Colleges by Location
Colleges by Fields of Study
Colleges by Tuition Range
Colleges by GPA Range
College by SAT Range
Colleges by ACT Score
Graduate Schools by Location
Graduate Schools by Fields of Study
Graduate School by Degree Type
Paying for Graduate School
Online Graduate Programs
Test Preparation
Career Planning
College Planning
Graduate School Planning
Applying to Graduate School
Engineering Careers
- More
New York , NY
Columbia University School of General Studies (GS) is an educational division within Columbia University that is dedicated exclusively to non-traditional undergraduate students. Founded in 1947, GS provides a unique educational experience tailored to accommodate students who have had a break in their education, have various life experiences, or have pursued unconventional paths prior to seeking a college degree. GS offers a rigorous liberal arts curriculum, granting Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees, and strives to foster a diverse and inclusive academic environment.
The School of General Studies at Columbia University welcomes a diverse range of students, with an average age of around 27. GS students come from a variety of backgrounds, including military veterans, single parents, international students, and those who have experienced career changes. The school aims to provide a supportive environment for these students, offering extensive resources such as academic advising, career counseling, and internship opportunities to help them successfully navigate their academic journey and transition into meaningful careers.
With a faculty comprised of esteemed scholars, writers, and experts in their respective fields, GS students have access to a broad range of academic disciplines and courses. They have the opportunity to study alongside undergraduates from Columbia College and the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, enriching their educational experience. GS also offers unique programs such as the Joint Dual Degree Program with Sciences Po in France and the Post-baccalaureate Premedical Program, which prepares students for medical school.
In conclusion, Columbia University School of General Studies caters to non-traditional students by providing a supportive and inclusive learning community. With its prestigious faculty, diverse student body, and comprehensive resources, it offers a rigorous liberal arts education to students from various backgrounds who wish to pursue their academic and career goals. GS aims to facilitate a transformative educational experience that equips students with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities necessary for success in their chosen fields.
Located in New York, NY and set in an urban environment, Columbia University is a private university. This educational institution operates on a semester-based calendar. Given an acceptance rate of a mere 3%, admissions is consider very competative. The freshman retention rate at Columbia University is 98% and the six-year graduation rate is 96%.
For freshmen, the application deadline for this school is January 1. For transfer students, the application deadline is March 1.
To find out more about what Columbia University has to offer to its students, read on for the latest data reported by this school.
Quick Facts
9,157
Total Number of Undergraduate Students
$70,170
Tuition
6:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
96%
Graduation Rate
Admissions
If you know as much as possible about the institution's criteria for admission, you can make a better judgment about your eligibility and boost your chances of getting accepted. How difficult is it to get admitted to Columbia University and what are the admission requirements?
According to the newest data, this school uses standardized test scores for admission and it admitted 2,326 in 2025. Columbia University has an official test-optional admission policy but considers standardized test scores if the applicant decides to submit them. As far as admission difficulty is considered, based on data self-reported by the institution this school is one of the most difficult schools to get into. This eminent institution with a rich history offers an excellent learning experience to its students.
Test Scores
44% of first-time, first-year degree-seeking students submitted their SAT scores for admission, and 17% submitted ACT scores, out of the overall number of those who submitted test scores. 99% of the first-year students submitted SAT composite scores between 1,400 and 1,600 and 1% between 1,200 and 1,399. The percent of incoming freshmen who submitted ACT Composite scores in the range between 30-36 was 99.59 and 0.41 between 24-29.
The new students had an average SAT Critical Reading score of 757 and an average SAT Math score of 779.
Deadlines
Be sure to apply to this school by January 1. If you are applying for a transfer, the application deadline is March 1.
Retention Rate
The student retention rate is the percentage of students who re-enroll from one year to the next. That information can tell you if the majority of freshmen liked their first year enough to come back.
As reported in 2025, the freshman retention rate for Columbia University was 98%, which is an amazing retention rate only the most prestigious institutions have.
The graduation rate is another indicator to take into account. It provides valuable insight into the percentage of students who complete their studies within a designated timeframe. This academic institution has the six-year graduation rate of 96%, which is considered an above-average graduation rate.
Student Body
It is never easy to figure out which school is the best choice for you. You can get a better insight into a school's culture and life by learning more about its student body.
Main Student Body
In 2025, the school had an enrollment of 9,157 students.
The school reported an out-of-state student body portion of 80% for that year. The total number of undergraduate students enrolled at the school was 9,157, 1077 of which were foreign students. The school reported to have a total of 298 transfer students.
Student Population Gender Ratio
The student body is coeducational, with 4,212 male and 4,125 female full-time students in 2025.
Student Population Diversity
Higher Education is dedicated to increasing student diversity and enhancing students' feelings of inclusion and belonging. In a diverse learning space, you will be exposed to people from different backgrounds, which promotes the feeling of inclusion and acceptance. Learn more about all the ethnic communities you might encounter at this institution.
This school had 1,440 Asian students and 540 Afro-American students in 2025. 1,113 students at this school declared as Hispanic/Latino and 473 as multirace. The school also had 14 students who identified as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, and 22 American Indian or Alaska Native students. There were also 162 students whose ethnicity is unknown.
Cost
Before sending an application to any college or university, the financial component should be taken into account. The most recent data reported regarding the expenses for attending this school are detailed below.
