Ready to find out where Columbia Blue might take you? Here, you’ll find all the resources you need to understand the admissions process and to get ready to build a complete, authentic and compelling application. We look forward to getting to know you.
You can still apply to Columbia—just apply through these other undergraduate programs instead.
The Columbia experience is open to individuals from every imaginable background. In fact, it depends upon them—and the diverse perspectives they bring to our campus.
This is a time to discover who you are and who you want to become. It is an exciting adventure. Take a deep breath. Let it out. Relax. Begin. Enjoy.
Marinaccio Dean of Undergraduate Admissions and Financial Aid
The Columbia University first-year class of College and Engineering students is chosen from a large and diverse group of applicants. Columbia employs a holistic approach in assessing candidates in order to evaluate which students are the best matches for Columbia's unique educational experience.
In the process of selection, the Committee on Admissions considers each applicant's academic potential, intellectual strength and ability to think independently. The Committee also considers the general attitudes and character of the applicant, special abilities and interests, maturity, motivation, curiosity and whether they are likely to make productive use of the four years at Columbia.
If Columbia is your first-choice school — and you are willing to make a binding commitment to attend if admitted — we encourage you to consider applying Early Decision. Learn more about the Early Decision process.
The financial aid application process collects information about your family's income, assets, family composition and other circumstances. All requirements and submission instructions are detailed on the Financial Aid & Educational Financing website. Learn more about affordability and aid at Columbia.
No. Applicants to Columbia must choose either Columbia College or Columbia Engineering.
