I'm looking into Ivy Leagues and Columbia University has caught my eye. But I've heard it's quite pricey. Does anyone know the general tuition? I'd like to know before I decide to apply or not.
Certainly, Columbia University is indeed renowned for its elite education, but that comes with a significant price tag. As of the 2024-2025 academic year, Columbia's tuition cost for undergraduate students is approximately $71,170 per year.
However, it is worth noting that the estimated total cost, including housing, meal plan, health service fee, and textbooks, can push the overall price to around $94,000 per year.
Remember that these numbers don't directly equate to what you will end up paying. Columbia meets 100% of all admitted first-year students' demonstrated financial need, meaning financial aid is quite significant. Their financial aid program follows a need-based blind admission policy, wherein your capability to pay doesn't influence your chances of admission.
Additionally, Columbia pledges to replace loans with grants for students with the most financial need. For families with an income of $66,000 or less and typical assets, Columbia families will pay nothing – their full student contribution will be covered by Columbia, with a combination of grants and work-study. For families making between $66,000 and $150,000, Columbia follows a sliding scale. Usually, families with incomes in this range receive packages that cover an average of 92-98% of the total cost of attendance.
Ensure to use Columbia's Net Price Calculator to get a more precise estimate of what you'd need to pay based on your individual circumstances. This can help you make a more informed decision about applying.
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