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Columbia University in the City of New York

116th St and Broadway, New York City, NY 10027, USA

Columbia University in the City of New York award
Columbia University in the City of New York award
US ranking
position: 9
Tuition & fees per year: $73,450
Acceptance rate: 4.00%
Median alumni salary: $75,228
Avg. SAT and ACT: 1520 SAT, 35 ACT
Entrance difficulty: Very hard

What does Columbia University in the City of New York offer in terms of athletics?

Columbia University participates in NCAA Division I athletics and is a member of the Ivy League, which places emphasis on the balance between academics and sportsmanship. The university offers a range of varsity sports for men and women, with programs designed to compete at a high level while accommodating rigorous academic schedules.

Students can engage in sports such as basketball, football, soccer, swimming, tennis, and track and field, among others. Columbia also supports club and intramural sports that provide additional opportunities for students to participate in athletics without the commitment of varsity competition.

Facilities for athletic training and competition include modern gyms, fields, and aquatic centers that support the needs of both varsity athletes and the broader student population. The university fosters a community that values athletic involvement as part of a well-rounded educational experience.

What student groups and Associations are available at Columbia University in the City of New York?

Columbia University in the City of New York offers a variety of student groups and associations that enrich the campus experience. Prospective students can engage with organizations focused on community service, cultural activities, performing arts, athletics, and campus publications. These groups provide diverse opportunities to develop skills outside the classroom and connect with peers who share similar interests.

Among the student body, the university hosts a total enrollment of 8,337 students, with 4,212 men and 4,125 women contributing to a dynamic and balanced campus environment.

Who studies at Columbia University in the City of New York?

Columbia University in the City of New York attracts a diverse and academically strong student body, with freshmen and transfer student acceptance levels considered average yet competitive, placing them within roughly the top 40 percent nationwide. The total number of new entrants reaches just over 2,200, underscoring the university's selectivity while still maintaining a balanced intake.

The age distribution across both undergraduate and graduate populations reveals a broad spectrum of student life stages. Undergraduates predominantly fall between 18 and 21 years old, with the largest group aged 20-21 numbering 3,668 students, while graduate students tend to be older, mostly between 22 and 29 years. Notably, Columbia hosts a sizable segment of mature students, including more than 700 graduate students aged 40 and above, reflecting the university's accommodation of diverse educational pathways and life experiences.

In terms of ethnic diversity, Columbia displays notable representation across multiple groups. Asian students form a significant portion of the community, with 1,440 individuals, a figure that ranks in the university's top 30 percent for concentration. Those identifying with two or more races are also well represented, totaling 473 students, again placing this group within the higher concentration bracket. Hispanic students number 1,113, displaying a balanced presence, while African American and White students each contribute several hundred to the campus community, reflecting average levels of representation relative to comparable institutions.

How does student life look like at Columbia University in the City of New York?

Student life at Columbia University in the City of New York is characterized by a vibrant and diverse campus culture supported by extensive extracurricular opportunities and services. The university boasts a robust range of student media and arts organizations, including a campus newspaper, drama programs, radio station, band, chorus, and television station, fostering creative expression and community engagement.

Health and wellness resources are readily available, with on-campus health clinics and psychological counseling services dedicated to supporting students' physical and mental well-being. Additionally, the university maintains a Women's Center, providing resources and programming to support gender equity and inclusion.

Columbia fields athletic teams within the NCAA, reflecting an active sports culture. Although specific details on legal services and veterans' affairs offices are not provided, the available health and counseling infrastructure underscores a commitment to student support.

The university's student body is international, representing 119 countries, which contributes to a multicultural environment. Small student-to-faculty ratios, about 6 to 1, suggest close academic engagement and personalized attention in the classroom, enhancing the overall student experience.

What libraries are available to students at Columbia University in the City of New York?

Columbia University in the City of New York offers an extensive library system featuring 14 libraries, placing it in the top 5% nationally for the number of libraries available to students. The main library, Butler Library, serves as a central resource for research and study.

The university's combined collections include over 11 million books, ranking it again in the top 5% for this measure. Students also benefit from nearly 4 million ebooks, reflecting a very high digital collection.

While the number of databases is average with 1,899 available, students have access to a wide range of physical and digital resources. The libraries maintain established hours and provide all-day access, accommodating diverse study schedules.

Facilities include study rooms and trained staff to support scholarly work. Physical amenities and digital access ensure that students can utilize resources both on campus and remotely. Additionally, access to shared collections further expands research possibilities.

Columbia University in the City of New York Student Life for 2026

Total enrollment

9157

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

1455

Member of Athletic Associations

Data not available

Total staff

1707 full time, 1557 part time

Veterans affair office

No

Columbia University in the City of New York Library Services and Resources

Main library name

Butler

Number of libraries on campus

14

Reservable study rooms in library

Yes

24h access

Yes

Physical facilities

Yes

Access to digital/electronic resources

Yes

Staff trained to provide and interpret library materials

Yes

Established library hours

Yes

Access to library collections that are shared with other institutions

Yes

Columbia University in the City of New York Computer Labs Access

  • 24h access
  • Help desk

Columbia University in the City of New York Student Life Enrollment Statistics

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshman
Transfer

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

Columbia University in the City of New York Location & Map