Savanna Hoffman
Columbia University is a private institution founded in 1754 with a total undergraduate enrollment of 8,902 students as of Fall 2022. The university has a total of 35,279 enrolled students for the 2023-2024 academic year, including 9,111 undergraduate and 26,168 graduate students. Columbia University is a top supplier of young engineering entrepreneurs for New York City, with graduates establishing over 100 technology companies in the past 20 years. The university offers on-campus housing for all four years of undergraduate study and is home to many fraternities, sororities, and co-educational Greek organizations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of graduates each year | Several thousand |
| Number of alumni | 400,000+ |
| Graduation rate after 4 years | 87% |
| Graduation rate after 6 years | 95% |
| Graduation rate after 8 years | 96% |
| Average time to complete a bachelor's degree | 4.13 years |
| Number of graduates in the first commencement | 8 |
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What You'll Learn
Columbia University's graduation rate
Columbia University is a private institution founded in 1754 with a current total undergraduate enrollment of 8,902 students as of Fall 2022. The campus size spans 36 acres. The university's commencement ceremony, a tradition since 1758, celebrates the graduates from Columbia's 19 schools, colleges, and affiliate institutions. The ceremony has been held outdoors on the Morningside campus since 1926.
Columbia University's 4-year graduation rate is 88%. The university's ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #13.
Columbia University Commencement Week includes a variety of celebrations for graduating students and their families. These include the Baccalaureate Service, a multifaith service celebrating the completion of each undergraduate's academic career from Columbia College, The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, the School of General Studies, and Barnard College. There are also Multicultural and Affinity Graduation Celebrations organized by undergraduate students with campus partners. On Commencement night, the Empire State Building shines in Columbia blue to honor the graduates.
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Traditions and history of Columbia's graduation
Columbia University's graduation ceremony, also known as University Commencement, is steeped in history and tradition. The ceremony dates back to 1758 and has been held outdoors on the Morningside campus since 1926, celebrating graduates from Columbia's many schools, colleges, and affiliate institutions.
The commencement ceremony is a grand and solemn affair, bringing together graduating students, faculty, and alumni to mark the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. The ceremony blends tradition and innovation, maintaining age-old academic traditions while reflecting the changing times and diverse student body. The procession is a memorable part of the ceremony, with the university's mace bearer, president, deans, and distinguished guests leading the way, followed by the graduating students in their colourful academic regalia.
The academic regalia, including robes, hoods, and caps, date back centuries and signify the students' academic achievements and fields of study. The gowns, with their vibrant hues and unique designs, add a sense of pomp and ceremony to the occasion. Doctoral gowns, for example, have black velvet facings and chevrons on the sleeves, with the colour of the velvet trim representing the degree earned. Masters’ and bachelors’ gowns have the Columbia crown embroidered on black tabs at chest height.
Columbia's graduation ceremony includes several unique traditions, such as the Class Day ceremony, where the graduating class is recognised with a special ceremony and performance. Another tradition is the “March to Morningside,” where graduates, faculty, and alumni march together to Morningside Park for a celebratory picnic. Multicultural and Affinity Graduation Celebrations are also a long-standing tradition, dating back to 2005, where students from various cultural backgrounds come together to celebrate their achievements and showcase their heritage and customs.
Columbia University's graduation ceremony is an unforgettable event that appropriately marks the culmination of years of hard work and academic achievement for its students.
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Notable incidents during Columbia's graduation
Columbia University's graduation ceremony, a tradition since 1758, has witnessed several notable incidents over the years. Here are some details of a few notable incidents during Columbia's graduation:
- In 2025, Columbia University's acting president, Claire Shipman, was booed and met with chants of "Free Palestine" and "Free Mahmoud" during her commencement speech. This incident occurred due to the absence of student activist and graduate Mahmoud Khalil, who was detained in a Louisiana jail facing deportation for his involvement in pro-Palestinian campus protests. The previous year's commencement had also been cancelled due to similar reasons, making it a sensitive topic for the graduating class. Shipman acknowledged the issue and expressed support for freedom of speech, but her remarks were not well-received by all in attendance.
- In the same year, a person wearing graduate robes was detained by police across the street from the main gates of Columbia University, as seen in photographs from the graduation ceremony. While the identity and reason for the detention are unknown, it stands out as an unusual occurrence during the graduation festivities.
