Columbia University Acceptance Rate
Columbia University at a Glance
Average SAT & ACT Scores for Columbia University
| Test | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile | Midpoint |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Reading | 730 | 770 | 750 |
| SAT Math | 760 | 800 | 780 |
| SAT Total | 1490 | 1570 | 1530 |
| ACT Composite | 34 | 35 | 34 |
Admissions Funnel
| Applications Received | 57,613 |
| Students Admitted | 2,439 |
| Students Enrolled | 1,540 |
| Yield Rate | 63.1% |
Columbia University Rankings
| Ranking | 2025 | Year |
|---|---|---|
| US News National Universities | #12 | 2025 |
| QS World University Rankings | #7 | 2025 |
| THE World University Rankings | #16 | 2025 |
| ARWU (Shanghai) | #8 | 2024 |
Show 10-Year US News Ranking History
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #4 | #5 | #5 | #3 | #3 | #3 | #3 | #12 | #12 | #12 |
US News National Universities: #4 (2016) → #12 (2025) ↓ 8 spots
Columbia University Admissions Overview
Columbia University in the City of New York is a private university in New York, NY with 37,954 students. With a 4.2% acceptance rate, it ranks among the most selective institutions in the country. The most popular majors are Social Sciences, Computer Science, and Engineering.
| Full Name | Columbia University in the City of New York |
| Location | New York, NY 10027 |
| Type | Private |
| Website | columbia.edu/ |
| Total Enrollment | 37,954 |
| Undergrad Enrollment | 9,511 |
| Female Students | 49.0% |
Is Columbia University a Reach, Match, or Safety?
With an acceptance rate of 4.2%, Columbia University is a Reach for most applicants. You'll need a standout application — strong GPA, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays — to have realistic odds here.
| Your Profile | Columbia University Is... | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Above-average GPA + strong application | Match | Apply — worth the effort |
| Average GPA, some strengths | Reach | Apply, but have 2-3 backup schools |
| Below-average GPA | Hard Reach | Consider similar schools with higher acceptance rates |
Columbia University True Cost by Family Income
23% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating Columbia enrolls a meaningful share of lower-income students.
| Family Income | Annual Net Price | 4-Year Total |
|---|---|---|
| $0-30k | $4,570 | $18,280 |
| $30-48k | $2,275 | $9,100 |
| $48-75k | $5,866 | $23,464 |
| $75-110k | $11,782 | $47,128 |
| $110k+ | $50,621 | $202,484 |
Cost Breakdown
| Room & Board | $16,800 |
| Total Cost of Attendance | $89,472 |
Want to see how Columbia University stacks up? Compare college costs side by side and check the college rankings by net price and salary outcomes.
Popular Majors at Columbia University
The most popular fields of study, ranked by the number of degrees awarded.
{sn} Student Demographics
How to Get Into Columbia University
Columbia is a Reach school for nearly all applicants. Competitive applicants typically score 1530+ on the SAT. Beyond grades and scores, Columbia wants to see intellectual curiosity, leadership, and a clear sense of purpose in your application. Have 2-3 realistic backup schools — even perfect-on-paper students get denied here.
What Columbia University Values Most in Applicants
Admission factor importance from the Common Data Set — what the school officially says matters.
| Factor | Importance |
|---|---|
| Academic Gpa | Very Important |
| Rigor Of Secondary School Record | Very Important |
| Class Rank | Considered |
| Standardized Test Scores | Important |
| Application Essay | Very Important |
| Recommendation | Very Important |
| Extracurricular Activities | Important |
| Talent Ability | Important |
| Character Personal Qualities | Very Important |
| First Generation | Considered |
| Alumni Relation | Considered |
| Interview | Important |
| Work Experience | Considered |
| Volunteer Work | Considered |
Want to know your odds? Use the college admissions calculator to see your chances at Columbia University by GPA and SAT/ACT — or calculate your college GPA first to check where you stand.
Columbia University Application Deadlines & Requirements
Key dates for the Columbia University ED admission cycle. Mark these on your calendar — missing a deadline means waiting another year.
| Deadline | Date |
|---|---|
| Early Decision | Nov 1 |
| Regular Decision | Jan 1 |
| Financial Aid (FAFSA/CSS) | Feb 15 |
See Columbia University alongside every school in our full college application deadlines calendar for 2026–2027.
{sn} Financial Aid & Student Debt
Frequently Asked Questions About Columbia University
Other Colleges in NY
Data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS. Columbia University is not affiliated with NextColleges.