Columbia University Courses and Fees 2026
Columbia University’s fees for international students in 2026 vary by program level and field of study. Undergraduate tuition is largely fixed across majors. Most UG courses cost around $71,170 per year (₹65.3 lakh). Postgraduate fees show a wider range. They start at about $50,000 (₹46 lakh) and go beyond $90,000 (₹85 lakh) for specialised and professional programs.
The MBA at Columbia Business School, a popular choice for international students, costs $91,172 (₹83.6 lakh). Several one-year master’s degrees in business, analytics, and financial fields cross $93,000 (₹85 lakh). Two-year STEM programs such as Computer Science and Data Science typically cost $64,800 per year (₹59.4 lakh).
Additionally, International students at Columbia face high living costs in New York City. On-campus housing through Columbia Residential is limited and competitive, with shared apartments $1,139–$2,651, studios $1,307–$3,912, and one- or two-bedroom units up to $4,588 per month. Adding food, books, transport, and personal expenses, the total annual budget ranges $93,000–$137,500 (₹85–127 lakh). Many graduate students live off-campus, where rents fluctuate similarly, making housing the largest and most variable part of costs.
Explore Columbia University’s admissions for program details and application steps.
Columbia University Popular Courses Fees 2026
Columbia University offers 65+ graduate and 25+ undergraduate programs, and some of the most popular choices for international students are outlined below:
PG Tuition Fees
| Course Name | Duration | Per Semester Tuition Fees in USD | Per Semester Tuition Fees in INR |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS Data Science (1.8 K Views) |
2 Years | $64,800 | ₹59.42 Lakh |
| MS Computer Science (1.7 K Views) |
2 Years | $64,800 | ₹59.42 Lakh |
| MBA (1.0 K Views) |
20 Months | $91,172 | ₹83.60 Lakh |
| MS Business Analytics (898 Views) |
1 Year | $93,024 | ₹85.29 Lakh |
| MS Financial Engineering (700 Views) |
1 Year | $93,024 | ₹85.29 Lakh |
| MPH (633 Views) |
2 Years | $50,372 | ₹46.19 Lakh |
| MS Financial Economics (618 Views) |
2 Years | $75,256 | ₹69.00 Lakh |
| MArch (583 Views) |
3 Years | $70,380 | ₹64.53 Lakh |
| MS Applied Analytics (543 Views) |
1 Year | $82,620 | ₹75.75 Lakh |
| MS Management Science and Engineering (493 Views) |
1 Year | $93,024 | ₹85.29 Lakh |
UG Tuition Fees
| Course Name | Duration | Per Semester Tuition Fees in USD | Per Semester Tuition Fees in INR |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA Architecture (295 Views) |
4 Years | $71,170 | ₹65.26 lakhs |
| BS Computer Science (205 Views) |
4 Years | $71,170 | ₹65.26 lakhs |
| BA Economics (203 Views) |
4 Years | $71,170 | ₹65.26 lakhs |
| B.S Operations Research - Financial Engineering (123 Views) |
4 Years | $71,170 | ₹65.26 lakhs |
| BA Psychology (113 Views) |
4 Years | $71,170 | ₹65.26 lakhs |
| B.A English and Comparative Literature (90 Views) |
4 Years | $71,710 | ₹65.26 lakhs |
| Bachelor of Science [B.S] Mechanical Engineering (83 Views) |
4 Years | $71,170 | ₹65.26 lakhs |
| B.S Computer Engineering (80 Views) |
4 Years | $71,170 | ₹65.26 lakhs |
| B.S Industrial Engineering (58 Views) |
4 Years | $71,170 | ₹65.26 lakhs |
| B.S Civil Engineering (58 Views) |
4 Years | $71,170 | ₹65.26 lakhs |
Conversion rate used: 1 USD = ₹91.96
Columbia Business School Other Expenses 2026
Columbia University offers its MBA program through Columbia Business School (CBS). It is a 20-month, full-time program with a structured curriculum in management and leadership. To help students plan realistically, Columbia University publishes an estimated 9-month student budget for the 2025–2026 academic year. This budget goes beyond tuition alone and reflects the true cost of studying and living in New York City. It includes mandatory university fees, health insurance, books and supplies, housing, food, transportation, and basic personal expenses.
| Expense Category | Amount (USD) | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition* | $91,172 | ₹83.84 lakhs |
| Mandatory Fees** | $6,473 | ₹5.95 lakhs |
| Health Insurance | $5,367 | ₹4.94 lakhs |
| Books & Supplies | $1,250 | ₹1.15 lakhs |
| Food & Housing | $28,476 | ₹26.19 lakhs |
| Personal Expenses | $3,510 | ₹3.23 lakhs |
| Transportation | $1,323 | ₹1.22 lakhs |
| First-Year Total Budget | $137,571 | ₹1.27 crore |
Student Cost Insights: Based on student reviews shared on Reddit, Quora, and YouTube, many international students say the main challenge at Columbia University is the overall cost, not the academic workload. Tuition is high, and New York City living expenses add up quickly.
