Overview
Columbia University is a private college that was established back in 1754. As of fall 2022, there are 8,902 undergraduate students enrolled, and the campus spans 36 acres. In the 2025 edition of Best Colleges, Columbia is ranked #13 among National Universities.
At-a-Glance
Setting: Not available
Tuition & Fees: Not available
Undergraduate Enrollment: 8,902
Acceptance Rate: 4%
Columbia University Rankings
Check out how Columbia performs in other categories to get a better sense of everything it offers.
- #13 in National Universities (tie)
- #20 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs (tie)
(At schools where the highest degree is a doctorate)- Biomedical
- Civil
- Computer
- Electrical / Electronic / Communications
- Industrial / Manufacturing
- Materials
- Mechanical
- Computer Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Computer Systems
- #11 in Data Analytics/Science
- #9 in Theory
- #8 in Psychology Programs (tie)
- #10 in Economics
- #70 in Best Undergraduate Teaching (tie)
- #63 in Most Innovative Schools (tie)
- #75 in Top Performers on Social Mobility (tie)
Columbia comes in at #13 out of 436 National Universities. These rankings are based on a range of recognized measures of academic quality. Learn more about the methodology behind our rankings.
U.S. News Overall Score: 91 (out of 100)
Outcomes (52%)
- Average 6-year graduation rate (16%): 96%
- 6-year graduation rate for Pell Grant recipients (5.5%): 93%
- 6-year graduation rate for non-Pell recipients (5.5%): 95%
Columbia University Admissions
Columbia’s acceptance rate is just 4%. Among those who submitted test scores, half of the admitted students scored between 34 and 35 on the ACT. A quarter of admitted students scored above that range, and a quarter scored below.
If you want to explore more academic stats and school information, check out College Compass.
Admissions Stats
- Application deadline: Not available
- Application fee: Not available
- Acceptance rate: 4%
Columbia University Tuition & Financial Aid
When comparing schools, it’s important to look at both the total cost and the net price. The total cost includes tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses. The net price is what students actually pay on average after scholarships and financial aid are applied.
Tuition & Expenses
- Tuition and fees: Not available
- Net price for federal loan recipients (2021–2022): $23,497
Net Price by Family Income (2021–2022)
| Family Income | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| $0–$30,000 | $6,184 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $4,569 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $8,385 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $15,114 |
| $110,001+ | $45,873 |
Food and Housing: Not available
Columbia University Academics
Columbia has a student-faculty ratio of 6:1. The university hasn’t listed its most popular majors, but the average freshman retention rate is 97%, which suggests strong student satisfaction.
Columbia University Student Life
As of fall 2022, Columbia has 8,902 undergraduates, with a gender split of 50.9% male and 49.1% female. The school competes in NCAA Division I athletics.
Student Life Stats
- Total enrollment: 34,782 (fall 2022)
- On-campus housing: Not available
- Athletic affiliation: NCAA I
Columbia University Student Body
- Total enrollment: 34,782 (fall 2022)
- Undergraduate students: 8,902 (fall 2022)
- Graduate students: 25,880 (fall 2022)
- Pell Grant recipients (2022–2023): 22%
Gender Distribution (Degree-Seeking Students)
- Men: 51%
- Women: 49%
Veteran or Active Service Members: Data not available
Columbia University Campus
Columbia offers a variety of student support services like nondevelopmental tutoring, placement services, health services, and health insurance.
For safety, the university provides:
- 24-hour foot and vehicle patrols
- Late-night transport/escort services
- 24-hour emergency phones
- Well-lit paths and sidewalks
- Controlled dorm access (key cards, security measures)
Students of legal drinking age are allowed to consume alcohol on campus.
