Columbia University in the City of New York logo

Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

8,899
Total Students
$69K
Tuition (In-State)
$69K
Tuition (Out-State)
$20K
Avg Net Price
4%
Acceptance Rate
95%
Graduation Rate
6-year
97%
Retention Rate
Doctoral Universities
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Columbia University in the City of New York

New York City's venerable Ivy League research hub, pioneering breakthroughs since 1754.

Nestled in the vibrant heart of New York City, Columbia University in the City of New York stands as a beacon of academic excellence and historical significance. As a private Ivy League research university, it holds the distinction of being the oldest institution of higher education in New York and the fifth oldest in the United States, tracing its origins back to King's College in 1754. Its urban campus provides an unparalleled backdrop for discovery and learning, deeply integrated with one of the world's most dynamic cities.

Academically, Columbia is renowned for its comprehensive scope, organized into twenty schools, encompassing three undergraduate colleges and sixteen graduate schools. It pioneered medical education as the first school in the U.S. to grant an MD degree, and its research endeavors have consistently pushed the boundaries of human knowledge. From its pivotal involvement in the Manhattan Project to breakthroughs in laser technology, nuclear magnetic resonance, and plate tectonics, Columbia's scholars and scientists have shaped the modern world. The university also proudly administers and annually awards the prestigious Pulitzer Prize.

The student experience at Columbia is defined by its rich history, a rigorous core curriculum, and a commitment to diverse forms of learning. From its transformation from King's College following the American Revolution to its evolution into a modern research powerhouse on its Morningside Heights campus, Columbia has continually adapted and innovated. It offers programs for traditional and non-traditional students alike, fostering a global perspective and encouraging vibrant intellectual discourse. For prospective students and families, Columbia represents an opportunity to join a legacy of leadership and innovation in an inspiring urban environment.

Key Highlights

  • A prestigious Ivy League research university located in New York City.
  • Established on May 25, 1754, as King's College, making it the oldest higher education institution in New York and the fifth oldest in the U.S.
  • Boasts a substantial endowment of $14.8 billion as of 2024.
  • Educates a vibrant student body of 36,649, including 9,761 undergraduates and 26,888 postgraduates.
  • Administers and annually awards the prestigious Pulitzer Prize.
  • Has been central to pivotal scientific breakthroughs, including the Manhattan Project, the laser, maser, nuclear magnetic resonance, and the first evidence for plate tectonics.
  • Its distinguished community includes 103 Nobel laureates, 4 U.S. presidents, 7 Founding Fathers, and 10 U.S. Supreme Court justices.

Timeline

1754
Officially founded on October 31 as King's College by royal charter under George II of Great Britain.
1784
Renamed Columbia College following the American Revolution.
1813
Medical school incorporated with The College of Physicians and Surgeons, forming Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.
1857
Moved to a primarily Gothic Revival campus on 49th Street and Madison Avenue.
1889
Barnard College was created as an all-female institution affiliated with the university.
1896
Campus moved to its present location in Morningside Heights and was renamed Columbia University.
1940
Faculty members played a pivotal role in the Manhattan Project, creating the first nuclear fission reactor in the Americas.
1968
Student protests led to the resignation of the university president and the establishment of the University Senate.
1983
Columbia College first admitted women.
2020
The new Columbia Climate School was launched as a strategic initiative.

Schools & Colleges

10 notable schools within Columbia University in the City of New York

🏫

Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons

Formed in 1813 by incorporating its medical school; it was the first school in the United States to grant the MD degree.

🏫

Barnard College

An all-female institution affiliated with the university, created in 1889.

🏫

Teachers College

Founded by Nicholas Murray Butler, it is currently affiliated as the university's Graduate School of Education.

🏫

School of General Studies

Reorganized in 1995 as a full-fledged liberal arts college for non-traditional students.

🏫

School of Professional Studies

Established to offer diverse professional and inter-disciplinary degree and non-degree programs, formerly University Extension.

🏛️

School of International and Public Affairs

Founded in 1946, drawing upon the resources of the faculties of political science, economics, and history.

🎭

Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

Formed in 1979 by merging decentralized faculties specializing in Political Science, Philosophy, and Pure Science.

🎭

School of the Arts

Part of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, integrated in 1991.

🏫

Columbia Climate School

Launched in 2020 as a key strategic initiative.

💼

Business School

A professional school that received a significant gift from Henry Kravis for its facilities.

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