Columbia University is one of the top private universities in the United States. Columbia is the oldest institution of higher education in New York and the fifth-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Established in 1754, the University is among the world’s most important research and distinguished learning centers. The university is ranked 16th in QS World Universities Rankings 2019. The university includes three undergraduate schools: Columbia College, The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science and the School of General Studies.

Columbia is committed to meeting the full demonstrated financial need for all applicants admitted as first-year students or transfer students pursuing their first degree. At Columbia University, 50 percent of full-time undergraduates receive some kind of need-based financial aid, and the average need-based scholarship or grant award is $59830. All applicants who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States, who are students granted refugee visas by the United States, or who are undocumented students in the United States, are considered for admission in a need-blind manner. International students are also eligible to receive need-based aid at Columbia. 100% of the students had their need fully met. Financial aid is available for all four undergraduate years, provided that students continue to demonstrate financial need.

Eligibility for Aid

All aid eligibility is determined by the financial status of the students as demonstrated to the university in the financial aid application.

The Gross income of the family, assets, household expenses, and the siblings enrolled also play a vital part in the aid received by a student.

Applying for Aid

To be eligible to receive the scholarships at Columbia University, you must first apply to the university by submitting all required documents :

• Application (the Coalition Application or the Common Application and also the QuestBridge Application from QuestBridge Finalists)
• Secondary School Report
• Standardized Test Scores
• Teacher Recommendations
• Application Fee or Fee Waiver

For financial aid, students need to submit :

• CSS Profile
• FAFSA (For US Citizens, Permanent Residents and other and Eligible Noncitizens only; not required for students living in the US without legal citizenship or residency)
• Documentations

The deadline for submitting the financial aid forms is due by November 15 for Early Decision applicants and by February 15 for Regular Decision application.