Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) is a prestigious institution with a competitive acceptance rate of approximately 39.2%. Students who are interested in pursuing a Master of Arts (MA) program at SIPA must meet certain academic criteria in order to be admitted into the program.
In order to be considered for admission to Columbia SIPA, students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 for all courses applicable to the MIA or MPA degree. Additionally, students are expected to have a strong academic background, with the average SAT score at Columbia University standing at 1530 out of a possible 1600. This demonstrates the high academic standards that Columbia SIPA maintains for its applicants.
The admission process for Columbia SIPA involves submitting an online application, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and standardized test scores. Applicants are also required to participate in an interview as part of the admissions process. With such rigorous requirements, students must demonstrate a strong academic background, relevant work experience, and a clear understanding of their academic and career goals in order to be successful in gaining admission to Columbia SIPA.
| Topic: Columbia SIPA Acceptance Rate and GPA Requirements |
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Acceptance Rate at Columbia SIPA
GPA Requirement for Columbia SIPA
SAT Score for Columbia University
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Relation to Quality of EducationThe acceptance rate and GPA requirements at Columbia SIPA reflect the competitive nature of the program, ensuring that admitted students are academically prepared to succeed in their studies. The high average SAT score further demonstrates the caliber of students admitted to Columbia University. |
Columbia SIPA Overview
The School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University (SIPA) is the international affairs and public policy school of Columbia University, a private Ivy League university located in Morningside Heights, Manhattan, New York City.
SIPA offers Master of International Affairs (MIA) and Master of Public Administration (MPA) degrees in a range of fields, as well as the Executive MPA and Ph.D. program in Sustainable Development.
SIPA’s alumni include former heads of state, business leaders, journalists, diplomats, and elected representatives. Half of SIPA’s nearly 1,400 students are international, coming from over 100 countries. SIPA has more than 70 full-time faculty, many of which include the world’s leading scholars on international relations.
Columbia SIPA Academics
International dual-degree programs
SIPA offers a number of dual-degree programs with other schools of Columbia University and offers international dual degree programs with the London School of Economics and Political Science, Sciences Po, the Hertie School of Governance in Berlin, EAESP-FGV in São Paulo, the University of Tokyo and the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore through the Global Public Policy Network (GPPN).
Concentrations and specializations
In addition to fulfilling all core requirements, MIA and MPA students must also satisfy the requirements of both a policy concentration and a specialization. Students choose one of the following six concentrations: Economic and Political Development; Energy and Environment; International Finance and Economic Policy (includes focus areas in international finance; international economic policy; and central banking); Human Rights and Humanitarian Policy; International Security Policy; or Urban and Social Policy.
Students choose a specialization in one of the following: Data Analytics and Quantitative Analysis; Gender and Public Policy; International Conflict Resolution; International Organization and UN Studies; Technology, Media, and Communications; Management; or regional expertise (8 different regions/countries). Regional specializations are offered in the following areas: Africa, East Asia, East Central Europe, Europe, Latin America, The Middle East, Russia, South Asia, and the United States. The Advanced Policy and Economic Analysis (APEA) specialization was discontinued during the 2018–2019 academic year.
sIPA columbia ranking
Foreign Policy ranked SIPA fifth in its 2018 ranking of “Top Master’s Programs for Policy Career in International Relations”. In addition, SIPA was ranked first by U.S. News & World Report Best Graduates Schools in the 2018 and 2020 world rankings for International Global Policy and Administration, fifth for Environmental Policy and Management, and twenty-first for Best Public Affairs Programs
Columbia School of International and Public Affairs Application Process
All applicants are required to submit a completed application through our online Application Portal. While there is no separate deadline for international applicants, each degree program has its own application deadlines, ranking and requirements so review the information below carefully prior to applying.
Note that the applicant must submit all materials directly, not through an agent or third-party vendor, with the sole exception of submissions by the U.S. Department of State’s Fulbright Program and its three partner agencies IIE, LASPAU and AMIDEAST, and by the Danish-American Fulbright Commission (DAF), Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD), and Vietnam Education Fund (VEF). In addition, the applicant will be required to attest to the accuracy and authenticity of all information and documents submitted to Columbia. If you have any questions about this requirement, please contact the admissions office at sipa_admission@columbia.edu.
Failure to submit complete, accurate, and authentic application documents consistent with these instructions may result in denial or revocation of admission, cancellation of academic credit, suspension, expulsion, or eventual revocation of degree. Applicants may be required to assist the Admissions Committee involved in admission reviews in the verification of all documents and statements made in documents submitted by students as part of the application review process.