Tuition and Fees
Wondering about tuition at Columbia University? Here is what you need to know.
Tuition in 2025 was $70,170 for full-time domestic students. Columbia University is a private institution, so tuition is the same for all the accepted students. Fees per academic year required of full-time students reached $3,280 in 2025.
Books and Supplies
The approximate cost of books and supplies for a college or university should also be taken into account as another significant financial element. The approximate price of books and supplies for a full-time student of this school is $1,282.
Boarding
When choosing a college, you should factor in the price of a dorm room and meals at the school cafeteria. What is the typical amount colleges and universities charge for room and board?
In 2025, the price of room and board at Columbia University was $19,114 per academic year. If you only wanted a room on the campus, it cost $13,222 for the 2025 academic year. The estimated expense of room-only (on campus) for commuters not living at home was also $13,222.
| Expense Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $ 70,170 |
| Room and Board | $ 19,114 |
| Book and Supplies | $ 1,282 |
| Total Expense | $ 90,566 |
Financial Aid
Be it a grant, loan, scholarship, or work-study program, any type of financial support can be a great deal for most students. Check out some recent data to get the info about need-based and non-need-based monetary aid students could get at Columbia University.
The most recent records show that 729 freshmen received some sort of financial help. The average financial aid package awarded to students reached $77,163.
Need-based
Need-based financial aid is exactly what it sounds like — it’s awarded based on the determined financial need.
3,234 students gained some form of need-based financial aid. Need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid at Columbia University is available to international students. The total number of students (including freshmen) who were determined to have financial need ended up being 3,260. The amount of federal need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the students at this institution added up to $11,750,753, and state $1,965,604. The students of Columbia University received the -institutional need-based aid in the amount of $220,849,856, and external in the amount of $4,248,646.
Non-Need Based
Non-need-based financial aid is any type of financial aid provided to a student who does not meet the criteria for need-based aid. Non-need-based student aid typicaly comes in a form of Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, and the Teacher Education Access for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant.
Institutional non-need-based scholarships or grants were given to 205 students overall (including freshmen) at Columbia University in 2025. Institutional grants or scholarships that are not based on financial need were given to 67 full-time freshman. Federal non-need-based scholarships and grants totaled $11,750,753 for students at this institution, while state aid came to $411,376. The amount the students of this school received from external sources (e.g. Kiwanis, National Merit) was $1,023,486 USD.
Majors
Faculty
6:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
The student-to-faculty ratio can tell you a lot about the teaching resources a school provides for its students.
According to the most recent data, the student-faculty ratio at Columbia University was 6:1: that means 6 students per one teacher, which is considered a good ratio. According to the most recent information, there are 3,264 teachers at this school. This number included 1,892 male and 1,367 female faculty members.
Student Population Diversity Graph
Campus Life
Not everything at Columbia University is about learning and grades: campus life is an essential part of your educational experience. Find out some details about campus life at Columbia University.
It has a campus size of 36 acres.
Student Organizations
Student organizations are run by students of an institution, and its membership usually consists exclusively of current students and/or alumni.
According to recently gathered data, there are 500 open-membership organizations at Columbia University. Sororities and fraternities are included in that number. At this school, 9% of male students are members of social organizations, while that percentage is 13 for female students. The student organization that is most favored by students is Publications, followed by Athletics and Performing Arts. Other popular student organizations at this school are Cultural Organization and Community Service.
If you are interested in music, you can join the Columbia University band or chorus. There is a drama club you can join if acting is something that interests you. Interested in media and communication? Columbia University publishes its own newspaper and has its own radio station.
Student Services
At Columbia University, there are many amenities that make life on campus pleasant and safe.
There are 24-hour emergency phone and alarm devices. There are electronically operated dormitory entrances. There is a round-the-clock security patrol. The transport/escort service operates during late hours.
This school has a health clinic with personal/psychological counseling. In addition, other services like Women's Center are available to the students of Columbia University.
All in all, campus life at Columbia University is rich and vibrant and provides all you need for a comfortable stay.
Career Services
Having career services at a college or university can mean a great deal for your career planning, so find out what you can expect at Columbia University.
Career Counselling
At Columbia University, there is both group career counseling for all students and individual career counseling for all students. There are a library, a job bank, and job fairs. Job interviews are also available to students through the career center. The career center offers resume preparation and resume referral to employers. There is campus employer recruitment for all the students. This school offers alumni networking opportunities, which could be a great asset for your future career. Individual job placement is available to all students at this school.
Job Placement
Having an understanding of the anticipated earnings after completing your education can be important in evaluating if a certain institution is compatible with your professional goals.
The average base annual starting salary of the students who were employed within six months of graduation at this school is 87,889 USD.
$87,889
Average Starting Salary After 6 Months of Graduation
FAQ
-
Columbia University is located in New York, NY.
-
Columbia University offers need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid to international students.
-
According to the latest information, the tuition for Columbia University is 70,170 USD a year.
-
This school uses standardized test scores for admission.
-
The most recent data indicate that the acceptance rate for Columbia University is 3%.
-
The most recent data indicate that the freshman retention rate for Columbia University is 98%.
Contact Information
Columbia University in the City of New York
116th St and Broadway
New York , NY
10027
Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved. Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
Find the best schools for you.
Need help with choosing grad school? We got you.
Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved.
Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.
