Columbia University

Columbia University (officially Columbia University in the City of New York) is a private, Ivy League, research university in Upper Manhattan, New York City. It was established in 1754 as King's College by royal charter of George II of Great Britain and is the oldest college in New York State as well as the fifth chartered institution of higher learning in the country, making Columbia one of nine colonial colleges founded before the Declaration of Independence. After the revolutionary war, King's College briefly became a state entity, and was renamed Columbia College in 1784. A 1787 charter placed the institution under a private board of trustees before it was renamed Columbia University in 1896 when the campus was moved from Madison Avenue to its current location in Morningside Heights occupying land of 32 acres (13 ha). Columbia is one of the fourteen founding members of the Association of American Universities, and was the first school in the United States to grant the M.D. degree.

The university is organized into twenty schools, including Columbia College, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, and the School of General Studies. The university also has global research outposts in Amman, Beijing, Istanbul, Paris, Mumbai, Rio de Janeiro, Santiago, Asunción and Nairobi. It has affiliations with several other institutions nearby, including Teachers College, Barnard College, and Union Theological Seminary, with joint undergraduate programs available through the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, Sciences Po Paris,and the Juilliard School.

• The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science

  A unique educational opportunity, Columbia University's Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science offers programs to both undergraduate and graduate students who undertake a course of study leading to the bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in engineering and applied science.

  Combining the advantages of small programs with the extensive resources of a major research university, students at the School pursue their academic interests under the guidance of outstanding senior faculty members who teach both undergraduate and graduate level courses. 

Columbia University was founded in 1754 as King's College by royal charter of King George II of England. It is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state of New York and the fifth oldest in the United States.

In July 1754, Samuel Johnson held the first classes in a new schoolhouse adjoining Trinity Church, located on what is now lower Broadway in Manhattan. There were eight students in the class. At King's College, the future leaders of colonial society could receive an education designed to "enlarge the Mind, improve the Understanding, polish the whole Man, and qualify them to support the brightest Characters in all the elevated stations in life." One early manifestation of the institution's lofty goals was the establishment in 1767 of the first American medical school to grant the M.D. degree.

The American Revolution brought the growth of the college to a halt, forcing a suspension of instruction in 1776 that lasted for eight years. 

The college reopened in 1784 with a new name—Columbia—that embodied the patriotic fervor that had inspired the nation's quest for independence. The revitalized institution was recognizable as the descendant of its colonial ancestor, thanks to its inclination toward Anglicanism and the needs of an urban population, but there were important differences: Columbia College reflected the legacy of the Revolution in the greater economic, denominational, and geographic diversity of its new students and leaders. 

In 1857, the College moved from Park Place, near the present site of city hall, to Forty-ninth Street and Madison Avenue, where it remained for the next forty years. During the last half of the nineteenth century, Columbia rapidly assumed the shape of a modern university. The Columbia School of Law was founded in 1858. The country's first mining school, a precursor of today's Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, was established in 1864 and awarded the first Columbia Ph.D. in 1875.

Columbia University was founded in 1754 as King's College by royal charter of King George II of England. It is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state of New York and the fifth oldest in the United States.

In July 1754, Samuel Johnson held the first classes in a new schoolhouse adjoining Trinity Church, located on what is now lower Broadway in Manhattan. There were eight students in the class. At King's College, the future leaders of colonial society could receive an education designed to "enlarge the Mind, improve the Understanding, polish the whole Man, and qualify them to support the brightest Characters in all the elevated stations in life." One early manifestation of the institution's lofty goals was the establishment in 1767 of the first American medical school to grant the M.D. degree.

The American Revolution brought the growth of the college to a halt, forcing a suspension of instruction in 1776 that lasted for eight years. 

The college reopened in 1784 with a new name—Columbia—that embodied the patriotic fervor that had inspired the nation's quest for independence. The revitalized institution was recognizable as the descendant of its colonial ancestor, thanks to its inclination toward Anglicanism and the needs of an urban population, but there were important differences: Columbia College reflected the legacy of the Revolution in the greater economic, denominational, and geographic diversity of its new students and leaders. 

In 1857, the College moved from Park Place, near the present site of city hall, to Forty-ninth Street and Madison Avenue, where it remained for the next forty years. During the last half of the nineteenth century, Columbia rapidly assumed the shape of a modern university. The Columbia School of Law was founded in 1858. The country's first mining school, a precursor of today's Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, was established in 1864 and awarded the first Columbia Ph.D. in 1875.