Please note that the applicant may upload unofficial transcripts at the start of the application process. Once an applicant has been admitted and has indicated acceptance of our offer of admission, certified and secure electronic official transcripts must be submitted directly to Columbia from the applicant’s prior institution(s)’ Registrar Office. Columbia will use its verification vendor to verify the applicant’s degree and transcript with the prior academic institutions and/or the relevant country’s Ministry of Education.
Moreover, students who plan to enroll at SIPA will be required to participate in a verification process. More detailed information will be provided upon admission.
columbia university sIPA acceptance rate
Acceptance Rate 65%
- 2,082 Applied
- 1,357 Accepted
- 670 Enrolled
Columbia SIPA Requirements
At a minimum, all applicants must:
- Have a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution prior to enrolling at SIPA.
- Provide valid GRE or GMAT test scores.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the English language adequate for study at the masters level. A score of at least 100 on the TOEFL Internet-based exam or 7 on the IELTS exam is required in order for your application to be reviewed.
Columbia University Application Process
Columbia University has the fourth-largest international student population in the country. It is one of the world’s most reputed centers of learning and research for the last 250 years. According to the Fall 2018 survey, Columbia University got 40,203 applications and admitted 2,214 students from 152 countries in various undergraduate, graduate and non-degree programs.
As per the 2022 student profile, more than 90% of the admitted students were in the top 10% of their graduating class.
The university grants degrees in humanities and social sciences departments with more than 60 majors, proving itself as one of the best places to study in the USA.
- Graduate applicants have a separate application form for each program.
- The application fee has to be paid via Visa or MasterCard or Discover or American Express Credit Card only.
- For Ph.D., the students are also required to submit their GRE score, without which their application won’t be considered.
- The admit rate for an M.D./Ph.D program is 84%
| Application Portal | UG: Common application or/ Coalition application PG: University website |
| Application Fee | UG: 85 USD PG: 85 – 250 USD |
| Acceptance Rate(Combined data for Columbia College and Columbia Engineering, Class of 2022) | 5.5% |
| Average SAT Score | 1460-1550 |
| Average ACT Score | 33-35 |
| Mode of Payment | Visa/MasterCard, Discover/American Express Credit Card |
| Academic Calendar | Semester-wise |
| Intake Seasons | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| Financial Aid | Available, must be applied along with the admission application |
Columbia University Top Programs
Out of 42,500+ freshmen who applied for the class of 2023, only 2,247 were given admission. Apart from undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs offered by Columbia University, the university also offers special courses in – health professions, dual degrees, and exchange programs for students willing to study in US.
| Programs | Fees per annum | Application Deadlines |
|---|---|---|
| M.Sc Computer Science | $68,160 | Fall: January 15, 2021 Spring: November 1, 2020 |
| M.Sc Data Science | $68,160 | February 2021 |
| M.B.A | $77,376 | Early October 2020 |
| M.Sc Mechanical Engineering | $68,160 | November 1, 2020 |
| B.Sc Computer Science | $58,440 | Fall: January 15, 2021 Spring: November 1, 2020 |
| Master of Public Health | $42,208 | Fall: January 15, 2021 April 1, 2021 June 1, 2021 |
| Master of Architecture | $61,080 | Fall: January 15, 2021 |
| M.Phil Psychology | $62,840 | December 2, 2020 |
| M.Sc Financial Engineering | $54,528 | January 5, 2020 |
| M.Sc Marketing | $67,612 | January 7, 2021 |
| M.Sc Business Analytics | $81,792 | February 15, 2020 |
| B.A Economics | $58,440 | December 1, 2020 |
| B.A Psychology | $58,440 | December 1, 2020 |
| M.Sc Financial Economics | $64,024 | January 5, 2020 |
columbia sIPA ranking
Being one of the eight ivy-league schools in the US, the university is ranked at #3 in National Universities in the US, as per the US News Rankings for the year 2021.
Mentionable rankings by several other university ranking systems place Columbia University at:
- #6 in Best Value Schools in the US (US News 2021)
- #19 by Global World Ranking (QS 2021)
- #17 in World University Ranking (Times Higher Education 2021)
- #1 among 115 Best Colleges for Philosophy in America (Niche.com)
- #2 in Best College Libraries in the US (Princeton review)
Columbia University Campuses
- Being the home campus of Columbia university, Morningside Heights is known for its lower crime rates than the national US average.
- As per Streetadvisor.com and Areavibes, Morningside Heights is safer than 67% of the cities in New York.
- Several buildings on the campus are listed as National Historic Landmarks, including the Philosophy Hall or ‘the site of the invention of the FM radio’. Acquiring more than six city blocks, the Morningside Heights campus is spread over an area of 32 acres with other institutional centers nearby. Moreover, the university also offers education through its affiliated medical schools.