Scholarships for international students are limited, and on-campus jobs usually cover only day-to-day expenses, not major costs. As a result, most students rely heavily on education loans, making career outcomes after graduation a key factor in managing the investment.
How International Students from India Pay Fees at Columbia?
Columbia University collects tuition and other student charges through its Student Financial Services (SFS) system. All payments must be made in U.S. dollars (USD). For international students from India who do not have a U.S. bank account, the university strongly recommends using approved international wire transfer platforms, as they are secure, widely accepted, and avoid complications related to currency conversion or rejected payments.
Available Payment Methods
| Payment Method | Who It’s For | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| International Wire Transfer | International students paying from India | • Use Flywire, PayMyTuition, or Convera • Supports INR payments from Indian banks• No university processing fee • Bank charges may apply (₹500–₹2,000) • Processing time: 2–5 working days |
| Monthly Payment Plan | Students with a U.S. bank account | • Pay fees in 4–5 installments per term • Requires U.S. bank account• Enrollment fee: $55–$75 |
Step-by-Step Process to Pay Fees
- Step 1: Log in to SSOL (Student Services Online) at ssol.columbia.edu using your UNI and password.
- Step 2: Open “Account Detail and E-Billing” under “Your Account” to view your electronic bill (e-bill).
- Step 3: Review all charges and credits shown on the bill, including tuition, fees, housing, and scholarships (if any).
- Step 4: Click “View E-Bill and Pay” to enter the QuikPAY payment portal.
- Step 5: Enter the amount you wish to pay (partial payments are allowed, but the full balance must be cleared by the deadline).
- Step 6: Select “International Payments” as your payment method.
- Step 7: Choose one approved provider—Flywire, PayMyTuition, or Convera.
- Step 8: You will be redirected to the provider’s website; select India as your country and view the INR amount and exchange rate.
- Step 9: Confirm the payment and follow the bank instructions provided (NEFT / RTGS / IMPS through your Indian bank).
- Step 10: Track the payment through the provider’s dashboard; funds usually reach Columbia within 2–5 business days.
- Step 11: Check SSOL to confirm the payment has been posted to your student account.
Key Points to Keep in Mind
- All payments are billed in USD
- Exchange rate differences and bank charges are borne by the student
- Late payments attract a 1.5% monthly late fee
- Unpaid balances may result in registration or grade holds
- From 1 January 2026, non-approved wire transfers may incur a $75 processing fee
Also Check:
Columbia University On-Campus Accommodation
Columbia University offers on-campus housing mainly through Columbia Residential, which is used by most graduate and professional students, including many MBA students at Columbia Business School, and a small number of undergraduate programs such as the School of General Studies. Traditional undergraduates from Columbia College and SEAS are housed separately through Columbia Housing.
Columbia Residential manages around 150 apartment buildings in areas close to campus, including Morningside Heights, Manhattan Valley, Manhattanville (103rd–125th Streets), and a few locations in Riverdale (Bronx) with shuttle service. Housing for graduate students is limited and competitive and is assigned after admission through the university housing portal.
Monthly Rent & Annual Estimates
| Housing Type | Eligibility | Average Monthly Rent | Monthly Rent Range | Annual Estimate (12 months) | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment Share (2–3 Bedroom) | Single students only | $1,562 (₹1,43,642) |
$1,139–$2,651 (₹1,04,742–₹2,43,786) |
~$13,668–$31,812 (₹12.57–₹29.25 lakh) |
Most common option for graduate students |
| Studio Apartment | Singles or couples (priority to couples) | $2,391 (₹2,19,876) |
$1,307–$3,912 (₹1,20,192–₹3,59,748) |
~$15,684–$46,944 (₹14.42–₹43.17 lakh) |
High demand; fully private unit |
| One-Bedroom Apartment | Singles, couples, or families | $2,507 (₹2,30,544) |
$1,764–$4,240 (₹1,62,217–₹3,89,910) |
~$21,168–$50,880 (₹19.47–₹46.79 lakh) |
Larger units prioritized for families |
| Two-Bedroom Apartment | Students with dependent children only | $2,805 (₹2,57,948) |
$2,283–$4,588 (₹2,09,945–₹4,21,912) |
~$27,396–$55,056 (₹25.19–₹50.63 lakh) |
Very limited availability |
Cost of Living at Columbia University
The following table helps international students with budgeting by outlining the estimated monthly living costs at Columbia University:
| Expense Category | Amount (USD) | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees (UG) | $71,170 | ₹65.31 Lakh |
| Tuition and Fees (PG) | $50,372 - $93,024 | ₹46.19 Lakh - ₹85.29 Lakh |
| New Student Fees | $675 | ₹61,000 |
| Housing and Food | $17,580 | ₹16.13 Lakh |
| Books, Personal Expenses & Transportation | $3,992 | ₹3.66 Lakh |
| Total Estimated Budget | $93,417 | ₹85.72 Lakh |
Additionally, international students should budget ₹3–6 lakh per year above Columbia’s published cost of attendance. This typically arises from non-waivable charges such as the one-time document fee ($85-150) and International Services fee ($340/year), currency and wire transfer losses of ~1–3% on tuition payments, seasonal setup costs (winter clothing ~$300–$600 one-time), housing-related incidentals, and annual India–US travel ($1,500–$3,000). Campus-based part-time roles are available under visa limits and generally generate $5k–$10k per year, which helps offset personal spending but does not materially reduce tuition.
