Columbia University Sees Record Applications as Admission Standards Remain Steep

Columbia University Continues to Attract Global Talent Amidst Competitive Admissions

New York City – Columbia University is once again in the spotlight as it receives a record number of applications for the Class of 2028, boasting an impressive 60,248 applications. This elite Ivy League institution, renowned for academic excellence, continues to solidify its place among the top universities globally, currently ranked #13 in U.S. News & World Report National University Rankings for 2025.

Who Is Applying?

Columbia’s application pool showcases a diverse array of candidates, with students hailing from across the globe. The university emphasizes its inclusive community, which consists of over 20,000 international students enrolled in various programs and engaging in post-graduation Optional Practical Training. Among them, 1,303 are students from India, while the university also attracts students from China, Canada, South Korea, and France, among others.

What Are the Admission Statistics?

Despite the high number of applications, Columbia has maintained its discerning entrance standards. For the Class of 2028, only 2,319 candidates were offered admission, resulting in a remarkably low acceptance rate of 3.85%. This figure denotes a slight decline compared to previous years, as seen in recent statistics:

• Class of 2027: 57,129 applications, 2,246 accepted, 3.9% acceptance rate
• Class of 2026: 60,377 applications, 2,253 accepted, 3.7% acceptance rate
• Class of 2024: 40,084 applications, 2,465 accepted, 6.2% acceptance rate

Where Do Applicants Come From?

The diversity of the student body is a key aspect of the Columbia experience. Women make up approximately 51.68% of the student population, while men account for 48.32%. The university maintains a strong emphasis on attracting students from various backgrounds, further enhancing its global perspective. With a competitive applicant pool, the university retains a holistic admission approach, considering all facets of a candidate’s profile.

When Are Decisions Made?

Columbia admits students through both Early Decision and Regular Decision processes. This year, a total of 6,008 students applied via Early Decision, with an acceptance rate of approximately 11.9%. Regular Decision applicants experienced a much lower acceptance rate of around 2.95%, highlighting the differences in admission strategies.

Why Is Getting In So Challenging?

Columbia University’s admission criteria are stringent, requiring exceptional academic performance and standardized test scores. Scores for the middle 50% of enrolled students range between 1520-1560 on the SAT and 34-36 on the ACT. To bolster their admission prospects, students are encouraged to maintain a competitive GPA of 4.15 or higher and engage in significant extracurricular activities.

As the university continues to set the benchmark for academic rigor and diversity, prospective students face increasing pressure to distinguish themselves within an ever-growing applicant pool. Despite these challenges, Columbia remains dedicated to providing a world-class education, cultivating leaders and innovators equipped to tackle today’s global challenges.