Columbia  /  Financial aid

Paying for Columbia

The sticker price is rarely what families pay. Here is what Columbia actually costs after aid, broken down by income, with the real numbers and a calculator for your situation.

Free tuition at Columbia for families earning under $150,000 a year. Free tuition under $150k (typical assets); no parent contribution under $66k; meets 100% of demonstrated need; no loans in aid packages.

Estimate your cost

An estimate from published averages, not an offer. Always run Columbia's official net price calculator and file the FAFSA/CSS Profile for your real number.

Average net price by family income

Under $30k$4,570/yr after aid
$30 to 48k$2,275/yr after aid
$48 to 75k$5,866/yr after aid
$75 to 110k$11,782/yr after aid
$110k+$50,621/yr after aid

The full cost

Sticker (cost of attendance)$89,694
Tuition & fees$67,314
Room & board$20,528
Average net price$24,498
Students on aid55%
Financial needMeets 100% of demonstrated need
International studentsOffers need-based aid to international students

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