Important Alerts
| Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| Data Science The Science Ambassador Scholarship application deadline | Closing tomorrow |
| Data Science Priority Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake | Closing in 31 days |
| Computer Science The Science Ambassador Scholarship application deadline | Closing tomorrow |
What's New in Columbia University Admissions?
8 August 2025: Columbia University’s MS program for Fall 2025 opened applications on August 5, 2025, with the submission deadline of January 15, 2026. Check programs.
29 May 2025: The upcoming deadlines for MBA in Columbia University has been released:
- Round 1 Deadline: Apply by June 17, 2025; with final decisions by August 6, 2025.
- Round 2 Deadline: Apply by August 13, 2025; with final decisions by October 8, 2025.
- Interview decisions for both rounds are released on a rolling basis.
04 June 2025: Columbia University has announced the tuition fees per credit point for Master's degrees across all summer, spring, and fall intakes for 2025-26. For example, courses such as Enterprise Risk Management (Degree, CPA) and Applied Analytics cost $2,754 per credit, while Technology Management costs $2,746 per credit. For more details on course fees, check here.
Columbia University admissions are highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of just 4.29% in 2025. Undergraduate applicants can apply through Early Decision (Nov 1, 2025) or Regular Decision (Jan 1, 2026), with separate financial aid deadlines. Graduate program deadlines vary by department, typically ranging from December to March, while MBA applicants can apply for January or August intakes, with deadlines from June 2025 to March 2026.
Indian students applying to Columbia University must meet rigorous academic and language requirements. A 3- or 4-year bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.5 GPA (90%) is expected for graduate programs. English proficiency tests such as TOEFL (100), IELTS (7.0–7.5), or DET (135) are mandatory. Other key documents include SOPs, essays, 2–3 recommendation letters, a resume, and sometimes GRE or GMAT scores depending on the program. Undergraduate applicants must submit transcripts, essays, and test scores if available, along with IELTS 7.5 or TOEFL 105.
Explore: Intakes in USA in 2025
Columbia University Acceptance Rate Trends
In Fall 2025, 59,616 students applied for Columbia University admissions, and only 2,557 were admitted. In 2024, Columbia University acceptance rate dropped to 3.86%, but for 2025, it is increased to 4.29%. Explore the 10-year acceptance rate trend of Columbia University in the table below.
| Year | Applications | Admits | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 59,616 | 2,557 | 4.29% |
| 2024 | 60,248 | 2,327 | 3.86% |
| 2023 | 57,129 | 2,246 | 3.93% |
| 2022 | 60,337 | 2,253 | 3.73% |
| 2021 | 60,551 | 2,218 | 3.66% |
| 2020 | 40,084 | 2,465 | 6.15% |
| 2019 | 42,569 | 2,190 | 5.14% |
| 2018 | 40,203 | 2,214 | 5.51% |
| 2017 | 37,389 | 2,185 | 5.84% |
| 2016 | 36,292 | 2,193 | 6.04% |
Also Check: US Universities with High Acceptance Rate
Columbia University Admissions Deadlines
Columbia University offers Early Action, Early Decision, and Regular decision application rounds for undergraduate applicants. Graduate programs have varying application deadlines.
| Application Rounds | Application Deadlines |
|---|---|
| Early Decision | November 1, 2025 |
| Early Decision financial aid application | November 15, 2025 |
| Regular Decision | January 1, 2026 |
| Regular Decision financial aid applications | February 15, 2025 |
Read More: US University Application Deadlines
Columbia University Graduate Admissions
The graduate programs at Columbia University are available in fields like arts, sciences, business, medicine, public affairs, journalism, professional studies, and engineering. Check out the Columbia University admissions requirements for graduate programs mentioned below:
Columbia University Application Portal: Online
Columbia University Application Fee: 120 USD
Columbia University Admissions Deadline: Varying from December to March
Admission Requirements:
- Every post-secondary institution transcripts
- 3-year bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.5 (90%)
- English Language Proficiency Score
- TOEFL- 100 [iBT] | 600 [PBT]
- IELTS- 7.0 7.5
- DET- 135
- Test scores:
- GRE- 168 [Quant] | 162 [Verbal]
- GMAT- 610-790
- Personal essay
- 2-3 letters of recommendation for USA
- SOP for USA
- Personal Statement (250-1000 words)
- CV or Resume
Note: Science, Engineering, and other Academic research work in the related field may provide an abstract in a one or two-page supplement.