- Columbia University's graduation ceremonies also have a tradition of celebrating the cultural intersections of their diverse student body. Multicultural and Affinity Graduation Celebrations are organised by undergraduate students and campus partners to honour the unique backgrounds and identities of the graduating class. This aspect of the ceremonies fosters a sense of inclusion and community within the university.
- Columbia University ensures that Commencement Week is accessible to all graduates, family, and friends, offering accommodations for those with disabilities. The university encourages individuals with special needs to contact Disability Services to make the necessary arrangements. This aspect ensures that everyone can participate in the graduation celebrations regardless of their physical limitations.
- On Commencement night, the Empire State Building shines in Columbia blue to honour the graduates. This tradition illuminates the New York City skyline, celebrating the achievements of the graduating class. Graduates are also invited to witness the lighting up close from the NYC Observatory Deck, adding to the memorable nature of the occasion.
These incidents and traditions contribute to the unique character of Columbia University's graduation ceremonies, making them memorable occasions for the students, their families, and the university community.
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Columbia's graduation attire and regalia
Columbia University's graduation ceremony, or Commencement, is a long-standing tradition that has been held annually since 1758. The ceremony celebrates the graduates from Columbia's nineteen schools, colleges, and affiliate institutions. While the exact number of graduating students is unclear, Columbia University boasts a global network of 400,000+ alumni.
Columbia University has a long tradition of academic dress dating back to its founding in the 18th century. The university was the second in the country to formally adopt academic robes. Today, Columbia's academic regalia consists of robes, gowns, and hoods, with specific variations depending on the degree earned.
Regalia for Bachelor's and Master's Degrees
Bachelor's and Master's gowns are slate blue, with two black tabs sewn into the yoke seam on either side of the gown. Crowns are embroidered onto the tabs due to the intricacy of the design. Master's gowns are further distinguished by their oblong sleeves, which open at the wrists. Bachelor's and Master's candidates wear a blue mortarboard.
Regalia for Doctoral Degrees
Doctoral gowns have facings of black velvet, with three black velvet chevrons on each sleeve, and crowns embroidered directly onto the facing. Doctoral candidates wear black velvet tams instead of mortarboards.
Ordering Regalia
All academic attire, including the cap and gown, must be ordered through the Columbia University Bookstore, either in-store or online. Students should check with their individual schools regarding any unique instructions or requirements prior to placing their orders. Rental attire must be returned to the Morningside Bookstore shortly after the ceremony.
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Columbia's graduation rate for first-time students
Columbia University in the City of New York has impressive graduation rates. For first-time, full-time students, Columbia's graduation rate is 87% after four years, 95% after six years, and 96% after eight years. These rates are significantly higher than the national average for first-time undergraduates attending full-time, which is 37.92% after four years, 46.43% after six years, and 47.82% after eight years.
First-time, full-time students make up a significant proportion of the student body at Columbia University. In the class of 2015, they represented 62% of the students. This group of students is more likely to graduate in four years than 'non-traditional' students, who include part-time students, transfer students, or adult learners.
Columbia University's overall graduation rate is 95% within 150% of the normal time, which means that 95% of students graduate within six years of enrolling in a four-year degree program. The university's retention rate is also noteworthy, standing at 97%, with a transfer-out rate of only 1%.
The graduation rates at Columbia University vary depending on the specific majors and degree types. For example, in the Doctor's degree category, the Biological and Biomedical Sciences major has a total of 91 graduates, while the Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services major has 22 graduates. In the Master's degree category, the Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services major has a total of 1,723 graduates.
Columbia University's high graduation rates reflect its effectiveness in successfully graduating students and providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge to secure employment after graduation.
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Frequently asked questions
For the 2023-2024 academic year, Columbia University had a total of 35,279 enrolled students, including 9,111 undergraduate and 26,168 graduate students.
It is unclear how many students graduate from Columbia University each year. However, the university has a total of 35,279 enrolled students, suggesting a high number of graduates each year.
The student-to-faculty ratio at Columbia University is unknown. However, the university has a large student body, with a total of 35,279 enrolled students across undergraduate and graduate programs.
