Columbia University

Columbia University

Columbia University is a prestigious Ivy League university located in New York City, USA. Renowned for its academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and a vibrant global community, Columbia offers a world-class education in the heart of one of the world’s most dynamic cities.

Established: 1754 (as King’s College)

Location: New York City, New York, USA

Columbia University has earned a reputation as a global leader in higher education, known for its rigorous academic programs, influential research contributions, and strong emphasis on preparing students to address the challenges of the 21st century. With a focus on fostering intellectual curiosity and innovation, Columbia provides an enriching environment for students from diverse backgrounds.

Programs Offered

Undergraduate Programs:

• Arts and Humanities
• Sciences
• Social Sciences
• Engineering and Applied Sciences

Graduate Programs:

• Business (Columbia Business School)
• Journalism
• Medicine (Columbia University Irving Medical Center)
• Law (Columbia Law School)
• Public Affairs (School of International and Public Affairs)
• Architecture (Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation)

Professional Programs:

• Social Work
• Public Health
• Continuing Education

Ranking

Columbia University consistently ranks among the top universities globally:

• QS World University Rankings 2024: Ranked 22nd worldwide
• Times Higher Education Rankings 2024: Ranked 11th globally
• U.S. News & World Report (National): Ranked 3rd in the USA

Tuition Fees

Program Type	Domestic Students (per year)	International Students (per year)
Undergraduate	$65,000 – $68,000	$65,000 – $68,000
Graduate	$50,000 – $65,000	$50,000 – $65,000
Professional Programs	$60,000 – $75,000	$60,000 – $75,000
Executive Education (Business)	$80,000 – $100,000	$80,000 – $100,000

Cost of Living

Expense Type	Estimated Monthly Cost	Estimated Annual Cost
Accommodation	$1,500 – $3,000	$18,000 – $36,000
Food	$300 – $600	$3,600 – $7,200
Transportation	$120 – $200	$1,440 – $2,400
Utilities & Miscellaneous	$200 – $400	$2,400 – $4,800
Total (Monthly)	$2,120 – $4,200	$25,440 – $50,400

Accommodation

Private Accommodation:

• Off-Campus Apartments: Popular among students seeking independence, ranging from $1,800 to $3,500 per month.
• Shared Housing: Affordable options with costs between $1,000 and $2,500 per month depending on the area.
• Studio Apartments: For added privacy, costing approximately $2,500 to $4,000 per month.

Public Accommodation:

• University-Managed Housing:
  • Dormitories: $1,500 – $2,800 per month
  • Family Housing: Available for students with dependents.

Journey Consulting Group (Hypothetical):

• Affordable Housing Option: Rent estimated between $1,200 – $1,800 per month, focusing on cost-effective solutions for students.

Food Options

On-Campus:

• Multiple dining halls offering diverse cuisines, including vegetarian, vegan, and international options.

Off-Campus:

• Access to a wide range of restaurants in NYC, including Indian eateries like “Indian Accent” and “Saravanaa Bhavan.”
• Grocery stores for home cooking, including Indian stores in Jackson Heights.

Visa Requirements

Eligibility:

1. Offer Letter: Must have an offer from an accredited institution, like Columbia University.
2. Proof of Financial Support: Show evidence of funds to cover tuition and living expenses, typically:
   • $2,200 per month for living expenses.
   • Tuition fees for the first year.

Visa Type: F-1 Student Visa

Processing Time: Typically 3-5 weeks. Students are advised to apply 3 months prior to the program start date.

Travel Costs

Travel Type	Estimated Cost
Flight (Round Trip)	$1,000 – $2,000
Local Transportation	$100 – $150 per month
International Travel	$500 – $1,500 (occasional)

Support Services

• Career Services: Career counseling, resume building, and job placement assistance.
• Student Counseling: Mental health support and peer counseling services.
• International Student Office: Visa assistance, cultural programs, and integration support.