Columbia University Admissions Deadlines for Top Graduate Programs
Application deadlines for some of the top graduate programs of Columbia University are as follows.
| Programs | Upcoming Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| MS in Data Science | Priority Deadline: January 15 | Final Deadline: February 15 |
| MS in Computer Science | Fall: Priority Deadline: January 15 | Final Deadline: February 15 Spring: October 15 |
| MS in Business Analytics | Priority Deadline: January 15 | Final Deadline: February 15 |
| Master of Architecture | January 15 (TBC) |
| MS in Financial Engineering | Fall: January 15 |
| Master of Public Health | January 15 |
| LLM | Application will open on early September 2025 |
Must Read: MS in USA 2025
Columbia University MBA Admissions
The MBA program is offered through Columbia Business School at two Flexible entry points. You can choose the August entry, a 20-month program with a summer internship, or the January entry, a 16-month fast-track program. Both options have the same admissions standards and are tailored to match your career goals and schedule. Check out the admissions requirements below.
Columbia University Application Portal: Online
Columbia University Application Fee: 250 USD
Application Deadline: April 1, 2025 (Round 3)
Admission Requirements:
- 4-year bachelor's degree with a 3.95 GPA (90%)
- GMAT score between 600-780
- English language proficiency:
- TOEFL IBT- 7.0
- IELTS- 7.0-7.5
- DET- 135
- Essays
- Letters of recommendation for USA
- Resume or CV
- Interview
- Deposit
Explore: Columbia MBA
Columbia University MBA Application Deadlines
Columbia University offers two intakes for its MBA program: January and August. The application timelines are as follows.
January 2026 Entry:
| Round | Application Deadlines | Interview Decision | Final Decision |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | June 17, 2025 | Rolling | Ongoing, and no later than August 6, 2025 |
| Round 2 | August 13, 2025 | Rolling | Ongoing, and no later than October 8, 2025 |
August 2026 Entry:
| Round | Application Deadline | Interview Decision | Final Decision |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | September 3, 2025 | By November 13, 2025 | By December 15, 2025 |
| Round 2 | January 6, 2026 | By February 19, 2026 | By March 31, 2026 |
| Round 3 | March 26, 2026 | By May 1, 2026 | By May 20, 2026 |
Columbia University MBA Class Profile
Check out the Columbia MBA Class profile 2024.
| Parameters | Details |
|---|---|
| Students Applied | 7487 |
| Enrolled | 972 |
| January Entry Class Size | 238, divided into 4 clusters |
| August Entry Class Size | 734, divided into 10 clusters |
| Average GMAT Score | 732 |
| Average GRE Score | 162 (Verbal and Quant) |
| Average Undergraduate GPA | 3.6% |
| Average Work Experience | 5 years |
| Male and Female Students | 44% Female and 56% Male |
| International Students | 46% |
Columbia University Undergraduate Admissions
International students must meet specific admission requirements to apply to Columbia University, including compliance with U.S. federal laws. The university offers bachelor’s programs in over 80 fields. Below is the application process and requirements for undergraduate programs at Columbia University:
Columbia University Application Portal: Coalition Application, Common Application, or Questbridge
Application Fee: 85 USD
Admission Requirements:
- High school academic transcripts
- Interview
- Test scores (optional)
- SAT- 1510-1560
- ACT- 34-35
- English language proficiency:
- TOEFL-iBT- 105
- IELTS- 7.5
- DET- 135
- Autobiographical information
- A list of student's activities, achievements, employment, etc
- Personal essay
- 2 Letters of recommendation (For Engineering applicants, 1 should be from a science or math teacher)
- School Profile
- Completed Mid-year report
- Statement of Purpose
Columbia University Admissions Decisions Dates
The Office of Admissions reviews applications on a rolling basis and typically provides decisions within 6–8 weeks of the deadline. The School of General Studies starts releasing decisions in March for fall and October for spring. Applications submitted after the deadlines are reviewed individually.
- Columbia values applicants who convey clear strengths and align with its community ideals, but admission is not guaranteed due to the institution's high selectivity.
- The university receives more applications than it can accommodate, making the process competitive and comparative.
- Admissions aim to build a diverse community of interests, ideologies, and identities to foster peer-to-peer and faculty learning opportunities.
- Each institution has unique selectivity and priorities that may change yearly; focus on aspects you can control.