- Manhattanville has been added to the Columbia University campuses since 2008 and cloaks about 17 acres of the city area.
- Stretched over eight streets, the campus houses Columbia Business School, Jerome L. Greene Center, and School of International and Public Affairs buildings.
Quick fact: With more than 12 million volumes, Columbia University has the eighth largest library system in the United States
Columbia University Accommodation
Most of the Columbia University dorms are located in the Morningside Heights and Manhattan Valley neighborhoods. The university also has residence halls within 20 minutes from the campus, in Riverdale. Know more about Travel and Stay in USA
- Hostel choices range from a single dorm room to 2 or even 3 bedroom suites.
- Community specific housing at Riverdale offer parking and shuttle service to and from the campus
- Riverdale’s International House or I-House offers fully furnished dormitories to students from various national backgrounds
| Apartment Type | Average Rent (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom Share | 1,000 |
| 2- or 3-Bedroom Share | 1,220 |
| Single Dorm Room | 1,080 |
| Shared Dorm Room | 877 |
| Studio/Efficiency | 1,607 |
| 1-Bedroom | 1,889 |
| 2-Bedroom | 2,266 |
Columbia University Admission Process
Where to Apply: Interested students can head over to the university’s official admission office page or use the Common Application.
Application fee and deadlines: Being the biggest university in NYC, Columbia comprises more than 20 schools and colleges with different application deadlines and fees for each course.
| Name of College | Course | Application fee | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia College | Undergraduate | 85 USD | January 1 |
| Graduate School of Arts and Sciences | Graduate | 115 USD | Course-specific** |
| School of General Studies | Undergraduate | 80 USD | June 1 |
| Columbia Business School | Graduate | 250 USD | Course-specific** |
| Columbia Law School | Graduate | 85 USD | Early February |
**- Applicants must check with the university website for deadlines.
How to Apply for Columbia University
The application process for Columbia University admissions can vary for each course. However, all international applicants need to submit the following –
- Completed online application
- Standardized test scores
- English proficiency test scores for Columbia would remain the same for both UG and graduate applicants –
| Test | Score(s) |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 100 |
| TOEFL PBT | 600 |
| IELTS | 7.0 and above |
| Duolingo English Test (DET) | 120 |
- Verified school/college transcript(s)
- Letters of Recommendation (for graduate applicants)
- High school counselor’s recommendation and school profile (for UG applicants)
- Resume and a personal statement of purpose for US (for graduate applicants)
Refer to the college’s international admissions webpage to get further information on the same.
Quick fact: Columbia has the 4th largest international student population among other US universities
Deadlines
The Regular decision application deadline for top universities in the USA is January 1, however, some postgraduate programs have different deadlines.
| Date | Deadlines |
|---|---|
| November 1 | Early Decision Applications |
| November 15 | Early Decision Financial Aid Applications |
| January 1 | Regular Decision Applications |
| February 15 | Regular Decision Financial Aid Applications |
Columbia University International Admissions Process
International students have slightly different requirements for admission at Columbia University. They need to provide following documents to be eligible for admission at Columbia:
- Official transcripts
- English language proficiency proof
- Test scores of required standardized exams
- Evidence of financial support
English Language Requirements for International Students
| English Language Proficiency Tests | Minimum Score Requirements |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 100 |
| IELTS | 7.0 |
| DET(Duolingo English Test) | 120 on the current DET or 75 prior to July 2019 |
Scores should be directly reported to Columbia University by the testing service.
Visa Process for International Students
In order to be able to study in the USA, students require a student visa. An I-20 form will be issued by the Columbia University to the student once they provide :
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
- Proof of financial resources
Once Columbia University issues the I-20 form, students can proceed with either F-1 or J-1 student visa and SEVIS Fee payment. Students must then contact the US Embassy or consulate to learn about visa specifics and requirements.
Visa application includes the following general documents:
- Copy of the Passport
- Columbia Acceptance letter
- I-20 form issued by Columbia University
- Completed visa application
- Passport-size photographs
- Scholarship/Sponsorship Letter(If needed)
- Immunization form
- Health Examination Form
Once approved after the visa interview, a stamp will be issued on the passport.
Columbia University Undergraduate Admissions
The university offers various bachelors programs to international students in over 80 areas. Art History, Visual Arts, Applied Mathematics, Financial Economic, Data Science, Computer Science, Music And Information Science are some of the most popular choices.
