A new way to tour Columbia
A typical CU tour can feel impersonal, leaving you with more questions than answers. You’re just a face in the crowd following a scripted tour led by a guide the school assigns you.
SchoolScoops offers private Columbia University tours tailored to your interests. Choose your own CU student tour guide and enjoy a personalized campus visit where you'll get candid answers to your questions.
SchoolScoops is the more personal way to tour Columbia University
Private and personalized CU tours
On a traditional Columbia University campus tour you’re just a number in a big group. With SchoolScoops, you can book a private Columbia University tour led by a real CU student, giving you a personalized campus visit and the chance to ask all the questions that are important to you.
Choose your own tour guide
Unlike a traditional Columbia University campus tour, SchoolScoops lets you choose your own tour guide. Whether you want to meet an engineering major, a student-athlete or a fellow transfer student, you'll get authentic insights and advice from someone who truly gets you.
No scripts, just scoops
Traditional Columbia University campus tours are essentially a sales pitch—the tour guide works for the school and their job is to show you the highlights. SchoolScoops guides don’t work for their school, so there’s no sales pitch—just honest, unfiltered advice about the CU experience.
Find out if CU is the school for you
Choosing where to go to college is a major decision and a huge investment. A private CU tour helps you decide if Columbia University is the right fit for your academic goals, career ambitions and college experience.
Can't make it to campus?
Book a 1-on-1 video chat with an CU student for personalized insights. Learn about academics, campus culture, and New York life without leaving home.
Book a video chat
Real feedback on student-led campus tours
Get to know Columbia University
Columbia University is a world-renowned Ivy League institution that champions academic excellence across the sciences, business, arts, and humanities.
Overview
Columbia University, established in 1754, is a private Ivy League research university located in New York City. It offers a diverse range of programs across its undergraduate and graduate schools, emphasizing a strong research focus, vibrant campus life, and competitive athletic teams.
Size
As of fall 2023, Columbia University has a total enrollment of 34,782 students, with 8,902 undergraduates and 25,880 graduate students.
Acceptance rate
For the Class of 2027, Columbia University admitted 2,285 students out of 57,126 applicants, resulting in an acceptance rate of approximately 4%. The middle 50% of admitted students scored between 1500 and 1560 on the SAT and between 34 and 35 on the ACT.
Cost
For the 2024 academic year, Columbia University's undergraduate tuition is $65,524. As a private institution, Columbia charges the same tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students. Approximately 50% of undergraduates receive financial aid, with an average aid package of $76,265.
Ranking
According to U.S. News & World Report, Columbia University is ranked #18 out of 436 National Universities.
Academics
Columbia University offers over 100 undergraduate majors and numerous graduate programs, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. The most popular undergraduate majors include Economics, Political Science, Computer Science, and Engineering. The university maintains a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Traditions
Columbia University's traditions include the Core Curriculum, Orgo Night, the Varsity Show, the festive Tree Lighting Ceremony on College Walk, and the symbolic Convocation and Commencement ceremonies.
Campus landmarks
Columbia University's best landmarks include the iconic Low Memorial Library, the Alma Mater statue, Butler Library, the serene St. Paul’s Chapel, the vibrant College Walk, and the towering Hamilton Hall, all nestled within its historic Morningside Heights campus.
Student body
Over 85% of Columbia University students come from outside New York, with significant representation from California, Texas, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Florida, alongside a globally diverse international student body from over 150 countries.
Become a SchoolScoops guide
In college? Earn $40/hour hosting 1-on-1 campus tours and video chats with future students.
Become a guideYour Columbia University questions, answered
What GPA do you need for Columbia University?
Columbia doesn’t have a minimum GPA requirement, but admitted students typically have GPAs between 3.9 and 4.2, with an average around 4.15. Strong academics, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations are also key factors in admissions.
Is Columbia University an Ivy League school?
Yes, Columbia University is one of the eight Ivy League schools.
Is Columbia University a top 10 school?
Columbia University is currently ranked #13 among National Universities based on widely accepted measures of academic excellence.
How much does four years at Columbia University cost?
For the 2024–2025 academic year, Columbia’s total cost is about $93,417 per year, totaling approximately $373,668 over four years.
What majors is Columbia University known for?
Columbia is known for majors in Computer Science, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, History, English, Neuroscience, and Performing Arts.
Why is Columbia University so prestigious?
Columbia is globally recognized for its rich history, academic excellence, and high number of Nobel laureates, making it one of the world’s top universities.
How can I tour Columbia University?
You can tour Columbia University by registering online for a guided campus tour or exploring on your own with a self-guided tour. Virtual tour options are also available on the university’s admissions website.
Is Columbia harder to get into than Harvard?
Harvard currently has a lower acceptance rate (3.59%), making it the most competitive Ivy League school, though Columbia has also been among the most selective.
Does Columbia University offer housing?
Yes, Columbia guarantees housing for all four years, with about 90% of students living on campus.
Does Columbia offer private campus tours?
Yes, using SchoolScoops you can take a private campus tour of Columbia with a student of your choosing.
Interested in other schools?
SchoolScoops also offers tours and video chats at many other schools
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