PrivateUrbanColumbia University in the City of New York
Columbia University
New York, New York 10027
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Among the most selective in the Northeast — top graduate earnings
Columbia University in the City of New York is a private institution in New York with particular strength in computer science and engineering. With an average SAT of 1547, the school attracts a competitive applicant pool.
A mid-sized campus of 8.9K undergraduates with a 6:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
95% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $102,491 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $20,148.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports
History & Fun Facts
- •Classes were initially held in July 1754 and were presided over by the college's first president, Samuel Johnson who was an Anglican Priest.
- •In 1763, Johnson was succeeded in the presidency by Myles Cooper, a graduate of The Queen's College, Oxford, and an ardent Tory.
- •In the charged political climate of the American Revolution, his chief opponent in discussions at the college was an undergraduate of the class of 1777, Alexander Hamilton.
- •The Irish anatomist, Samuel Clossy, was appointed professor of natural philosophy in October 1765 and later the college's first professor of anatomy in 1767.
- •The suspension continued through the military occupation of New York City by British troops until their departure in 1783.
Source: Wikipedia
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1547
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Financial Aid
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
86.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.9%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$18,750
Academics
Programs (366)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
97%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
66
Peer Average
92
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from NY state average + large city premium
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
Plan Your Visit
Days out near New York
NewTwo or three colleges you can see in one day around New York 2, from real bookable tour times.
- Stevens Institute of Technology · William Paterson University of New JerseyPublic and private77 days
- Mount Saint Mary College · State University of New York at New PaltzUnder $25k a year16 days