Columbia University in the City of New York
A good fit for high-achieving applicants seeking a top-tier program and students focused on high earning potential. no major red flags in the data. graduates earn a median of $115,600 within 10 years; exceptional 96% graduation rate.
About This School
Columbia University in the City of New York is a private nonprofit institution located in New York, New York with approximately 8,973 undergraduate students enrolled. Admissions are highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 4%. The average net price after financial aid is $21,590 per year. The graduation rate is 96%, and the typical graduate earns $115,600 within 10 years of enrollment.
Columbia University in the City of New York, commonly referred to as Columbia University, is a private Ivy League research university in New York City, United States. Established in 1754 as King's College by royal charter under George II of Great Britain on the grounds of Trinity Church in Manhattan, it is the oldest institution of higher education in New York and the fifth-oldest in the United States.
This is a strong option for students who want an Ivy League education in the heart of Manhattan without necessarily paying full sticker price — the average net cost of $20,148/year is notably reasonable for a school of this caliber, and a 95% graduation rate signals that students who get in tend to thrive. The median earnings of $115,600 at the 10-year mark, paired with median debt of just $18,750, suggest a genuinely favorable return on investment. The real hurdle is getting in — a 4% acceptance rate means this should be a clear reach on any list, so build your application around a specific, compelling reason you belong at Columbia rather than a general Ivy ambition.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Notable Alumni
Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Cost & Financial Aid
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender
Gap: 12% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.
Will This School Pay Off?
Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.
Student Body
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (8,973 undergraduates).
Contact & Location
Address
Columbia University in the City of New York
West 116 St and Broadway
New York, NY 10027
Official Links
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Sources & Methodology
Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
- Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
- Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
- Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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