Columbia Acceptance Rate

Columbia University, located in New York City, is one of the most selective institutions in the Ivy League, with an extremely competitive admissions process. For the Class of 2028, Columbia reported an overall acceptance rate of approximately 3.9%, reflecting a highly selective cycle influenced by a large applicant pool and increasing interest from domestic and international students. Factors such as the university's prestigious academic programs, urban location, and global reputation contribute to its selectivity. Columbia publishes transparent admission statistics through its official website and the Common Data Set, providing detailed insights into applicant numbers and acceptance trends.

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 3.9% for the Class of 2028, with over 60,000 applicants and approximately 2,300 admitted students, marking one of the lowest rates in the university's history.
• Early Decision Rate: Approximately 11.3%, significantly higher than the regular decision rate, with around 6,000 early applicants and roughly 680 admitted, reflecting the advantage of applying early.
• International Student Rate: Estimated at 3.5%, slightly lower than the overall rate due to additional competitive factors, though exact data for the Class of 2028 is unavailable; based on historical trends from prior cycles.

Over the past decade, Columbia's acceptance rate has steadily declined, dropping from around 6% in 2015 to under 4% in recent years, driven by a surge in applications and the university's commitment to maintaining a small, diverse class. The Early Decision program continues to offer a notable edge, with acceptance rates often triple those of regular decision. International admissions remain highly competitive, as Columbia attracts top talent globally. Compared to peer institutions like Harvard (3.2%) and Yale (4.5%), Columbia's selectivity is on par, solidifying its position among the most elite universities. For the most current data, prospective students can refer to Columbia's official admissions page at undergrad.admissions.columbia.edu or review the Common Data Set for historical trends.