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Columbia University in the City of New York campus Photo: Ajay Suresh, CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NYPrivate8,973 undergradsCommon App
Official site ↗
Acceptance rate
4.0%
SAT middle 50%
1510–1580
ACT middle 50%
34–35
Next deadline
Jan 1
Application fee
$85

✓ From the official admissions page
Nov 1, 2026 Early Decision Binding Closed
Jan 1, 2027 Regular Decision Non-binding 52 days left
Saves an .ics file with every open deadline and reminders a week and a day before. Opens in Apple Calendar or Outlook; in Google Calendar use Import.
“Early Decision Admissions application: Sunday, November 1, 2026”
Source: undergrad.admissions.columbia.edu · checked Nov 10, 2026 · How we check

Application Common Application, Coalition Application on Scoir, QuestBridge Application
Testing Test-optional: SAT/ACT scores are not required.
Essays 1 essay prompt listed on the official page
Fee $85

Programs that add a portfolio, an audition or their own steps. Check details on the linked page.

Columbia College Applicants must choose either Columbia College or Columbia Engineering (per How to Apply FAQ). Separate admission Columbia Engineering Engineering applicants: one teacher recommendation must come from a math or science teacher. Separate admission Supplementary materials (e.g., arts portfolio, research abstract or resume) Optional, not required Extra step

Tuition & fees
$74,180
Median earnings, 10 yrs
$109,430
6-year graduation
95%
Estimate your real cost with the net price calculator ↗