Columbia Academic Calendar

Columbia University, located in New York City, follows a traditional semester-based academic calendar, dividing the year into two main terms: Fall and Spring, with an optional Summer session. The Fall semester typically begins in early September, aligning with the Labor Day holiday, and concludes in mid-December. The Spring semester generally starts in mid-January, after the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday, and ends in early May. A notable feature of Columbia’s calendar is its alignment with significant national holidays, providing extended breaks such as Thanksgiving in November and a winter recess between semesters. This structure supports a balance of rigorous academics and necessary downtime for students across its prestigious undergraduate and graduate programs.

• Fall Semester Start: September 2, 2025 (approximate, typically after Labor Day), marking the beginning of classes for all students.
• Thanksgiving Break: November 27–30, 2025 (approximate), a four-day holiday period with no classes.
• Fall Final Exams: December 15–22, 2025 (approximate), concluding the semester.
• Winter Break: December 23, 2025–January 19, 2026 (approximate), an extended break over the holidays.
• Spring Semester Start: January 20, 2026 (approximate, post-Martin Luther King Jr. Day), resuming academic activities.
• Spring Break: March 16–20, 2026 (approximate), a one-week mid-semester recess.
• Spring Final Exams: May 4–11, 2026 (approximate), ending the academic year.
• Commencement: Mid-May 2026 (exact date TBD), celebrating graduating students.

• Early Decision Deadline: November 1, 2025 (approximate), for binding applications with notification by mid-December.
• Regular Decision Deadline: January 1, 2026 (approximate), for non-binding applications with decisions released by early April.
• Financial Aid Deadline: February 15, 2026 (approximate), for submitting CSS Profile and FAFSA forms to be considered for need-based aid.
• Enrollment Deposit Deadline: May 1, 2026 (approximate), to secure a spot in the incoming Class of 2030.
• International Student Considerations: Early submission encouraged for visa processing; deadlines align with domestic applicants.

Columbia University’s academic calendar aligns closely with national norms for semester-based systems in the United States, particularly in the Northeast, where holidays like Thanksgiving and Martin Luther King Jr. Day shape break schedules. This structure offers predictability for both domestic and international students, with ample time during winter and summer breaks for travel or internships. The university’s urban setting in New York City also influences scheduling, as commencement and other events often attract global attention. While specific dates for 2025–2026 are estimates based on historical patterns, Columbia’s calendar remains flexible to accommodate diverse student needs, including those of international students navigating visa timelines or cultural observances.