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Columbia University acceptance rate, GPA needed and real cost

Columbia University accepts 4% of applicants. It is a private university in New York, New York, with about 8,973 undergraduates. The sticker price is $92,860 a year, but after aid the average family pays $15,370.

4%Acceptance rate
1510–1580Middle 50% SAT
34–35Middle 50% ACT
$15,370Average cost after aid / year
95%Graduation rate
$87,082Typical early-career earnings

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

What GPA do you need for Columbia University?

Even with a 4.0 unweighted GPA, Admitly estimates a typical applicant has about a 3% chance, so a top GPA is expected and the rest of the application decides most outcomes.

The U.S. Department of Education does not collect high school GPAs, so Admitly does not publish an "average GPA" figure. Colleges that report one do so in their own Common Data Set.

Chances of getting into Columbia University by GPA

Assumes an SAT of 1520, the middle score for admitted students (tests are optional here). A higher or lower score moves these numbers. GPA is unweighted, on a 4.0 scale.

GPAEstimated chance
3.01% Reach
3.31% Reach
3.51% Reach
3.71% Reach
3.92% Reach
4.03% Reach

Likely = 80% or higher, Target = 30–80%, Reach = under 30%. Course rigour, class rank, activities and AP scores all change the estimate.

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What families actually pay at Columbia University

Yearly cost after need-based grants, by household income. Sticker price is $92,860 a year including room and board.

Family incomeCost per year
Under $50k$4,600
$50k – $100k$4,900
$100k – $150k$8,900
$150k – $250k$44,200
Over $250k$48,300

Outcomes

95%Finish their degree
98%Return for second year
$87,082Median earnings, early career

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

Common questions about Columbia University

What is the acceptance rate at Columbia University?

Columbia University admits 4% of applicants, according to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.

What GPA do you need to get into Columbia University?

Even with a 4.0 unweighted GPA, Admitly estimates a typical applicant has about a 3% chance, so a top GPA is expected and the rest of the application decides most outcomes. This is an estimate from Admitly's admission model, not an official cutoff: course rigour, test scores, activities and essays all matter.

What SAT or ACT score do you need for Columbia University?

The middle 50% of admitted students scored 1510–1580 on the SAT and 34–35 on the ACT. Submitting scores is optional.

How much does Columbia University cost after financial aid?

The sticker price is $92,860 a year including room and board, but the average family pays $15,370 after grants. Families earning under $50k pay about $4,600.

What is the graduation rate at Columbia University?

95% of students finish their degree, and 98% return for a second year.

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