Columbia University requires all freshman students to apply online, using either The Coalition Application or The Common Application. none is required for all applications, although none is also recommended. Undergraduates can expect a fee of $85 and graduates, $120.

Students who apply for early action are obligated to accept the offer of admission (though release is possible for financial reasons). These applications are due by November 1st, with decisions made by mid-December. Regular applications are due on January 1st with responses in late March.

Every application received by the university is carefully reviewed by a committee. Members look for academic records, an SAT combined score of 1,510 - 1,590 (or ACT Composite score of 34 - 36), extracurricular activities, achievements, and personal background. No student will be admitted without discussion. Every year 60,000 applications are received, with an acceptance rate of 4. 63% or 1,460 will go on to select Columbia University as their home and school of choice for the next four years.

Your Admission Profile - Admissions Chances

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Student ACT Scores

25th %
75th %



Student SAT Scores

25th %
75th %



First-Year Admission Statistics

Application, Acceptance, Enrollment Statistics from the 2025 Admissions Cycle
Applications
60,247
Male 26,575
Female 32,668

 

Acceptance
2,326
Male 1,083
Female 1,191

 

Enrollment Total
1,455
Male 688
Female 767


Acceptance Rate
3.9%
Male
4.1%
Female
3.6%

 

Yield
62.6%
Male
63.5%
Female
64.4%


Application Fees and Other Information

Application Fees

Undergraduate

$85


Graduate

$120



Credit from AP or Pre-college classes

  • Advanced Placement (AP) credits


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