- Prioritize effort in your commitments, thoughtful college selection, and genuine self-reflection in your application.
- Consider applying to Columbia College or Columbia Engineering if you believe you are a strong fit and excited to join the community.
Columbia University Admissions Selection Criteria
Columbia University emphasizes your academic performance, curiosity, engagement with others, individual voice, and knowledge about Columbia. The selection process of Columbia University can be summarized as follows:
- Best Fit Matters: Columbia seeks students whose interests, skills, and values align with its unique experience, emphasizing mutual growth between the individual and the community.
- Holistic Review: Every part of your application—personal statement, transcripts, recommendations, and Columbia-specific questions—paints a picture of your academic readiness, curiosity, and community engagement.
- Context Matters: Applications are evaluated considering your circumstances, resources, and the challenges you've navigated. Effort and initiative in your context are key.
- Need-Aware for International Students: While financial need is considered, Columbia offers significant aid to international students, covering the full demonstrated need for admitted first-years for four years.
- Committee-Based Review: Admissions decisions involve multiple officers reviewing each application thoroughly, ensuring fairness and a personalized evaluation.
- No Quotas: Columbia admits students based on fit, without quotas for schools, regions, or demographics, building a diverse and dynamic community.
Check Out: Columbia University Student Profiles
Currently, Columbia University has 36,649 total students. Out of these, 17% are international students, coming from over 150 countries across the globe. It has one of the most diverse undergraduate communities in the USA. This university has a total of 17 schools and 4 affiliated institutions (Barnard College, The Jewish Theological Seminary, Teachers College, and Union Theological Seminary).
FAQs
Ques: How can I go to Columbia University from India?
Ans: To apply to Columbia, you need a strong academic record, competitive test scores (if submitting), extracurricular achievements, and well-crafted essays. Apply through the Common App or Coalition App, meet English proficiency requirements, and submit all documents by the deadlines.
Ques: What GPA do you need to go to Columbia?
Ans: Columbia doesn’t have a fixed GPA cutoff, but most admitted students have top grades in rigorous courses. Aim for a GPA of 3.8 or higher on a 4.0 scale for a strong chance.
Ques: Is it hard to get into Columbia University?
Ans: Yes, Columbia is highly selective, with an acceptance rate of around 4%. A standout application with academic excellence, unique experiences, and a strong fit with Columbia’s values is essential.
College Student Profiles
Columbia University Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MS Data Science 2 years | The Science Ambassador Scholarship application deadline (16th Dec 2025) Priority Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (15th Jan 2026) Final Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (15th Feb 2026) | USD 64,800 /Yr | 85 | GPA: 3.5, IELTS: 7.5, TOEFL: 100, Duolingo: 135 | |
MS Computer Science 2 years | The Science Ambassador Scholarship application deadline (16th Dec 2025) Priority Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (15th Jan 2026) Final Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (15th Feb 2026) | USD 64,800 /Yr | 85 | GPA: 3.5, IELTS: 7.5, TOEFL: 100, Duolingo: 135 | |
MBA 20 months | Round 2 Application Deadline For August 2026 Intake (6th Jan 2026) Round 2 Interview Decisions Date For August 2026 Intake (19th Feb 2026) Round 3 Application Deadline For August 2026 Intake (26th Mar 2026) Round 2 Final Decisions Date For August 2026 Intake (31st Mar 2026) Round 3 Interview Decisions Date For August 2026 Intake (1st May 2026) Round 3 Final Decisions Date For August 2026 Intake (20th May 2026) | USD 91,172 /Yr | 250 | GPA: 3.6, IELTS: 7.5, TOEFL: 100, Duolingo: 135, GMAT: 732, GRE: 324 | |
MS Business Analytics 1 year | The Science Ambassador Scholarship application deadline (16th Dec 2025) Priority Application Deadline for Fall 2026 Intake (15th Jan 2026) Final Application Deadline for Fall 2026 Intake (15th Feb 2026) | USD 97,200 /Yr | 85 | GPA: 3.5, IELTS: 7.5, TOEFL: 100, Duolingo: 135 | |
MS Financial Engineering 1 year | The Science Ambassador Scholarship application deadline (16th Dec 2025) Final Application Deadline for Fall 2026 Intake (15th Jan 2026) | USD 97,200 /Yr | 85 | GPA: 3.5, IELTS: 7.5, TOEFL: 100, Duolingo: 135 | |
MPH 2 years | Application Deadline for Fall 2026 Intake (15th Jan 2026) | USD 50,372 /Yr | 135 | GPA 3.5, TOEFL-100, IELTS-7.5 Duolingo-135 | |
MArch 3 years | Application Deadline For 2026 intake (3rd Jan 2026) | USD 70,380 /Yr | 75 | GPA 3.5, TOEFL-100, IELTS-7.5 | |
LLM 1 year | USD 85,368 /Yr | 85 | GPA 3.0- 3.5, TOEFL-105, IELTS-8.0 | ||
MS Financial Economics 2 years | Application Submission Deadline for Fall 2026 Intake (15th Jan 2026) | USD 75,256 /Yr | 100 | GPA: 3.9, IELTS: 7.5, TOEFL: 100, PTE: 68, GRE: 330 | |
MS Applied Analytics 1 year | AWWA Scholarships application deadline (20th Dec 2025) Priority Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (15th Feb 2026) Final Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (15th Mar 2026) Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake (1st Oct 2026) | USD 82,620 /Yr | 150 | GPA: 3.0, IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 100, Duolingo: 135 |
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22 Reviews Found
Likes
- Columbia University opens a lot of doors, if you focus on networking with the alumni you will have a lot of benefits. There are plenty of mixers that happen throughout the semester and it is a good place to start.