Popular Programs and Important Dates
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MS Data Science 2 years | USD 64,800 /Yr | 85 | GPA: 3.5, IELTS: 7.5, TOEFL: 100, Duolingo: 135 | ||
MS Computer Science 2 years | USD 64,800 /Yr | 85 | GPA: 3.5, IELTS: 7.5, TOEFL: 100, Duolingo: 135 | ||
MBA 20 months | 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 | USD 97,200 /Yr | 85 | GPA: 3.5, IELTS: 7.5, TOEFL: 100, Duolingo: 135 | ||
MS Financial Engineering 1 year | USD 97,200 /Yr | 85 | GPA: 3.5, IELTS: 7.5, TOEFL: 100, Duolingo: 135 | ||
MPH 2 years | USD 50,372 /Yr | 135 | GPA 3.5, TOEFL-100, IELTS-7.5 Duolingo-135 | ||
MS Financial Economics 2 years | USD 75,256 /Yr | 100 | GPA: 3.9, IELTS: 7.5, TOEFL: 100, PTE: 68, GRE: 330 | ||
MArch 3 years | USD 70,380 /Yr | 75 | GPA 3.5, TOEFL-100, IELTS-7.5 | ||
MS Applied Analytics 1 year | Final Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake (15th Mar 2026) Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake (1st Oct 2026) | USD 85,560 /Yr | 150 | GPA: 3.0, IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 100, Duolingo: 135 | |
| USD 97,200 /Yr | 85 | GPA: 3.5, IELTS: 7.5, TOEFL: 100, Duolingo: 135 |
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Master of Science [MS] Data Science
Master of Science [MS] Computer Science
Master of Business Administration [MBA]
Master of Science [MS] Business Analytics
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Master of Science [MS] Financial Engineering
Master of Science [MS] Financial Economics
Master of Architecture [MArch]
Master of Science [MS] Applied Analytics
Master of Science [MS] Marketing Science
Master of Public Administration [MPA]
Master of Science [MS] Applied Mathematics
Master of Arts [MA] Statistics
Master of Science [MS] Actuarial Science
Master of Arts [MA] Biotechnology
Master of Science [M.Sc] Operations Research - Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
Master of Philosophy [MPhil] Psychology
Master of Science [M.S] Operations Research
Master of Science [M.S] Applied Physics
Master of Science [MS] Chemical Engineering
Master of Science [M.S] Data Journalism
Bachelor of Science [B.S] Civil Engineering
Master of Science [M.S] Epidemiology
Bachelor of Arts [B.A] Biology
Bachelor of Science [B.S] Applied Physics
Bachelor of Arts [B.A] Statistics
Bachelor of Arts [B.A] Astronomy
Bachelor of Arts [B.A] Mathematics
Bachelor of Arts [B.A] Chemistry
Master of Science [M.S] Medical Physics
Master of Arts [M.A] Biomedical Informatics
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Columbia University Reviews
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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
Course Curriculum
- The courses range from undergraduate to phd Level and entirely depend on your choices. There is a lot of flexibility in the classes you can take. Usually you will have 3 hrs of class per week per course.
- Some professors prefer 1.5 hours of class twice a week and some have a single 3-hour class. Classes start as early as 8 am and end as late as 10pm based on how you pick your schedule. The average number of students per class will be between 100 and 200. Around 30-40% of the class will be of Indian origin.
Fees
- The fee is charged per credit, and on average you are required to do 36 credits. Usually people pick up 12 per semester. The fee is charged semester-wise. Along with this, you will have to pay for insurance.
- As for living expenses, The average rent for a private room close to campus will be $1200 on the lower end. You will have some grocery and phone expenses and you can have a good comfortable time at university for around $2000. Public Transportation in nyc is affordable and you can walk around quite a bit.
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.
Course Curriculum
- You could choose an easy course but most courses worth taking are pretty intense and difficult but worth the payoff, honestly, in terms of what you learn and the effort you put in.
