These figures are the basis for determining financial aid eligibility, although individual student expenses may vary.
The figure for food and housing represents a first-year student living on campus for the full year. Housing and food for non-first year students is based on the standard room charge and Meal Plan B. Students living off campus (and not living with a parent) will have the same on-campus allowance for housing and food expenses.
First-year and incoming transfer/combined plan students are charged one-time transcript and orientation fees totaling $645.
Grants
Columbia awards more than $200 million annually in scholarships and grants from all sources.
50% of Columbia students receive grants from Columbia and the average amount awarded is $62,850.
19% of Columbia’s undergraduates receive the Pell Grant, a Federal Grant reserved for the students with the highest need in the country.
Loans
Students are expected to borrow $0 to attend Columbia.
Work-Study
Students who receive work-study are able to earn wages during their academic year to help offset their expenses by working an average of 7 hours a week in an on-campus job.
Income
The median income of families receiving Columbia Grant is $97,020, but many families who earn as much as $250,000 a year can qualify for financial aid.
Parents with calculated incomes below $66,000 a year and typical assets are expected to contribute $0 towards their children’s Columbia education.
Students from families with calculated incomes between $66,000 and $150,000 and typical assets are able to attend Columbia tuition-free.