Columbia University
New York, NY
New York, NY
New York, NY
Ready to see where Columbia Blue might take you?
Columbia College and the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science (Columbia Engineering) offer undergraduate students unique advantages; they are at the same time small, selective colleges and integral components of a major research university. Students benefit from over 250 years of rich history and distinction, easy access to the immense resources of New York City, and a dynamic residential community where Columbia Blue is worn with pride at events ranging from Lions’ basketball games to the World Leaders Forum to late-night study sessions in the residence halls.
The Columbia College student body is composed of approximately 4,500 students; the Columbia Engineering student body is roughly 1,500. Students come from all 50 states and over 100 countries. They represent a dazzling array of ethnic, social, economic, cultural, religious, and geographic backgrounds. The diversity of Columbia’s student body reflects the diversity of New York City, the world’s most international city.
At the heart of the undergraduate experience is a uniquely designed Core Curriculum of philosophy, history, politics, literature, art, music, science, and writing, providing every student with a comprehensive and truly transformational understanding of modern civilization. Columbia students also have the exclusive opportunity to enhance their chosen studies through the unparalleled energy, vitality, and multicultural variety of New York City. No other college in America offers students the integration of the highest level of educational excellence in a community with an incomparable offering of professional, career, and life experiences.
Applying to college is a time for reflection, dedication, and hopefulness, and we look forward to supporting you during this important process. Columbia’s application review is holistic, meaning all parts of the application help inform our evaluation. Our review is also contextual, taking into account the multiple intersecting ways you have been shaped by family circumstances; work, commute, or home responsibilities; secondary school and community resources; and systemic and situational barriers and advantages. We seek to identify those who we believe will take greatest advantage of the unique Columbia experience and will offer something meaningful in return to the community.
“Exploring New York City is one of my favorite pastimes. Leveraging Columbia's museum pass has opened doors (quite literally) to several museums I never knew I could visit. Venturing out with friends has created memories I will cherish forever.”
“The Core Curriculum has provided me with an academic framework to examine the foundations of society, and I am better able to understand the structures and systems that make up the world around us.”
“Columbia students are highly engaged in the world around them, and the exuberance of their opinions makes for great discussion—even in a casual atmosphere like our floor lounge.”
“Morningside Heights has the convenience of a small-town college feel in one of the biggest cities in the country. I get to run into friends and professors while just walking across campus.”