At schools with acceptance rates below 10%, nearly every applicant has near-perfect grades and test scores. Admissions decisions are driven by essays, extracurriculars, recommendations, and institutional priorities — factors no stats-based model can predict. Our likelihood labels reflect academic competitiveness only.
Columbia University is an Ivy League research university in the heart of New York City, distinguished by its rigorous Core Curriculum and world-class programs in journalism, international affairs, and the arts. Its Manhattan location provides unparalleled access to internships in finance, media, and the arts.
Mascot: Lion
Notable Alumni
Barack Obama (44th President)•Warren Buffett (legendary investor)•Kathryn Bigelow (Oscar-winning director)
At a Glance
Cost
Published sticker prices for 2025-2026. Actual cost after aid varies.
Top Programs & National Ranking
Approximate national ranking based on departmental rankings, research output, and program reputation.
Highlights
Campus Experience
Columbia's social life is inseparable from New York City — your campus is small and urban, and by sophomore year your friend group is as likely to meet at a West Village bar as in a dorm lounge. Greek life exists but doesn't define the scene; NYC's cultural offerings do. The Core Curriculum creates shared intellectual identity, but the city's pull can make campus community feel fragmented for students who don't actively seek it.
The grand Low Memorial Library and neoclassical McKim, Mead & White buildings frame a symmetrical Beaux-Arts campus, with the iconic Alma Mater statue and Butler Library providing gravitas despite the compact urban setting.
Based on Niche reviews, Princeton Review surveys, student forums, and institutional data.
Safety
Columbia Public Safety provides 24/7 patrols, safety escorts, and an evening shuttle running until 3 AM. The gated Morningside campus is well-secured, though burglaries and occasional robberies occur on surrounding streets.
Morningside Heights is a relatively safe Manhattan neighborhood with active foot traffic and NYPD presence. Nearby Morningside Park and areas north of 125th Street warrant more caution at night.
Based on Clery Act data, student surveys, and local crime statistics.
Plan Your Visit
Schedule: Most weekdays, select special events
Duration: About 60 minutes
Prior registration required -- walk-on availability not guaranteed due to campus access controls. Check in at Visitors Center, 213 Low Library. Free admission. Registration opens monthly (Feb-April dates currently available).
Book a TourThe Visitors Center at 213 Low Library provides maps and materials. Campus highlights are walkable in about an hour.
Tour ResourcesSeptember-November or March-May when the academic year is in full swing. Early fall and spring offer the best weather for enjoying the outdoor spaces. Avoid winter break and summer (campus feels empty). Midweek visits give the best glimpse of academic life. The West 111th Street People's Garden near campus is a hidden neighborhood gem worth visiting.
Do NOT drive. Take the 1 train (local) to 116th Street-Columbia University -- it's the most convenient option. If coming on the 2 or 3 express train, transfer at 96th St to the 1. Buses M4, M5, M11, M60-SBS, and M104 also serve the area. If you must drive, nearby garages include Pro Park America (1090 Amsterdam Ave), Champion Parking (400 W 113th St). Street parking is nearly impossible. From JFK/LGA: subway to the 1 train (~60-90 min).
Location
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