212 Hamilton Hall MC2807 1130 Amsterdam Ave 2960 Broadway, New York City, NY 10027, USA
Columbia University in the City of New York has a rich history that can be traced back to before the American Revolution. Established in 1754 as King's College by royal charter of King George II of Great Britain, the institution was founded in New York City amidst debates over its location and religious affiliation. Ultimately, New York City was chosen as the location, and the Anglicans prevailed in terms of religious affiliation. However, all parties agreed to uphold principles of religious liberty when establishing the College's policies.
The first classes at King's College were held in July 1754 by Samuel Johnson in a schoolhouse adjacent to Trinity Church, located on what is now lower Broadway in Manhattan. The initial class consisted of eight students. The College aimed to provide an education that would "enlarge the Mind, improve the Understanding, polish the whole Man, and qualify them to support the brightest Characters in all the elevated stations in life." In 1767, the institution established the first American medical school to grant the M.D. degree.
During the American Revolution, King's College suspended instruction for eight years, from 1776 to 1784. Despite this, the institution continued to have a significant impact on American life through its early students and trustees, such as John Jay, Alexander Hamilton, Gouverneur Morris, and Robert R. Livingston.
In 1784, the College reopened under a new name, Columbia College, and a new charter from the State of New York. The College continued to grow and expand, and in 1896, it was renamed Columbia University in the City of New York to reflect its growth and the addition of new schools and programs.
Throughout the 19th century, Columbia University in the City of New York expanded its curriculum and established new schools, including the School of Mines, which later became the School of Engineering and Applied Science. In 1896, the university moved to its current location in Morningside Heights, where it continued to grow and evolve.
In the early 20th century, Columbia University in the City of New York became a center for research and scholarship, attracting renowned scholars and scientists. In 1921, the university established the Pulitzer Prize, which is awarded annually for achievements in journalism, literature, and music.
During World War II, Columbia University in the City of New York played a significant role in the war effort, conducting research and developing new technologies. The university also hosted the Manhattan Project, which led to the development of the atomic bomb.
In the 1950s and 1960s, Columbia University in the City of New York became a center for activism and social change. Students and faculty members participated in protests and demonstrations, advocating for civil rights, anti-war efforts, and other causes.
Columbia University in the City of New York boasts a diverse array of faculties and departments, offering students numerous academic opportunities. The university comprises twenty schools, including four undergraduate schools and sixteen graduate schools. The undergraduate schools consist of Columbia College, the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, the School of General Studies, and Barnard College, which is affiliated with the university. The graduate schools encompass the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, the Graduate School of Business, the College of Dental Medicine, the Graduate School of Education, the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, the School of International and Public Affairs, the Graduate School of Journalism, the School of Law, the College of Physicians and Surgeons, the Mailman School of Public Health, the School of Social Work, the School of the Arts, and the School of Professional Studies.
The largest faculty at Columbia University in the City of New York is the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, which offers courses across more than 50 academic departments and programs. The School of Engineering and Applied Science provides undergraduate and graduate programs in various engineering fields, such as biomedical, chemical, civil, computer science, electrical, and mechanical engineering. The Graduate School of Journalism awards a Master of Science degree in journalism, while the School of Law offers a Juris Doctor degree and other programs. The Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons focuses on medical education and research, and the Mailman School of Public Health provides public health programs. The School of Social Work and the School of International and Public Affairs offer programs in social work and international affairs and public policy, respectively.
In addition to these schools, Columbia University in the City of New York hosts several interdisciplinary centers and institutes, including the Earth Institute, the Data Science Institute, and the Institute for Research in African-American Studies.
Columbia University in the City of New York is situated in the Morningside Heights neighborhood on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The campus is bordered by 110th Street to the south, 125th Street to the north, Riverside Park to the west, and Morningside Park to the east. The university's address is 116th Street and Broadway, with a ZIP Code of 10027. Its official phone number is 854-1754.
The institution is located in the heart of the Northeast Corridor, a region known for its vibrant cultural and academic life. Prospective students will find numerous universities, libraries, museums, galleries, theaters, and other cultural institutions within walking distance or a short bus or subway ride away.
Columbia University in the City of New York strives to be a premier research institution and provide a distinguished learning environment for its undergraduate students. The university's Core Curriculum aims to deliver a comprehensive and transformational understanding of modern civilization, covering subjects such as philosophy, history, politics, literature, art, music, science, and writing. This curriculum is designed to develop essential skills that enable students to engage in a diverse and rapidly changing world, fostering critical inquiry and reflection as the foundation for lifelong learning.
The vision of Columbia University in the City of New York is to offer students the highest level of educational excellence in a community that provides unparalleled professional, career, and life experiences. The university's research initiatives include collaborations with the Lamont–Doherty Earth Observatory, the Goddard Institute for Space Studies, and accelerator laboratories with Big Tech firms such as Amazon and IBM. The institution is organized into twenty schools, comprising four undergraduate schools and sixteen graduate schools, and boasts a faculty of 6,734 members with a 5:1 student-faculty ratio.
As a global leader in research, teaching, and public service, Columbia University in the City of New York aims to address society's most pressing challenges by creating new knowledge and solutions that positively impact individuals, communities, and the world. The university values interdisciplinary collaboration, intellectual rigor, and ethical conduct in all its endeavors. It is committed to promoting academic freedom, freedom of expression, and the pursuit of truth and knowledge. Encouraging students to engage in critical inquiry, challenge assumptions, and explore diverse perspectives, the university seeks to be a responsible steward of its resources and contribute to the well-being of the local and global communities it serves.
Columbia University in the City of New York holds accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, ensuring that the institution meets high standards of quality and rigor. Prospective students should be aware that the university has a selective admission policy, which takes into account entrance examinations and students' previous academic records and grades.
In addition to its institutional accreditation, Columbia University in the City of New York offers a variety of specialized and internship/residency accredited programs. These include law, dental assisting, endodontics, orthodontics & dentofacial orthopedics, periodontics, nurse-midwifery, occupational therapy, physical therapy, healthcare management education, public health, social work, and engineering. The Liaison Committee on Medical Education accredits the university's programs leading to the M.D. degree, ensuring the quality of medical education provided.
Furthermore, Columbia University in the City of New York's graduate programs in health services administration have received specialized accreditation from the Commission. This demonstrates the university's commitment to providing high-quality education across a range of disciplines, making it an attractive option for prospective students seeking a well-rounded and reputable institution.
Name of the institution
Columbia University in the City of New YorkLevel of institution
Four or more yearsGranulation by control over the institution (public/private)
PrivateSchool type
UniversitySetting type
City: LargeCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1754Institution size category
20,000 and aboveMain student body
CoeducationalInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveDegrees
Area, Ethnic, Cultural, Gender, and Group Studies
$41,618Biological and Biomedical Sciences
$40,198Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
$108,903Engineering
$67,681English Language and Literature/Letters
$38,726Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
$53,639History
$40,546Mathematics and Statistics
$72,357Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
$46,855Philosophy and Religious Studies
$38,546Psychology
$41,906Social Sciences
$50,385Visual and Performing Arts
$37,355