Columbia University in the City of New York admissions
New York, New York · Private · 8,973 undergrads
Columbia admitted 4.9% of applicants for fall 2025 (2,946 of 59,611, Common Data Set 2025-26). Columbia admitted 14% of early decision applicants (819 of 5,868). Columbia is test-optional for fall 2027. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1510–1560.
The numbers
Applied
59,611
fall 2025
ACT, middle 50%
34–35
enrolled first-years
Average GPA
4.25
enrolled first-years
Accept their offer
65%
of admitted students enroll
Application fee
$85
waivers exist
See your odds and what families like yours paid. It stays on your device.Add my SAT and income
Can I get into Columbia?
4.9% of applicants get in
Almost everyone who applies is turned down, including many students with perfect grades. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent scores had 1510–1560 on the SAT.
Likely: even the low end of our estimate is 60% or more, and the college admits at least 25% of applicants. Target: our estimate is 30% or more. Reach: our estimate is under 30%, or the college admits under 15%. Long shot: our estimate is under 12%, or the college admits under 12%. Estimates use the college's admit rate and score range plus your grades and scores. They are not a promise.
59,611 applied, 2,946 admitted, fall 2025 (Common Data Set).
Does Columbia need the SAT or ACT?Optional
No.
Test-optional for fall 2027. 45% of enrolled first-years sent the SAT. Send your SAT if it's 1540 or higher, the middle of what enrolled first-years scored.
How hard your classes were, class rank, GPA, essay, recommendations, activities, character.
Counts a lot
Talent or ability.
Also considered
SAT or ACT scores, first in your family to go to college, A parent or relative went there, where you live, volunteering, work experience.
As Columbia rates each factor in its Common Data Set, fall 2025.
Questions people ask
What is Columbia University in the City of New York's acceptance rate?
Columbia admitted 4.9% of applicants for fall 2025 (2,946 of 59,611, Common Data Set 2025-26).
What SAT score do you need for Columbia University in the City of New York?
The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1510–1560. A quarter of them scored higher and a quarter lower, so it's a typical range, not a cutoff (Common Data Set, fall 2025).
Is it easier to get into Columbia University in the City of New York early decision?
For fall 2025, 819 of 5,868 early decision applicants got in (14%), against 4.9% overall. Early decision is binding: if you get in, you go. Early applicants often include recruited athletes and legacies, so the gap overstates the advantage for most students.
Where these numbers come from
Admit rate and applicants: Common Data Set, fall 2025 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
GPA, early rounds and wait list: Common Data Set, fall 2025 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
Cost, pay and debt: College Scorecard, 2024-25 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
