Columbia University: State-By-State Student Acceptance Rates

Columbia University, a highly competitive Ivy League school, has a complex admissions process that considers various factors beyond academic metrics. The university received 57,129 applications for the Class of 2027 and accepted 2,246 students, resulting in an acceptance rate of 3.93%. Columbia's early decision applications for the Class of 2029 decreased by 2% from the previous year, with a total of 5,872 applications. While the number of accepted students for the Class of 2029 is not yet available, the early decision acceptance rate has historically ranged from 10% to 15%. Columbia University's appeal stems from its ranking, location in New York City, and commitment to academic excellence and diversity, attracting thousands of applicants annually.

Columbia University's acceptance rate for the class of 2023

Columbia University is an extremely competitive Ivy League research university when it comes to admissions. The Columbia University acceptance rate for the Class of 2023 is unknown, but the acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 was 3.85%, with only about 2,300 out of 60,000 applicants getting accepted. The acceptance rate for the Class of 2027 was even lower at 2.3%.

The university has a holistic admissions approach, evaluating applicants beyond academic metrics, including essays, extracurriculars, leadership roles, and recommendations. The admissions process at Columbia is the same for all candidates, regardless of citizenship or place of residence. The university is currently in its fourth year of having a test-optional admissions policy.

Columbia University offers Early Decision and Regular Decision applications. The former typically has a higher acceptance rate compared to the latter. For the Class of 2027, the Early Decision acceptance rate was 14.65%, while the Regular Decision acceptance rate was 2.3%.

Columbia's early decision acceptance rate trends

Columbia University, a highly attractive institution, has seen a competitive admissions process over the years. The university's acceptance rate has been projected to fall between 10-15% for early decision applications, with 12-14% being a reasonable estimate for the Class of 2029.

For the Class of 2027, Columbia's early decision acceptance rate was 14.65%. A total of 5,733 students applied, out of which 840 were accepted. This acceptance rate is slightly higher than that of the Class of 2026, which stood at 12.46% (786 accepted out of 6,299 applicants).

The number of early decision applications received by Columbia has fluctuated over the years. For the Class of 2028, the university received 6,009 early applications, compared to 5,738 the previous year. This number decreased for the Class of 2029, with Columbia receiving 5,872 early decision applications. The decrease in applications may be attributed to the university's test-optional admissions policy, which has been in place for four years.

Columbia's early decision acceptance rate for the Class of 2029 reflects the increasing competition for spots at top universities. The university's holistic admissions approach considers applicants' essays, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and recommendations in addition to their academic metrics. This comprehensive evaluation process ensures that Columbia selects students who excel academically and contribute to its dynamic community.

Undergraduate enrollment statistics

Columbia University is a private institution based in New York City, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. With a focus on academic excellence and diversity, Columbia has a rigorous admissions process and a highly competitive acceptance rate.

For the fall of 2022, Columbia University had a total undergraduate enrollment of 8,902 students. This includes students from all 50 states in the United States, as well as over 100 countries worldwide. The university's campus in Morningside Heights, Manhattan, spans 36 acres, with over 90% of students choosing to live on campus.

The university consists of three undergraduate schools: Columbia College, the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, and the School of General Studies. Columbia College and Columbia Engineering cater to around 6,000 undergraduate students, who can choose from nearly 100 areas of study. The School of General Studies, on the other hand, offers a range of programs for non-traditional students, including those who are returning to higher education or seeking a second degree.

The admissions process at Columbia University is holistic, with the university committing to enrolling students from diverse backgrounds. The Class of 2028, for example, saw changes in ethnic and racial representation due to a race-neutral evaluation process. The acceptance rate for this class was 3.93%, with 2,246 students accepted out of 57,129 applications. This was a slight increase from the previous year's acceptance rate of 3.73%.

Columbia's Early Decision acceptance rates have historically been higher, ranging from 10-15% over the past four years. The university received 5,872 Early Decision applications for the Class of 2029, a slight decrease from the previous year. The Regular Decision results for this class are yet to be announced, but based on current trends, a challenging admissions cycle is anticipated.

Acceptance rates and statistics for the class of 2028

The admissions process for the Class of 2028 at Columbia University was highly competitive, with a record number of applications received. The university received 54,239 applications, a sharp increase from previous years, which can be attributed to the university's test-optional admissions policy. This policy has attracted more applicants since its implementation in 2020-21, with application numbers jumping from 40,000 to over 60,000.

For the Class of 2028, Columbia offered admission to 1,598 students, resulting in an ultra-competitive acceptance rate of 2.3%. This acceptance rate is slightly lower than the previous year's rate of 2.33% for the Class of 2027, which had 2,246 accepted students out of 57,129 applicants.

The Class of 2028 at Columbia University reflects the university's commitment to diversity and academic excellence. The university assesses each application holistically, considering various factors beyond academic metrics, such as essays, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and recommendations. This comprehensive evaluation ensures that the admitted students contribute to the dynamic and diverse community that Columbia values.

Columbia University's early decision applications for the Class of 2028 also saw a slight increase from the previous year, with a total of 6,009 early applications received, compared to 5,738 for the Class of 2027. The revised estimated admission for the early decision round is 750 students, resulting in an expected early admission rate of around 12%.

The university's regular decision results for the Class of 2028 were released in March 2024, and the final enrolment numbers for the class were confirmed. With such a low acceptance rate, Columbia University continues to be one of the most selective and prestigious institutions in the nation, attracting top students from all 50 states and over 100 countries.

Columbia's ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges

Columbia University's ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #13. The university has three undergraduate schools and several graduate and professional schools, including highly ranked Business, Law, and Medical Schools.

Columbia College, the undergraduate division of Columbia University, has also earned several top rankings in the U.S. News and World Report's 2025 Best Colleges List. For the 2025 academic year, Columbia College was ranked in four of the 13 lists. It ranked 41st in Overall Rank for Regional Universities in the South, 12th in Best Value Schools, 5th in Top Performers on Social Mobility, and 18th in Best Colleges for Veterans. These rankings are based on variables such as retention and graduation rates, class sizes, student-to-faculty ratios, and acceptance rates.

Columbia University's main campus is located in the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City, covering 36 acres. The university offers a range of student activities, including 28 Greek chapters, and more than 90% of students live on campus. Distinguished alumni include John Jay, Founding Father and first Supreme Court Chief Justice, and former President Barack Obama.

In addition to its academic rankings, Columbia University is also recognised for its diverse student body and commitment to enrolling students from various backgrounds.

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