Columbia University in the City of New York Admission
Acceptance Rate
3.99%
Yield (Enrollment Rate)
64.92%
Freshmen Enrollment
1,558
SAT Scores
1,550
For the 2024-2025 admission, a total of 60,115 students have applied and 2,400 students have allowed to admit to Columbia University in the City of New York (Acceptance rate: 3.99%). Columbia University's yield, also known as enrollment rate, is 64.92 % where 1,558 students have finally enrolled out of 2,400 admitted students.
Columbia University acceptance rate is lower (tighter to admit) compared to Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges in New York. Compared to similar schools in rankings such as California Institute of Technology and Princeton University, its acceptance rate is average (the average acceptance rate of the schools is 4.39%).
Columbia University enrollment rate (yield) is higher (more admitted-students enrolled) compared to Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges in New York. Compared to similar schools in rankings, its yield is average (average yield is 71.98%).
How to Apply to Columbia University in the City of New York
The following table summarizes the contact and directory information to apply Columbia University. Columbia University offers benefits for veterans, service member, or qualified family members. You may need to prepare certificate of eligibility (COE ) from the Veterans Affairs .
| Admission | www.columbia.edu/content/admissions |
|---|---|
| Online Application | https://www.columbia.edu/content/admissions-offices |
| Financial Aid | sfs.columbia.edu/ |
| Net Price Calculator | cc-seas.financialaid.columbia.edu/estimate-cost |
| Veterans Tuition | sfs.columbia.edu/content/military-benefits |
| Disability Service | https://health.columbia.edu/content/disability-services |
Admission Statistics Charts
The following chart visualizes the admission statistics at Columbia University and compares to similar schools by type, level and location.
*Data Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
Test Scores Comparison
In 2025, the average SAT score at Columbia University in the City of New York is 1,550 and the average ACT score is 35. Compared to similar schools in college rankings, the admission score of Columbia University in the City of New York is comparable to the schools (average score is 1,546). You can check and compare the SAT and ACT scores by subject with tables and charts.
| SAT Average | ACT Average | |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia University in the City of New York | 1,550 | 35 |
| Similarly Colleges in Rankings | 1,546 | 35 |
| All U.S. Colleges | 1,123 | 68 |
| Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges | 1,132 | 69 |
| 4-Years Colleges | 1,124 | 68 |
| Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges in New York | 1,206 | 77 |
SAT/ACT Scores by Subject
At Columbia University in the City of New York, 680 students submitted SAT scores (45% of enrolled students).
The average SAT score is about 1,550 and it is extremely competitive scores than average for Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges in New York. The following table shows the SAT average scores by subject and 25th/75th percentile.
| 25th percentile | 50th percentile (Median) | 75th percentile | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evidence-Based Reading and Writing | 740 | 760 | 780 |
| Mathematics | 770 | 790 | 800 |
| Total | 1,510 | 1,550 | 1,580 |
*Data Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)(Last update: June 5, 2025)
At Columbia University in the City of New York, 267 students submitted ACT scores (18% of enrolled students).
The average ACT score is about 35 and it is lower than average for Private (not-for-profit), 4-Years Colleges in New York. The next table shows the ACT average scores by subject and 25th/75th percentile.
| 25th percentile | 50th percentile (Median) | 75th percentile | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 34 | 35 | 35 |
| English | 32 | 35 | 36 |
| Mathematics | 35 | 35 | 36 |
Columbia University Admission Requirements
The following table summarizes the admission requirement to apply to Columbia University in the City of New York. The school requires 6 items to submit - Secondary school GPA, Secondary school rank, Secondary school record, Completion of college-preparatory program, Recommendations, and Legacy status.
4 items are Considered if submitted - Formal demonstration of competencies, Admission test scores, TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), and Personal statement or essay.
| Secondary school GPA | Required |
| Secondary school rank | Required |
| Secondary school record | Required |
| Completion of college-preparatory program | Required |
| Recommendations | Required |
| Formal demonstration of competencies | Considered, if submitted |
| Admission test scores | Considered, if submitted |
| TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) | Considered, if submitted |
| Work experience | Not Considered |
| Personal statement or essay | Considered, if submitted |
| Legacy status | Required |