All schools
2026-27 cycleNew York, NY

Columbia College

Columbia College is the undergraduate liberal arts college of Columbia University, located in New York City. Known for its signature Core Curriculum, Columbia offers students a broad grounding in the humanities and sciences while benefiting from the resources of a premier urban research university.

Acceptance rate

3.9%

Undergrad enrollment

4,700

Test policy

Test optional

Application fee

$85

Application deadlines

RoundDeadline
Early DecisionEarly Decision DeadlineNovember 1, 2026
Financial AidEarly Decision Financial Aid DeadlineNovember 15, 2026
Regular DecisionRegular Decision DeadlineJanuary 1, 2027
Financial AidRegular Decision Financial Aid DeadlineFebruary 15, 2027
TransferTransfer Application DeadlineMarch 1, 2027
Financial AidTransfer Financial Aid DeadlineMarch 15, 2027

Supplemental essay prompts

RequiredIntellectual interests100 words

List the titles of texts, resources and outlets that have contributed to your intellectual development outside of academic courses, including but not limited to books, journals, websites, podcasts, essays, plays, presentations, videos, museums and other content that you enjoy.

RequiredCommunity150 words

Tell us about an aspect of your life so far or your lived experience that is important to you, and describe how it has shaped the way you would learn from and contribute to Columbia's multidimensional and collaborative environment.

RequiredCommunity150 words

At Columbia, students representing a wide range of perspectives are invited to live and learn together. In such a community, questions and debates naturally arise. Please describe a time when you did not agree with someone and discuss how you engaged with them and what you took away from the interaction.

RequiredPersonal growth150 words

In college/university, students are often challenged in ways that they could not anticipate. Please describe a situation in which you have navigated through adversity and discuss how you changed as a result.

RequiredWhy us150 words

Why are you interested in attending Columbia University? We encourage you to consider the aspect(s) that you find unique and compelling about Columbia.

RequiredMajor choice150 words

What attracts you to your preferred areas of study at Columbia College or Columbia Engineering?

Data gathered August 2026.