What makes Columbia different
- The Core Curriculum. Columbia College students share a sequence of small seminars in literature, philosophy and political thought, art and music. You'll read many of the same books as every classmate.
- Two undergraduate schools. Columbia College and Columbia Engineering admit students separately, each with its own requirements.
- New York City. Internships, museums and neighborhoods are a subway ride away, and Barnard College sits across the street with shared classes.
What the admissions office says (as of October 2026)
- Testing: Test-optional for 2026–27 applicants; the SAT or ACT will be required from the 2027–28 cycle (announced June 2026).
- What they look for: Dean of Undergraduate Admissions and Financial Aid Jessica Marinaccio writes: "Just as you are looking for the college that is the best match for you, we are looking for students who are the best matches for us." Readers look for "the intellect, curiosity and dynamism that are the hallmarks of the Columbia student body."
- Takeaway: Columbia wants to see that you understand and want its Core Curriculum and New York City setting.
See all eight side by side: Ivy League testing policies · What Ivy admissions officers look for.
What Columbia students study
The most common bachelor's degrees (class of 2024): computer science (408), economics (240), political science (201), psychology (116), neuroscience (104) and English (93). Source: IPEDS Completions, first majors only.
You may thrive at Columbia if…
- You like a shared intellectual foundation and debating big ideas with classmates.
- City energy appeals to you more than a self-contained campus.
- You want a large research university with a relatively compact campus.
Worth asking about
- How much room does the Core leave for exploring your own interests, especially in Engineering?
- How do students build community in a big city?
How Columbia compares with the other Ivies
Columbia has the most structured shared curriculum of the Ivies; Brown has the least. See how the 8 Ivy League schools differ.
FAQ
Is Columbia an Ivy League school? Yes. Columbia is one of the eight Ivy League schools, and the only one in New York City.
What is Columbia known for? Its Core Curriculum and its New York City setting.
How hard is it to get into Columbia? Columbia admitted 4.0% of applicants for fall 2024.
How much does Columbia cost? Published tuition and fees are $71,845 a year and the total cost of attendance is $89,472, before any aid.
How much is Columbia tuition per semester? About $35,922 a semester, half the published $71,845 a year, before aid.
Is Columbia an R1 university? Yes. In the 2025 Carnegie Classifications, Columbia University is an R1 university, the group with the highest research spending and doctoral degrees. What R1 means →
How many students go to Columbia? About 9,000 undergraduates (fall 2024).
Wondering if a city school with a shared core fits you?
Lens's assessments show which kinds of colleges fit how you learn and live. Start with Lens →