- There is a lot of flexibility in the courses you can pick within the program, this will help in navigating what your interests are.
- If you are interested. in working in finance or consulting, being in New York city adds a ton of benefits with potential employers
Dislikes
- The assistantship do not sponsor tuition, which is usually different from most public universities in the country
- Since it is only a 16 month long degree, the course work will feel very heavy. You will have to be mentally prepared to grind to maximize the experience
- On-campus housing is very limited and very hard to get, it is also expensive
Scholarship
- There are a few scholarships available for international students. None of them are course-specific; I would not rely on them, as they are very competitive and mostly partial.
- I would recommend getting in touch with the finance department for assistance, as they keep these records up to date and guide on the application process. All scholarships that I am aware of are merit based.
Likes
- The professors were outstanding — highly knowledgeable, approachable, and deeply invested in their students’ growth, offering excellent research opportunities.
- The courses were very well structured, featuring in-depth projects that directly connected to real-world applications and professional life.
- Campus life was vibrant, with a variety of activities and seasonal events that made it easy to meet new people and build connections. We also had numerous employer info sessions that helped us stay updated on industry trends and opportunities.
Dislikes
- During my time on campus, there was a lot of unrest related to the Israel - Palenstine conflict with a lot of student protests and backlask from the College body, This led to a lot of patrolling bu police on campus as well as a lot of changes in the college body representatives. This was very overwhelming to me as it became diffciult to be on campus due to this and people would protest in libraries and then they would close them down and have additonal checks on campus. This led to a noticeble difference in my time there.
- The length of the program was 1.5 years, I felt that it could have been longer, I felt lost the first 6-8 months and by the time I started grooving and understadning thigns beetter my time at Columbia came to an end.
- The campus placement cell has not been particularly supportive. While the University organizes many networking sessions, the placement officers themselves have not provided the level of guidance or help I had hoped for.
Scholarship
- I did not receive any scholarship during my time. I did not apply for any scholarships or do any research during my process; I was occupied with visa requirements and moving prospects, hence I was unable to do so.
- I think that if students do start the process early and look into the application requiremnts they have to write an essay to justify their need for the scholarship however they are few and even fewer people get scholarships.
Likes
- Good amount of electives and courses offered.
- Very learned and experienced Professors.
- Lot of cultural and social activities to engage students.
Dislikes
- The coursework becomes hectic with 4 subjects per semester.
- The tuition fee and cost of living in New York are a bit more expensive than any other college.
- Very competitive group of students.
Scholarship
-
No, Columbia does not provide any scholarships nor have I heard any of my batchmates get it.
Likes
- Courses - suited my expectations
- Research opportunities - easy to interact with professors and research groups
- Student life - plenty of opportunities, New York is a great place
Dislikes
- It is a very flexible program, so it feels like there is a lack of direction at times.
- There were definitely some issues with the variety in courses experienced in the Spring semester.
- There are a few disruptions due to the ongoing situation.
Likes
- Campus, Location, Professors, Connections.
- I love how everyone here is very smart and great to network with.
- The diverse experience I think is the best part.
Dislikes
- The protests that are happening, are a pain.
