Columbia University Acceptance Rate 2024/2025

Founded in 1852, Columbia University officially known as Columbia University in the City of New York is a private Ivy League research institution and one of the top universities in the United States with its main campus in New York City. Columbia University has numerous undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across its colleges and schools.

The private research institution is the oldest institution of higher education in New York and the fifth-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. It is also ranked as one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the world. Getting admitted into Columbia University is tricky due to the high number of applicants and low acceptance rate.

Prospective students of Columbia University must meet the admission requirements and familiarize themselves with Columbia University’s acceptance rate, admission process, and other conditions.

Columbia University Acceptance Rate 2024

Known as the percentage of applicants a college accepts in an admission year. Columbia University’s acceptance rate is 3.7 % for the undergraduate class of 2026. This group consists of Early Decision I, Early Decision II, and Regular Decision applicant pool. The institution accepts many domestic and international students, making the admission process more competitive.

Typically, international students experience lower college acceptance rates than domestic applicants. Furthermore, the acceptance rate for Columbia University varies between colleges.

To boost your chances of getting accepted into Columbia University, you need to understand how the institution accepts in-state and out-of-state and international students.

Columbia University Acceptance Rate for Early Applicants

Columbia University’s acceptance rate for early applicants is 10.31%. Meaning for every 100 applicants about 10 are accepted via Early Decision.

Early Decision is recommended for first-year applicants who have strong academic qualifications, select Columbia University as their first-choice school, and intend to enroll if admitted.

Columbia University Acceptance Rate for Regular Applicants

Columbia University’s acceptance rate for regular applicants is 2.96%. Meaning for every 100 applicants about 3 is accepted via Regular Decision.

Columbia University Acceptance Rate for International Applicants

According to the Columbia University admissions website, international students have an acceptance rate of 51%. This can be attributed to fewer international students applying to Columbia University than domestic students.

What GPA is required for Columbia University?

Columbia University has a specific way to calculate the grade point average (GPA) it requires for admission. You must obtain an average GPA of 4.0 or higher to get into Columbia University, regardless of your field of study. To attain a GPA as high as this, you will need a good amount of As and Bs.

Although there are no fixed Columbia University GPA requirements, to be considered a competitive applicant, you need a weighted GPA of 3.9 to 4.1.

Is SAT required for Columbia University?

Columbia University does not require you to take either take the SAT or ACT before getting accepted. However, students may still include that information on their application. If your SAT or ACT scores are at the top of the scale, consider submitting them to strengthen your Columbia University application.

What is the average SAT score for Columbia University?

The average SAT score composite at Columbia University is between 1460-1580 and an ACT of 33-35. Although there is no fixed Columbia University SAT score requirement, falling within or above the average range is a great way to boost your chances of acceptance.

Breakdown of Columbia University Acceptance Rate

In the Fall of 2022, Columbia University received 60,551 applications for the class of 2026, out of which 2,253 (Early Decision I, Early Decision II, and Regular Decision) were admitted representing a 3.7% acceptance rate.

Also, the acceptance rate for international students was 51% with a number of the freshmen identifying as Asian, African-American, Hispanic, or Latino. These numbers are not related to the acceptance rate for Columbia University, but they do show that Columbia is a diverse campus.

Columbia University Admission Process 2024

Columbia University’s admission process varies depending on the level of education, programs offered, and nationality. However, candidates with a minimum of 4.0 GPA can apply to study at Columbia University.

Also, note that Columbia University’s GPA requirements tend to be higher for out-of-state students. The Columbia University GPA requirements for non-residents state that these students must earn at least a 3.9 with no grades below a B.

Columbia University Admission Timeline

The admission process starts in the fall season right before the year you want to join. Generally, the deadline for the Columbia University admission application is as follows.

• Early Decision – November 1
• Regular Decision – January 1

Documents Required for Columbia University

To study at Columbia University you must first and foremost meet the admission requirements. Thereafter, apply to the school before the application deadline. In addition to the general admission requirements, you must also meet the specific subject requirements.

Although the admission application process may vary for local and international students, some of the requirements may apply to both. Below are some of the general Columbia University admission requirements:

• Completed Common Application.
• Official secondary school transcript and school report.
• At least one teacher recommendation
• SAT or ACT score, if available and you wish them to be considered, or other test results like PSAT, if available.
• TOEFL, IELTS, MET, or Duolingo, etc. scores (for non-native speakers of English)
• Official college transcripts (for high school students dual enrolled in a college or university).

Documents Required to Transfer Applicants

• Common Application.
• Official university transcript(s) from all universities attended, must demonstrate at least one year of full-time undergraduate study
• Official secondary school transcript noting graduation
• College report
• Academic evaluation
• SAT or ACT score, if available and you wish them to be considered, or other test results like PSAT, if available.
• Official proof of English language proficiency (ONLY for applicants whose first/primary language is not English or whose secondary schooling has not been in English).

Columbia University Application Fee

Columbia Univerity has an application fee of $85 or a fee waiver for qualified students. You can make your payment either by credit card or by mail, just be sure to follow the instructions in the application.

Popular Majors at Columbia University

The most popular majors among Columbia University students are:

• Computer Science
• Econometrics and Quantitative Economics
• Political Science and Government
• Research and Experimental Psychology

Columbia University Tuition & Fees

To study at Columbia University you will need to spend a huge sum of money. The cost varies depending on the level of study, major or program, number of credit hours taken, and the school or college you wish to study. Some additional fees include incidental fees, educational supplies, accommodation costs, etc.

The undergraduate fee is $65,524.

Columbia University Scholarships

There are a number of financial aid available to students studying at Columbia University. These financial supports may be awarded based on need, academic merit, background, specific talents, or professional interest.

Conclusion

The acceptance rate is an important factor to consider when seeking admission to Columbia University. Also, understanding Columbia University’s acceptance rate and admission requirement are important as it helps you to plan on how to pursue your program and make the right decisions.