- Most courses were a mix of theory and practice but a lot of emphasis is laid on practical application, with most courses requiring adn End term project submission.
- I loved all the courses that I took; I took a mix from Engineering school anf Business school. All my courses have left me with things that I would never part with. They were all pretty intensive in their curriculum, and I would find it difficult to manage my submissions at times, as sometimes their submission dates would overlap.
- Your schedule would be about 12 -15 hours of classes per week, but the length and timings of the classes would depend on the professors and the scheduling by the university.
- Some classes would be about 20 students and some about 50 , it depends on the professor's preference of the class size.
- The timings varied through the day; my earliest class was at 8am and my latest class ended at 9pm—it depends.
- There were 7 Indians in my course.
Fees
- Tuition and Fees Structure
- The tuition was approximately $30,000 per semester, with the program spanning around three semesters. In addition to tuition, there were other costs such as visa requirements, university fees, and living expenses. The University charges tuition on a per-credit basis, and the overall fees are billed semester-wise depending on the number of credits taken.
- Tuition: $30,000 per semester × 3 semesters = ~$90,000 total
- Housing (off-campus apartment): = $1,500 per month
- Living expenses (food, utilities, personal expenses): ~$500 per month
- On average, monthly expenses came to about $2,000:
- Groceries, utilities, and personal expenses: ~$500
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.
Course Curriculum
- Yes, the course curriculum is tough, as four subjects per semester get very hectic.
- The courses are inclined more towards theoretical knowledge.
- Classes are 1.5 hours long and typically two classes in a day are scheduled. Most classes have 80-100 students
- There would be around 30-40 Indian students in a batch of 200 students in the MSCS program.
Fees
- The fee is semester wise and for each semester, it's around $34000, which includes tuition fees, health insurance and college activity fees.
- The tuition fees are credit-based, around $2500 and in every semester a student should complete 12 credits minimum.
- Monthly expenses range from $1800-$2000 which includes rent, groceries, utility bills and transportation.
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.
- There are online platforms like Zillow that we used to find suitable units. We had to go through an agent, had to pay a deposit and agency fee and had to have a guarantor. A recommendation would be to join the whatsapp communities as early as possible.
- Most people would be looking for people to room with, and the process would go a lot smoother with other people to help you out.
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.
- Search online platforms, Street Easy, Zillion, talk to brokers; I would say go for college housing. It sounds expensive at first but with utilities, its the same as leaving campus. Trying to find an apartment without visiting it can be very difficult. Be aware of scammers; search the realtors; try finding one near campus so you can use the campus shuttle to travel.
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
Course Curriculum
- The curriculum can be advanced depending on what your level of undergraduate experience is. There are advanced courses in economics, accounting, policy making, and a few others. The rest are electives and can be selected from intermediate to advanced.
- Classes are usually held anywhere between 9 am - 6 pm, but you have flexibility in picking your own schedule. Generally, it’s a good idea to take technical courses in the field you want to practice after graduation, such as finance, or accounting, or data analytics. This way you can use class projects to demonstrate skills and experience in specific areas that are listed in the JD of a job you are interested in applying for.
Fees
- Tuition was 75,000 USD per year, broken into two payments one for each semester. Monthly expenses are approximately USD 5000 including rent for a studio apartment in NYC.
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)
Course Curriculum
The eligibility for the program is minimum GPA requirements (varies by program, but typically 3.0 or higher). The number of credits required by master of science programs at my school is the typical range of 30-45 credits. It has added value to my academics by enhancing my knowledge and expertise, specialized courses and cutting-edge research opportunities deepen my understanding and skills in the field.
Fees
The mode and terms of fees payment are through online payment through my school website and wire transfer. Grants is one need base funding including federal Pell grants with institutional grants and assistantships, teaching or research positions, offering stipends and tuition waivers.
Course Curriculum
Firstly cause of the focus on diversity and multiculturalism. Secondly, it’s an IVY league. Third, future prospects and licensing. Fourth, located in New York City. The course are highly stimulating. The focus on experiential learning is something I appreciate. They also focus on multiculturalism and diversity which I value as an international student.
I didn’t get on campus accommodation but that’s pretty good otherwise looking for houses is difficult. Average rent is $1400 per person.
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.
Course Curriculum
The course syllabus was a combination of engineering, quantitative classes, and more interactive, practical business school classes. We worked on 3 projects, as part of our curriculum, giving us exposure to a real life consulting project.
Fees
$2000 per credit, and 38 credits were required to graduate. So, a total of $76K for just the course fees.
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.
Course Curriculum
The course curriculum is hectic I would say, as the program is structured for 1.5 years only. The syllabus is industry oriented and updated to current trends(chatgpt is included in the syllabus).
Fees
$92,000
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