During the presidency of Nicholas Murray Butler (1902–1945), Columbia emerged as a preeminent national center for educational innovation and scholarly achievement. The School of Journalism was established by bequest of Joseph Pulitzer in 1912. John Erskine taught the first Great Books Honors Seminar at Columbia College in 1919, making the study of original masterworks the foundation of undergraduate education, and in the same year, a course on war and peace studies originated the College's influential Core Curriculum.

requirements_for_applicants_and_admissions_process_at_columbia_university_including_overview_of_application_procedures_and_necessary_credentials

Accreditation of Columbia University is provided by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), a recognized accrediting agency that ensures the quality and integrity of higher education institutions in the United States. Columbia University, as a prestigious Ivy League institution, maintains its accreditation through rigorous review processes conducted by MSCHE, which evaluates the university’s academic programs, governance, resources, and overall institutional effectiveness. The accreditation status confirms that Columbia University meets or exceeds established standards for higher education, supporting its commitment to academic excellence, research, and community service. This accreditation also enables students to qualify for federal financial aid and ensures that degrees awarded are recognized nationally and internationally. Columbia University undergoes periodic reaffirmation of accreditation, involving self-study reports and external evaluations, to sustain and enhance its educational standards. The university’s adherence to accreditation requirements reflects a commitment to continuous improvement and accountability in providing high-quality education, fostering innovation, and contributing to societal advancement through scholarship and service. Columbia University’s official accreditation status is publicly available on its website and through MSCHE’s credentialing records, providing transparency and assurance to current and prospective students, faculty, and stakeholders about its standing and compliance with accreditation standards.

University Student Life at Columbia University offers a vibrant and diverse experience that fosters academic excellence, personal growth, and active engagement. Students have access to a wide range of resources, including state-of-the-art libraries, research centers, and cutting-edge laboratories, supporting rigorous scholarship across various disciplines. The campus life is enriched by numerous student organizations, cultural groups, and athletic teams, providing ample opportunities for leadership, collaboration, and community building. Undergraduate and graduate students participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, ranging from arts and music to social activism and entrepreneurship, enabling them to develop skills outside the classroom. Columbia University's location in New York City offers students unparalleled access to cultural events, internships, and professional networking opportunities in one of the world's most dynamic urban environments. The university also supports student wellness through comprehensive health services, counseling programs, and wellness initiatives, ensuring a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Academic advising and career services guide students through their educational journey and assist in job placement and internships post-graduation. Residential life is characterized by diverse housing options and communal spaces that promote interaction and cultural exchange among students from around the globe. Columbia emphasizes inclusivity and diversity, fostering an environment where all students can thrive academically and socially. Overall, student life at Columbia combines rigorous academics with a rich array of extracurricular activities and community engagement, preparing students for leadership and success in their future careers.

library facilities including extensive collections of books, journals, and electronic resources for research and study; computer labs equipped with high-speed internet access and up-to-date software for academic work; student wellness services offering medical, mental health, and counseling support to promote overall well-being; career services providing career counseling, internship placement assistance, resume workshops, and interview preparation to help students prepare for professional success; campus dining options including cafeterias, cafes, and dining halls offering a variety of food choices to cater to diverse dietary preferences; recreational and athletic facilities such as gyms, fitness centers, swimming pools, and sports courts supporting physical activity and fitness; student centers and lounges that serve as social hubs for student organizations, events, meetings, and relaxation; housing services including on-campus residence halls and assistance with off-campus accommodation to ensure safe and convenient living arrangements; academic support centers providing tutoring, writing assistance, and workshops to enhance students’ academic skills; IT support services for technical assistance with university systems, email, and software; transportation services such as campus shuttle buses, bicycle rentals, and parking facilities facilitating mobility around campus; cultural and extracurricular programs including arts, music, theater, and cultural events enriching student life; access to laboratories, studios, and specialized facilities relevant to various academic disciplines for practical hands-on experience; safety and security services to ensure a secure environment for students and staff on campus; student health insurance programs and insurance guidance; international student services offering orientation, visa support, and integration assistance; Berkeley Comprehensive resources and support for graduate, professional, and undergraduate students to promote academic success and personal development.

Since 1901, when the awards were first given, 82 Columbians—including alumni, faculty, adjunct faculty, researchers and administrators—have won a Nobel Prize at some point in their careers. These distinguished scientists, statesmen and authors have won prizes in every field in which an award is given. The University's current faculty includes eight Nobel laureates. 

• Columbia University Scholarship for Displaced Students
• The Obama Foundation Scholars Program