes it extremely selective. This number changed a lot in the latest data, so confirm it with the college.
The middle half of admitted students scored between 1510 and 1580 on the SAT. A score at or above 1580 puts you in the top quarter of admitted students; below 1510, your scores are below most.
On the ACT, the middle half scored 34–35.
The latest federal data says Columbia University is test-optional (scores are considered if you send them), but that data can lag a year or two and several colleges have changed their policies since. Confirm on Columbia University's admissions website before you decide whether to send scores.
How much does Columbia University cost?
The full cost of attendance — tuition, fees, housing, food, books, and other expenses — is about $92,198 a year before financial aid.
After grants and scholarships, students who get federal aid pay $15,370 a year on average. Your price depends on your family's income — use the college's net price calculator for an estimate.
Tuition and fees are $74,180 a year.
- Tuition & fees (in-state)$74,180
- Tuition & fees (out-of-state)$74,180
- Room & board$18,680
- Total cost of attendance$92,198
- Average net price after grants$15,370
Popular majors
Political Science, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering.
Columbia University FAQ
- What is Columbia University's acceptance rate?
- 4% — extremely selective.
- What SAT score do you need for Columbia University?
- Admitted students' middle 50% range is 1510–1580. Aim for 1580 or higher to be above most admitted students.
- What ACT score do you need for Columbia University?
- Admitted students' middle 50% range is 34–35.
- Is Columbia University test-optional?
- The latest federal data says Columbia University is test-optional (scores are considered if you send them), but that data can lag a year or two and several colleges have changed their policies since. Confirm on Columbia University's admissions website before you decide whether to send scores.
- How much does Columbia University cost?
- About $92,198 a year before aid; $15,370 on average after grants.
- What is Columbia University's FAFSA school code?
- 002707. Add it in the "Colleges" section of the FAFSA at studentaid.gov so Columbia University receives your information.
- What is Columbia University's graduation rate?
- 95% of students finish within six years.
Colleges similar to Columbia University
| College | Acceptance rate | SAT (middle 50%) | Avg. net price | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cornell UniversityIthaca, NY | 8.8% | 1500–1570 | $33,934 | 95% |
| Barnard CollegeNew York, NY | 8.8% | 1470–1560 | $28,930 | 92% |
| The Juilliard SchoolNew York, NY | 9.2% | — | $41,799 | 91% |
| New York UniversityNew York, NY | 9.2% | 1480–1560 | $35,737 | 88% |
| Hamilton CollegeClinton, NY | 14% | 1450–1550 | $25,793 | 90% |
| Colgate UniversityHamilton, NY | 14% | 1430–1540 | $29,409 | 89% |