- I don't like the fees of course its too much and very less scholarship options.
- Better transport service go campus, right now its pretty bad.
Likes
- Location in NYC and proximity to some of the greatest landmarks and places in the world.
- Professors both tenured and adjunct professors, all of who are distinguished and have excellent track records of academic publication and actual practice.
- Institutional networks with top policy and finance organizations.
Dislikes
- Recent handling of student protests and overall administration response to student issues.
- Extremely expensive due to its location.
- Some of the infrastructure in the School of International Affairs is quite dated compared to the business school
Likes
- Academic rigor and diversity of courses, like joining clubs and organizations (e.g.,debate team, literary magazines
- I like the fact that there's world-class faculty and research opportunities in my school
- Exploring the nearby American Museum of natural history
Dislikes
- What I disliked is the high tuition fees and living costs in school
- There is limited availability of housing, especially for upperclassmen
- Distance from family and friends (for out of state/international students)
Overview
The admission process is based on the application submission first, students submit their application through the common app or coalition app, typically by the January 1st deadline for regular decision. I prepared for the admission, maintaining a high GPA, especially in challenging courses like AP or IB and taking the SAT or ACT. Consultants are Crimson Education.
Scholarship
Yes, I received one from the university itself based on merit for $8000. There was a special application for the scholarship where I had to write an essay on why I think I deserve it .
Likes
- I accepted it for the reputation, career opportunities, location and courses.
- It has a great reputation and is located in New York City, with close access to large corporations and an extensive network. The courses offered at the Business School is really informative and interactive. The people are really helpful.
Dislikes
- Columbia is smaller than the other ivy league institutions in the US. The classes at the engineering school are heavily quantitative, and I found it less useful compared to the more business school classes, due to my focus on pursuing a consulting career.
Overview
Overall, Columbia University was a fantastic experience. Its located in a vibrant city, with opportunities to stick to a campus life, and still enjoy everything NYC has to offer. The students are helpful and collaborative. The professors are incredibly well experienced with several accolades. All in all, had a great learning experience.
Likes
- MS Data Science program is a well know program by Columbia University with renowned and distinguished Professors.
- The courses, both academic and professional developmental helped me learn more about myself - my strengths and weaknesses and how to build a work oriented lifestyle which would help me in the long-run.
- The college campus is ecstatic, and the libraries provide a beneficial space to study with a clear mind and focus. I like the way events are organized and students are encouraged to pursue their goals.
Dislikes
- I do not like the location of the university as it in not in the middle of a happening area. Although it stretches various streets in New York City, it is not an eventful place. This is the only aspect which I do not like.
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| Program | Important Dates |
|---|---|
| MS Data Science | The Science Ambassador Scholarship application deadline (16th Dec 2025) Priority Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (15th Jan 2026) Final Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (15th Feb 2026) |
| MS Computer Science | The Science Ambassador Scholarship application deadline (16th Dec 2025) Priority Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (15th Jan 2026) Final Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (15th Feb 2026) |
| MBA | Round 2 Application Deadline For August 2026 Intake (6th Jan 2026) Round 2 Interview Decisions Date For August 2026 Intake (19th Feb 2026) Round 3 Application Deadline For August 2026 Intake (26th Mar 2026) Round 2 Final Decisions Date For August 2026 Intake (31st Mar 2026) Round 3 Interview Decisions Date For August 2026 Intake (1st May 2026) Round 3 Final Decisions Date For August 2026 Intake (20th May 2026) |
| MS Business Analytics | The Science Ambassador Scholarship application deadline (16th Dec 2025) Priority Application Deadline for Fall 2026 Intake (15th Jan 2026) Final Application Deadline for Fall 2026 Intake (15th Feb 2026) |
| MS Financial Engineering | The Science Ambassador Scholarship application deadline (16th Dec 2025) Final Application Deadline for Fall 2026 Intake (15th Jan 2026) |
| MPH | Application Deadline for Fall 2026 Intake (15th Jan 2026) |
| MArch | Application Deadline For 2026 intake (3rd Jan 2026) |
| LLM | Application Deadline for 2026 intake (2nd Dec 2025) |
| MS Financial Economics | Application Submission Deadline for Fall 2026 Intake (15th Jan 2026) |
| MS Applied Analytics | AWWA Scholarships application deadline (20th Dec 2025) Priority Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (15th Feb 2026) Final Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (15th Mar 2026) Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake (1st Oct 2026) |
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