Columbia
Columbia University · New York, New York · Private
Columbia admitted 4.9% of 59,611 applicants (Common Data Set 2025-2026). First-year students who sent the SAT scored 1510–1560 in the middle half. Test scores are optional. 95% of students graduate within six years.
Your chances at Columbia
Enter a score to see whether Columbia is a reach, target or likely school for you.
It admits 4.9% of applicants, so it’s a reach for everyone, even with perfect scores.
A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more.
Early decision and early action
Early decision applicants were admitted at 14% (819 of 5,868), compared with 4.9% for all applicants.
Early applicants often include recruited athletes and students with stronger applications, so the gap overstates how much applying early helps one student.
What admissions weighs
How Columbia rates each part of an application, from its Common Data Set.
Very important
- Course rigor
- Class rank
- GPA
- Essay
- Recommendations
- Activities
- Character
Important
- Talent or ability
Considered
- Test scores
- First generation
- Legacy
- Where you live
- Volunteering
- Work experience
Not considered
- Interview
- State residency
- Religion
- Showing interest
High school GPA
First-year students averaged a 4.25 GPA. 94% of those who reported a class rank were in the top 10% of their class.
Some colleges report weighted GPAs, so compare loosely.
What it costs
Full price with housing is $89,587 a year. After grants, students paid $20,869 on average.
Average price after grants, by family income:
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