Columbia University

Published on: August 23, 2024

About Columbia University

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Founded in 1754, Columbia University is a private Ivy League research university in Upper Manhattan, New York City. An array of world-class programs are offered by the university through its three undergraduate schools, thirteen graduate and professional schools, a world-renowned medical center, four affiliated colleges and seminaries, twenty-five libraries, and more than one hundred research centers and institutes.

For a decade now, the Columbia University ranking has been consistent among the top 25 global universities. Apart from the university rankings, the Columbia University Business School has a ranking of #3 based on the Financial Times MBA Rankings 2024.

For Columbia University admissions, international students must meet the English proficiency requirements as well as the entry requirement. Columbia University acceptance rate stands at merely 3.9% for the class of 2027, which indicates that securing admission in this university is a very competitive affair. However, it is interesting to note that regardless of citizenship or place of residence, the admissions process at Columbia is largely the same for every candidate.

Columbia is a very culturally rich institution, which promotes diversity and inclusion. As per the Columbia University reviews, the institution is an ideal place for international students to study in.

Columbia University History

Established by a royal charter issued by Great Britain’s King George II in 1754, Columbia University was founded as a King’s College for males. Samuel Johnson was the first president of the King’s College and also delivered the first ever class of the university.

  • In 1767, the first medical school of Columbia University came into existence under the leadership of Samuel Bard.
  • In 1776, instruction was suspended in the university due to the American Revolutionary War, till 1783.
  • In 1784, the Columbia University was re-named from King’s College to its current name.
  • In 1857, the university moved from Park Place in lower Manhattan to 49th Street and Madison Avenue, in midtown Manhattan, where it remained for the next 50 years.
  • In 1858, the Columbia Law School was founded.
  • In 1867, the university began participating in intercollegiate sports and a baseball team was established.
  • In 1877, Columbia Daily Spectator (the student newspaper) started its publication journey.
  • In 1880, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences was established.
  • In 1889, Barnard College for Women came into existence.
  • In 1892, the Columbia School of Nursing was opened.
  • In 1916, the Columbia Business School became operational.
  • In 1946, School of International Affairs came into existence.
  • In 1983, Columbia University started admitting women students.
  • In 2003, the university celebrated its 250th anniversary.

Columbia University Career Scope

As per the latest reports, Columbia University records a placement rate of 95%. This figure indicates that 95 out of every 100 students at Columbia received job offers within 3 months post-graduation. Graduates of Columbia University get to work with globally renowned recruiting companies like Apple, Autodesk, ByteDance, Ernst & Young, Facebook and several more.

Columbia University Student Enrollment

In Fall 2022, Columbia University enrolled over 36,649 students, who represent more than 150 nations around the globe. Students all over the world seek admission in Columbia University, which include Asians, Africans, Latino, Indian, Alaska Natives and many more. Check out the table listed below for further information about Columbia University student enrollment: