Columbia University is one of the finest institutions in the United States of America for undergraduate and postgraduate studies. It opened its doors to students in 1754 and was known before as King’s College. Now, the university has grown into a mammoth institution where people worldwide come to study. CU has been home to more than 100 Nobel laureates, around seven founding fathers of the USA, around 22 Olympian medalists, and a staggering number of 53 billionaires.
As one of the world’s best universities, it’s no question that any student will be lucky to get into this institution. The school offers many students financial aid, scholarships, grants, and loans, but many different costs must be considered. This article breaks down all the study costs at Columbia University, so read carefully!
Study Costs at Columbia University
There are many different costs that one needs to consider when one wants to study at Columbia University or any school in general. International students need to start a whole new life when they move to another country for their degree, which is why there are many other costs compared to someone who is a local student.
Application Costs
The application fee for undergraduate programs is $85, whereas for postgraduate programs, it is $120, so the application cost for the postgraduate degree is higher. These fees are non-refundable for national and international students but may be waived on particular conditions. Applicants must pay these fees while applying because unless the cost is paid, the application will not be processed, and the applicant can lose valuable time and the deadline.
Learn More: Columbia University Admissions for International Students
Tuition Costs
The total tuition costs at Columbia University vary from program to program and degree to degree. However, the general student fee for each national or international bachelor’s degree is $675. For a master’s and Ph.D. degree, the university services and support fees range from around $595 to 657 per semester. This fee cannot be waived for any scholarship.
Bachelor’s Tuition Costs
It costs around $71,170 annually to study for a bachelor’s degree at Columbia University in the 2024-2025 academic year. A bachelor’s degree is spread across four years and is generally the starting degree with no research and industrial placements component. It’s the longest-paid degree and highly competitive, as people from around the world apply to take the first-year subjects and courses at the institution.
Master’s Tuition Costs
A master’s degree at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences will cost you around $40,386 to $45,378 per semester, depending upon your course and semester duration. This estimate does not include any personal expenses or healthcare. It’s just the tuition fee, and it may vary depending on the requirements of your research degree or just a written thesis.
Ph.D. Tuition Costs
The total tuition cost at CU’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences for a Ph.D. is around $27,600 per semester for students enrolled for 20 credits or fewer during the 2024–2025 school year. This price is also exclusive of living and other personal expenses. This ballpark estimate is also subject to change according to your specialization and duration.
See Also: Cheap Universities in New York for International Students
Other Academic Costs at Columbia University
Other costs that every international student may need to anticipate are related to accommodation in the city, transportation to and from the university, buying books and related subscriptions, general living expenses, general well-being, and extracurricular activities.
Books and Miscellaneous
Although everything has become reasonably online, and the culture of reading and keeping actual hard paperback books is rare, many teachers still recommend buying them. Some of these books may be available in the library, but if other students already have them, they will most likely not return them before the end of the semester.
It is why either is vigilant and gets the books from the library first or buys them in installments or used ones from Amazon or other bookshops. These books are expensive, with some prices going well into a couple of hundred dollars, so plan accordingly.
Accommodation and Transportation
New York City is very expensive for accommodation and transportation, so make sure you find the most pocket-friendly place and mode of transportation. The standard rent for a small studio apartment is around $800+ per month for a decent living space. Like most New Yorkers, you can use the subway, which will cost you some monthly dollars.
You can also find accommodation closer to the university, reducing your commute time and expenses. Alternatively, you can stay on campus, but they have students on the waiting list, so check in with them for availability.
Living Expenses
Finally, living expenses are skyrocketing everywhere today, so make sure you have a good stash of money. A typical living expense for an international student in New York is around $2,027 to $2,229 monthly. This cost highly depends on your management and money-making sense.
Here, we come to the end of the article about the cost of studying at Columbia University and living in New York City for international students. These numbers may sound like a lot to you and seem impossible to achieve, but remember, many students are working and studying to make their future bright.
We hope this article about the cost of studying at Columbia University was informative and helpful. Feel free to visit our Study in the USA Page and Open Courses for more information about the different universities and program opportunities in the United States!
