Are you interested in applying to top universities in the U.S.? Keen on applying to Columbia University? We will discuss everything you need to know about Columbia University and the programs you can pursue there. So read on!
Columbia University: An Overview
Established in 1745, Columbia University is the fifth-oldest institution in the USA. Moreover, it is an Ivy League institution located in New York City. Columbia University’s ranking is 3rd amongst the US national universities and is ranked 6th globally by the US News and World report. The university comprises twenty schools, four undergraduate schools and sixteen graduate schools. Some of these schools include Columbia Business School, Graduate School of Journalism, and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
The Columbia University campus is spread over 32 acres of land and houses 78 apartments and over two dozen undergraduate dormitories. The curriculum focuses on developing industry-relevant skills in its students. More so, the university has very notable alumni. Columbia University’s notable alumni includes former U.S. presidents such as Barack Obama, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt and the architect of the Indian constitution, B.R. Ambedkar. Another notable figure to have studied at Columbia is the current associate justice of the Supreme Court in the U.S., Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Supported by a highly acclaimed body of professors, Columbia will groom, polish, and prepare you for the business world. Moreover, the US being a melting pot of cultures, you will be exposed to enriching international experiences.
MBA Programs at Columbia
The Columbia Business School was established in 1916. As of 2021, it is ranked as the 7th best business school by the U.S. News and World Report. The MBA programs offered at Columbia University are as follows:
MBA program: Columbia offers an MBA program, known as “One MBA, Two paths”, this means you can apply for the MBA program in either August and January. The MBA program is designed in such a manner that whether you enrol in August or January, you complete four terms. However, students enrolled in August and January after completing four terms, proceed to merge into a single class during fall. During fall, they complete electives together as a single class. The August and January program is identical in terms of the course structure, the only difference is if you enrol in August, you can pursue a summer internship. The internship cannot be availed if you enrol in January.
Executive MBA (EMBA): Columbia offers three kinds of EMBA programs. The programs are as follows:
- EMBA at New York (EMBA NY): The Executive MBA is a flexible course offered to professionals. The program is similar to that of the MBA program, the only thing that changes is the schedule. The EMBA NY is offered on two days, most Fridays and Saturdays to make it accessible for those who are working.
- EMBA Asia: Columbia offers you an opportunity to pursue an EMBA across Asia in its partnered universities. The EMBA Asia provides you with a chance to study at Columbia’s partnered universities, London Business School (LBS) and the University of Hong Kong (HKU) along with Columbia Business School. This ensures that you develop and expand your networking skills.
- EMBA Global Americas and Europe: This EMBA program offers you the opportunity to obtain an MBA from Columbia Business School in the USA and obtain an MBA in its partnered university in England, London School of Business (LBS). This program provides you with a chance to network with key players in the industry at a global level.
Columbia University Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the MBA programs at Columbia University are as follows:
- You must have a valid and good GMAT or GRE score.
- You must have an undergraduate degree with an overall GPA of 3.6 or more.
- You must have a minimum of 5 years of work experience.
- If your native language is not English, you are required to take the TOEFL or IELTS.
In addition to these, you will require a well-drafted Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Letter of Recommendations (LORs) for your admission process. It is important to note that the average GMAT score Columbia expects, ranges from 650 to 720. Similarly, the average GRE score the university expects is 280 to 310.
Fee Structure at Columbia University
The fee structure of the MBA programs at Columbia University are as follows:
| MBA Program | Tuition Fees |
| Full-time MBA Program | INR 60,00,000+ |
| Executive MBA (EMBA) | INR 1,57,00,000+ |
As you might notice, pursuing an MBA at Columbia is very expensive. However, there are many scholarships and grants offered to international students and students from developing countries.
Career Opportunities after MBA at Columbia
According to university statistics, over 90% of Columbia MBA graduates were employed three months after their graduation. These graduates were employed in popular industries such as management, media and technology, consulting services, and finances. A majority of graduates were employed at companies that provide financial and consulting services. Some of these companies include Mckinsey, Boston Consulting, Bain and Company.
In addition to these companies, MBA graduates were also employed at popular companies such as Google, Apple, Amazon, Deloitte, Goldman Sachs, and Ernst and Young (EY). The average starting salary offered to Columbian MBA graduates is INR 1,15,00,000.
The MBA at Columbia University yields a high return on investment. As we discussed, pursuing an MBA at Columbia is an expensive affair with the tuition fee being INR 60,00,000 to 1,50,00,000. But with the starting salary being INR 1,15,00,000, you redeem the tuition fee within the first year of your employment. It is also important to note that as you gain professional experience, your salary will increase accordingly.
We hope this article on Columbia University helped. And, now that you know the MBA programs offered, the fee structure, the eligibility criteria, and the career opportunities after an MBA at Columbia University, you will be able to make the right decision.