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Home / Testbook US / Columbia University Admissions

Columbia University Acceptance Rate, SAT, GPA & ACT Scores!

Last Updated on Feb 26, 2025
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Columbia University, established in 1754 and located in New York City, is one of the most prestigious Ivy League institutions, known for its academic excellence and diverse student body. As a highly competitive school, strong SAT scores, ACT exam scores and GPA are essential for admission. Along with academic achievements, applicants must demonstrate leadership, community involvement, and personal growth. These factors play a key role in the Columbia University admissions process, helping prospective students strengthen their applications to this renowned university.

Check Out the Upcoming SAT Test Dates for your SAT Examination!

Did You Know Facts About Columbia University?

  • Founded in 1754 📜: Columbia is one of the oldest universities in the U.S., making it part of the prestigious Ivy League.
  • Nobel Prize Winners 🏅: Columbia has produced over 80 Nobel Laureates, including famous names like Barack Obama and Linus Pauling.
  • Located in NYC 🏙️: The campus is located in the middle of Manhattan, and it provides students with unlimited chances for internships, cultural exchange, and networking.
  • Diverse Student Body 🌎: Students from over 150 countries attend Columbia, contributing to a rich and global campus experience.
  • The Lion 🦁: Columbia's mascot is a lion, symbolizing the strength and resilience of its students.
  • Prestigious Alumni 🎉: Alumni include famous writers like J.D. Salinger and entertainers like Jake Gyllenhaal!

Elements

Details

College Name

Columbia University

College Location

New York City, New York

College Short Form

Columbia

Acceptance Rate

3.9%

Graduation Rate

95%

FAFSA Deadline

February 1

Early Decision

November 1

Regular Application Due

January 1

SAT Score

1510-1560

ACT Score

34-35

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Columbia University Admission Requirements

Columbia University values academic excellence and a holistic approach to admissions. In addition to a strong personal statement, applicants must submit letters of recommendation from teachers who can speak to their intellectual abilities and character. Columbia seeks indicators of co-curricular activities, leadership, and interest in making a contribution to the university community. Although SATs and GPA are valued, Columbia University's admissions process also evaluates essays, recommendations, and extracurricular activities so that students can present their strengths in addition to their academic prowess.

Applicant Requirement

Details

Application Form

Common Application or Coalition Application approved

SAT Scores

1510-1560

ACT Scores

34-35

GPA

Excellent academic record, usually above 3.9

Letters of Recommendation

Two letters of recommendation from teachers who know your academic abilities and character

Extracurricular Activities

Meaningful contributions and leadership roles in school or community activities

Personal Statement

An essay showcasing personal and academic experiences

Supplemental Essays

Additional essays required by Columbia

Transcripts

Official high school transcript

Predict Your SAT 2025 Score with our Digital SAT Score Calculator! 

Columbia University SAT Score Requirements 

Columbia University is one of the institutions whose admission is quite selective. There are no official SAT cutoffs, but applicants need to fall within the top percentiles typically. Good scores may add force to an application, but they are only a piece of the puzzle that helps determine Columbia University admissions outcomes.

Columbia University Average SAT Scores for Accepted Students

Successful admits to Columbia tend to rank at or near the top of all test takers in the SAT. The middle 50 percent of accepted students have the following SAT score ranges:

Average SAT Score

1535

Columbia University SAT Scores Distribution

The SAT, testing Reading, Writing, and Math skills, is only one aspect of Columbia University's admissions process. Not necessary, but a strong score will greatly enhance your chances of admission. Below the 25th percentile which is 1510 will be detrimental, but above the 75th percentile which will be around 1560 makes you very competitive. The following is a snapshot of the SAT ranges for Columbia University admissions:

Percentile

SAT Score

25th Percentile

1510

75th Percentile

1560

Get a List of All Colleges That Superscore the SAT

Colleges/Universities That Accept SAT Scores

Although many institutions have moved to test-optional, obtaining a Good SAT score may still strengthen your application and increase your chances for admission. From Ivy League universities to public institutions, knowing how the score is taken into account when selecting students is essential for those wanting to demonstrate their academic capabilities. Below are some of the best Undergraduate schools that accept SAT scores for review at Columbia University include the following:

  • Columbia College
  • Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science
  • School of General Studies

Check Admission Requirements of Top US Universities Accepting SAT & ACT! 

Columbia University ACT Scores Requirements 

Columbia University typically expects competitive ACT scores from applicants. While the university does not have a strict cutoff, the average ACT score for admitted students tends to fall between 31 and 35. A higher score within this range can significantly enhance your application, as Columbia looks for strong academic performance across various subjects.

Columbia University ACT Scores Distribution

Students with ACT scores below the 25th percentile may face a more competitive Columbia University admissions process, while those above the 75th percentile have a greater chance of being admitted. However, keep in mind that the ACT score is just one part of a holistic review process at Columbia University.

  • 25th percentile: 34
  • 75th percentile: 35

Find out the Upcoming ACT Test Dates and Deadlines! 

