Columbia University

Located in the heart of Manhattan in New York City, Columbia University is an ivy-league institution with a long-standing academic tradition. Established in 1754 under colonial rule, the school was original known as King’s College from a charter of George II. Not only is this the oldest post-secondary school in New York, but it’s the fifth-oldest in the United States. Columbia has come a long way from its humble beginnings, when the first classes were held in a schoolhouse attached to Trinity Church. The student body has grown from the original eight to 23,000 students. The faculty at Columbia numbers 4,000.

Best known for its schools of journalism, Columbia awards the annual Pulitzer prices for outstanding literary contributions and is known as one of the nation’s premier journalism schools. Columbia University is also home to a world-class medical center that is a leading center for research and patient care.

The school’s medical and scientific programs are also strong, featuring one of the longest standing research laboratories, with focuses on genetics, patient medicine and engineering. A large humanities department also has close ties to the local community, with influences from the neighboring Harlem arts scene. The Law School at Columbia features both teddy and Franklin Roosevelt as graduates, and Barack Obama attended as an under graduate student. The school’s historic campus in Morningside Heights makes it a staple of large New York City.

Accreditation

Columbia University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Degree Programs at Columbia University

Undergraduates at Columbia can choose from over 90 programs, as well as pre-medical, dental, and law programs. Columbia students may also have the opportunity to study vocal or instrumental music at the Juilliard School.

Graduate students at Columbia can continue their studies in these areas:

• Architecture, Planning and Preservation
• Arts
• Arts and Sciences
• Business
• Continuing Education
• Dental and Oral Surgery
• Engineering and Applied Science
• International and Public Affairs
• Journalism
• Law
• Medicine
• Nursing
• Public Health
• Social Work

Getting Admitted to Columbia

Getting in to Columbia is very competitive; more than 20,000 prospective students apply for the 1,300 first-year spots available. There is no minimum GPA, SAT or ACT Score, or class rank that an applicant must obtain to get admitted to the University. The applicant’s academic record will be considered, but the Admission Committee also considers extracurricular activities, interests, and summer activities. Teacher recommendations and the student’s essay are also considered.

If you already know you want to attend Columbia, you can submit your materials to the University by November 1 to be considered under the Early Decision plan. You will find out whether you are accepted by mid-December. For the Regular Decision track, send your application form and supporting materials to the school by January 2. You will find out the decision by late March or early April.

Online Degree Programs

Columbia University Teachers College offers an online M.A. program in Computing in Education. Students will choose between Teaching and Learning with Technology and Technology Leadership. Completion of an independent study (six credits) component is part of this program.

Tuition and Financial Aid

While in both an expensive and impoverished area, Columbia University is a school that runs around the average for tuition costs, but is a bit higher on ancillary fees thanks, in part to its urban location. Columbia University has a strong, and helpful financial aid office at your disposal though, so don’t be afraid to contact them to see what opportunities are available for potential students.

Tuition at Columbia for undergrads will run you $20,358 per year. In addition, students enrolled at Columbia will need to pay for books and supplies. Rent in New York can be very expensive, and the University’s Financial Aid Office can provide prospective students with an estimate of how much this will cost.

Sports at Columbia

Students at Columbia can compete at the intercollegiate level on a number of teams. Male athletes participate in baseball, basketball, cross country, rowing, swimming and diving, track and field, and more. Female athletes can become involved in a number of athletic pursuits, including archery, fencing, field hockey, softball, and tennis.