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Columbia University
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.
Columbia University is a private university located in New York, NY and set in an urban environment. This academic institution uses a semester-based calendar. The selection process is very rigorous, with an acceptance rate of merely 3%. The freshman retention rate at Columbia University is 97% and the six-year graduation rate is 95%.
The freshmen 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
6,578
Total Number of Undergraduate Students
3%
Acceptance Rate
$68,000
Tuition
6:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
95%
Graduation Rate
Admissions
Discovering as much as possible about the school's criteria for admission improves your chances of getting admitted. Here are the most relevant data you have to know about admission policy and requirements at Columbia University.
According to the most recent information reported, this school uses standardized test scores for admission and it admitted 2,284 in 2024. Looking at entrance difficulty level for all or most incoming freshmen, based on data self-reported by the institution this school is one of the most difficult schools to get into. With a rich history of academic excellence, it offers an unmatched educational experience.
Test Scores
Out of the number of applicants who submitted test scores, the percentage of first-time, first-year degree-seeking students who submitted SAT scores was 40% and ACT scores 22%. 97% of the first-year students submitted SAT composite scores between 1,400 and 1,600 and 3% between 1,200 and 1,399. The percent of incoming freshmen who submitted ACT Composite scores in the range between 30-36 was 99 and 1 between 24-29.
The new students had an average SAT Critical Reading score of 749 and an average SAT Math score of 775.
Deadlines
Be sure to apply to this school by January 1. For transfer students, note that the application deadline is March 1.
3%
Acceptance Rate
Retention Rate
The student retention rate is the percentage of students who re-enroll from one year to the next. This piece of data is important as it can reveal to the prospective students how many freshmen liked the school enough to return to it as sophomores.
As reported in 2024, the freshman retention rate for Columbia University was 97%, which is an amazing retention rate only the most prestigious institutions have.
Another important metric to consider is the graduation rate. This rate indicates how many students finish their degrees within a certain timeframe. At this academic institution, the proportion of students graduating in six years is 95%, which is considered an above-average graduation rate.
Student Body
Making the choice of which school is the right place for you is not simple. Obtaining a better insight into a school's student body helps you learn more about its culture and life.
Main Student Body
In 2024, the institution had an enrollment of 6,578 students.
The school reported an out-of-state student body portion of 80% for that year. There was a total of 6,578 undergraduate students, including 1,015 international students. 275 students were admitted as transfer students.
Student Population Gender Ratio
The student body is coeducational, with 3,231 male and 3,255 female full-time students in 2024.
Student Population Diversity
Higher Education is dedicated to increasing student diversity and enhancing students' feelings of inclusion and belonging. A heterogeneous student body brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Find out more about different ethnic groups you can meet at Columbia University.
This school had 1,387 Asian students and 575 Afro-American students in 2024. 1,152 undergraduate students at this school declared as Hispanic/Latino and 491 identified with more than one race. The school also had 13 students who identified as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, as well as 24 American Indian or Alaska Native students. There were also 129 students whose ethnicity is unknown.
Cost
Financial planning for school is one of the most important things to consider before you apply. Here are some important facts on Columbia University costs that most students encounter at this school.
Tuition and Fees
If you were wondering how much the tuition cost for Columbia University is, here are some recent data that will come in handy.
Tuition fees per academic year for full-time domestic students were $68,000 in 2024. As Columbia University is a private institution, there is no difference in tuition for out-of-state or international students. Full-time students in 2024 were required to pay additional fees in the amount of $3,170.
Books and Supplies
Another important expense to consider is the estimated price of books and supplies for a college or university. Most students have to set aside about $1,440 for books and supplies during their time at Columbia University.
Boarding
When choosing a college, you should factor in the price of a dorm room and meals at the school cafeteria. What do colleges and universities typically charge for accommodation and meals?
At Columbia University, the 2024 annual cost of room and board (on campus) was $18,802. If you only wanted a dorm room, you had to pay $12,222 for the 2024 academic year. The estimated expense of room-only (on campus) for commuters not living at home was also $12,222.
| Tuition | $ 68,000 |
| Room and Board | $ 18,802 |
| Book and Supplies | $ 1,440 |
| Total Expense | $ 88,242 |
Financial Aid
Financial aid for students comes in different forms: grants, loans, scholarships, or work-study programs. If you are interested in finding out more about need-based and non-need-based aid at Columbia University, here are some recent data you should take into consideration.
The most recent records show that 744 freshmen received some sort of financial help. The average financial aid package awarded to students totaled $72,484.
Need-based
Need-based aid is financial aid that a student can receive if they are determened to have financial need and meet other eligibility criteria.
There were 3,268 students who received need-based financial aid of any kind. Need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid at Columbia University is available to international students. The overall number of students (including freshmen) who were determined to have financial need was found to be 3,281. The amount of federal need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the students at this institution was $10,158,950, and state $1,773,407. The students of Columbia University received the -institutional need-based aid in the amount of $209,405,127, and external in the amount of $4,441,923.
Non-Need Based
Non-need-based aid is any type of financial aid given to a student who does not meet the requirements for need-based aid. The most popular forms of non-need-based financial aid for students are loans and grants, like 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 188 students overall (including freshmen) at Columbia University in 2024. Institutional help in the form of non-need-based scholarships or grants was given to 74 full-time freshmen. Federal non-need-based scholarships and grants totaled $10,158,950 for students at this institution, while state aid came to $280,781. The amount the students of this school received from external sources (e.g. Kiwanis, National Merit) was $1,569,444 USD.
Majors
Faculty
6:1
Student to Faculty Ratio
Knowing more about a school's faculty can help you gauge the caliber of the education it can provide to you.
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 3,347 teachers at this school. Out of that number, there were 1,967 male and 1,377 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. Check out some information about campus life at Columbia University.
It has a campus size of 36 acres.
Student Organizations
Being a member of a student organization will make you connect better with your fellow students and enjoy your college years more.
According to recently gathered data, there are 500 open-membership organizations at Columbia University. This number includes sororities and fraternities. At this school, 7% of male students are members of social organizations, while that percentage is 8 for female students. The student organization that attracts the greatest number of students is Publications, followed by Athletics and Performing Arts. Other popular student organizations at this school are Cultural Organization and Community Service.
Students who have a talent for music can join the Columbia University band or chorus. If you're interested in acting, you have the option to join a drama club. You have a passion for 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 24-hour security patrol. The after-hours transportation/escort service is available.
There is 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 highly beneficial for your future career. Individual job placement is available to all students at this school.
Job Placement
Knowing what salary you can expect once you have completed your studies can help you decide if a certain school matches your career goals.
The average annual salary for graduates employed six months after graduation from this institution is 84,082 USD.
$84,082
Average Starting Salary After 6 Months of Graduation
FAQ
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Columbia University is located in New York, NY.
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Columbia University offers need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid to international students.
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The overall full-time tuition per academic year for Columbia University is 68,000 USD, based on the most recent data.
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This school uses standardized test scores for admission.
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The most recent data indicate that the acceptance rate for Columbia University is 3%.
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The most recent data indicate that the freshman retention rate for Columbia University is 97%.
Contact Information
Columbia University,
212 Hamilton Hall MC2807 1130 Amsterdam Ave
New York, NY
10027
212 854-1754
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.
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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.