Columbia University GPA Requirements

The admitted students' average GPA at Columbia is approximately 4.0 weighted, with applicants typically having primarily As in demanding courses such as AP, IB, or honors. A good GPA, paired with stellar extracurriculars and test scores, is indicative of the academic prowess Columbia seeks. The university also considers course rigor and class rank when evaluating GPA for admission for Columbia University.

Average GPA of Admitted Students

The cumulative average weighted GPA of admitted students in Columbia University is approximately 4.16, and competitive applicants usually obtain A's in their strongest courses. The academic requirements for Columbia are rigorous, and the admitted students' middle 50% range of GPA is between 3.9 and 4.2. But if your GPA is not in this range, don't worry. Columbia also looks for high test scores, outstanding extracurricular activities, and a great personal essay—all of which can make your application even stronger.

Get to Know What Does Test Optional Policy Mean for College Admissions?

Columbia University Acceptance Rate

Columbia University's admission rate is about 3.9%, making it among the most competitive institutions globally. Such a low rate indicates the competitive nature of admission for Columbia University, where individuals have to exhibit superior academic excellence, extracurricular activity, and individuality.

Particulars 

Details

Total Applicants 

60,551

Number of Admitted Students

2,358

Acceptance Rate

3.9%

Does Columbia University Offer Scholarships?

Yes, Columbia University provides scholarships to students, such as need-based scholarships, start-up grants, and fellowships. Columbia also provides free tuition to students from families with incomes below $150,000. The average grants received for the Class of 2025 were $62,850. It has various scholarships that help make higher education more accessible for Columbia university undergraduate admissions. These include:

  • Need-Based Financial Aid: Columbia offers need-based financial aid and meets 100% of the demonstrated financial need of the admitted students. The university practices a no-loan policy and offers financial assistance in the form of grants, work-study, and scholarships.
  • Merit-Based Scholarships: Although Columbia doesn't provide classic merit-based scholarships, students are considered for certain departmental or individual foundation awards on the basis of their success.
  • Columbia University Scholarship Program: This is a special program that provides funding to students who have considerable financial need. The package of financial assistance is individualized for each student.
  • External Scholarships: Columbia also urges students to seek out external scholarships, which can be applied to defray the cost of tuition.

How to Apply for Financial Aid?

To qualify for Columbia University scholarships, you may contact the financial aid office at the university for information and available opportunities. You can also apply for financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which assists in determining eligibility for federal programs of aid, grants, and institutional scholarships. Ensure you meet the deadlines for applications to be processed and considered on time.

Columbia University practices holistic admissions where SAT scores are just one among numerous factors to be evaluated. There is no minimum score as such, but candidates generally provide competitive SAT scores that represent their academic ability. Preparing thoroughly for the SAT and being aware of its place in the admissions process will strengthen your application. Also, students applying should pay attention to their overall profile, such as GPA, extracurricular activities, and personal essays, in order to provide a balanced application.

Acceptance Rate of Top U.S. Universities

Colleges That Uses SAT Scores

Check Colleges Accepting Low ACT Score

College Name

ACT Score

SAT Score

Texas Southern University

15–19*

820–980*

Tennessee State University

16–21*

890–1080*

Clark Atlanta University

17–20*

860–1053*

Keiser University

15–21*

Not available*

Barry University

16–20*

860–1062*

Colleges That Accept 1200 Score In SAT

University

ACT Score

SAT Score

Wayne State University Admissions

21–27*

940–1200*

Kean University Admissions

16–25*

910–1150*

Eastern Michigan University Admissions

18–26*

910–1150*

Lamar University Admissions

18–24*

910–1120*

Radford University Admissions

19–26*

950–1150*

Grand Valley State University Admissions

21–28*

950–1180*

Central Connecticut State University Admissions

16–27*

925–1140*

University Of Memphis Admissions

17–24*

930–1175*

Sam Houston State University Admissions

19–25*

950–1130*

Oakland University Admissions

20–27*

900–1150*

University Of North Florida Admissions

20–26*

1010–1200*

Columbia University Admissions FAQs

Columbia University's acceptance rate is around 3.9%, which positions it among the most selective institutions in the world.

Famous alumni at Columbia University include Barack Obama, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Langston Hughes, Warren Buffett, Meryl Streep, Allen Ginsberg, Kofi Annan, and Sylvia Plath.

The cost of attending Columbia University in the 2024-2025 academic year is around $82,000. This takes into account the tuition, fees, room, and board as well as miscellaneous expenses. Still, financial assistance can bring the figure down appreciably for deserving students.

Columbia University is test-optional, so SAT scores are not needed, but submitting good scores can strengthen your application. For students who do submit their scores, the middle 50% of admitted students' SAT scores range around 1480-1570.

The admitted students' average SAT score is usually between 1480 and 1570. Nevertheless, be sure to refer to the current statistics since they can differ in each admissions cycle.
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