Institution Type: Private co-educational research university for undergraduate and graduate students aged 17 and over, with on-campus residence accommodation.
Annual Cost (Undergraduate, 2026–2027): $72,800 for first-year students living on campus. For more detailed pricing, please contact our managers.
Columbia University, founded in 1754, is the oldest institution of higher education in New York and one of the most prestigious universities in the Ivy League. Its campus is located in the Morningside Heights neighbourhood of Manhattan, on 36 acres of greenery in the midst of one of the world's most dynamic cities. Today, it enrols more than 30,000 students, of whom about 30–43% are international, from over 100 countries. The university comprises around twenty schools and colleges, three of which are recognised as among the best in the country: the Law School, the Business School, and the School of Journalism. For the 2026–2027 academic year, the full cost of attendance for first-year students living on campus is $99,774. The admissions committee selects about 4% of applicants, and the average SAT score of admitted students is around 1540.
Accommodation, Meals, and Pricing
Students are guaranteed on-campus housing for all four years of their undergraduate studies. First-year students are housed in the South Lawn residences, while upper-year students choose between dormitories and one- or two-bedroom apartments. Each house has common rooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and study areas. Columbia provides generous financial aid: 51% of students receive grants, with an average grant of $70,797. The university covers 100% of demonstrated financial need through grants and on-campus work, without the use of loans. Notable alumni include Barack Obama, Warren Buffett, and director Kathryn Bigelow. Admission requires an essay and references.