- Application Portal: Coalition Application or the Common Application
- Application Fee: 85 USD
Academic Requirements: International applicants must include the following items required for Columbia University admissions:
- Autobiographical information
- A list of student’s activities, achievements, employment etc
- Personal essay
- Official high-school transcripts, one recommendation from high school’s counselor, school profile
- Completed Mid-year report, SAT/ACT, English Proficiency scores(if required)
- Teacher recommendations(from the teachers who taught you in the discipline)
- For Engineering applicants, one letter should be from a science or maths teacher
Extra-curricular pursuits should be contained within the activities section of the admission application in a brief manner.
Supplementary Materials: Not require supplements for the Columbia University admission process.
Columbia University Graduate Admissions
The university offers multiple graduate programs in the field of arts, science, business, medical, public affairs, journalism, professional studies, engineering, etc. International applicants must keep the following in mind before applying for admission at Columbia University graduate program:
Application Portal: Varies for each program
Application Fee: Varies for each program
Academic Requirements: Transcripts, Relevant undergraduate degree, SOP, LORs, Standardized tests score, and program specific additional requirements.
Supplementary Requirements: Science, Engineering and other Academic research work in the related field may provide an abstract in one or two page supplement.
Columbia University Graduate Programs
Some of the most preferred and highest paying programs by Columbia University are discussed below.
Columbia University MBA
Offered by Columbia Business School, Masters in Business administration is a program with one of the highest-paid graduate employability.
| Deadlines | April 10 |
| Application Fee | 250 USD |
| Application Portal | Business School Application Portal |
| Requirements | Transcripts, Two Letters of recommendations, Essays, Interview(by invite only) |
| Test Score Requirements | GMAT/GRE, TOEFL/IELTS |
Columbia University Engineering
Engineering and Applied Science is an extremely coveted college for pursuing various masters, doctoral or certificate programs in Engineering.
| Deadlines | February 15 (Fall); October 1 (Spring) |
| Priority Deadlines | MS Financial Engineering- January 5 Dual MS, Computer Science- January 15 Civil Engineering- February 15 |
| Application Fee | 85 USD |
| Application Portal | Columbia Graduate Engineering Application |
| Requirements | Relevant bachelor’s degree, Official transcripts, Three letters of recommendations, Personal statement, Resume/Curriculum Vitae, Interview(if requested) |
| Test Score Requirements | GRE, TOEFL/IELTS/PTE |
Columbia University Computer and Information Science
MS in Computer and Information science is a popular course for those who wish to enhance their knowledge about the discipline.
| Deadlines | Fall: Priority 1 – January 15; Priority 2- February 15 Spring: October 1 |
| Application Fee | 85 USD |
| Application Portal | Columbia FFSEAS Application System |
| Requirements | Relevant bachelor’s degree, Official transcripts, Three letters of recommendations, Personal statement, Resume/Curriculum Vitae, Interview(if requested) |
| Test score Requirements | GRE, TOEFL/IELTS/PTE |
Columbia University Masters in Psychology
Columbia’s Department of Psychology dates back to 1890 and continues to be one of the top choices for studying psychology in the world.
| Deadlines | International students must apply at least 12 weeks before the May 1 deadline |
| Application Fee | 115 USD |
| Application Portal | Columbia GSAS Application Portal |
| Requirements | Transcripts, Three Letters of recommendation (Academic), SOP |
| Test score Requirements | GRE, TOEFL/IELTS |
Most of the international students need to keep in mind the tests and exams required to study in the USA as well as if their program of choice has other requirements as well. Different departments may require varying test scores of varying exams.
International students can also avail financial assistance through different types of financial aid available in the US.
Columbia admission office follows a holistic process, that is every part of the application needs to be kept in mind and provide relevant information that strengthens the candidate’s case.
columbia sIPA early action Tuition
According to the Columbia Chronicle, full-time students will notice a 2% increase in Columbia University tuition fee and housing cost for the third time in a row this fall. The cost of attendance at Columbia University can even add up to 70,000 USD per year for some courses.
| College | Course | Tuition per semester (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia College | Bachelor in Engineering | 29,460 |
| Graduate School of Arts and Sciences | MA in Economics | 35,554 |
| School of General Studies | All courses | 32,232 |
| Columbia Business School | Master in Business Administration | 38,688 |
| Columbia Law School | LL.M. Program | 34,948 |
All current and incoming students are required to pay other fees like – fee for health insurance in the US, Student activity fee, registration fee, document fee, etc.
| Fee | Cost per term (in USD) |
|---|---|
| Student activity fee | 135 |
| Health insurance | 584 |
| Registration fee | 50-100 |
| Withdrawal fee | 75 |
Columbia University Scholarships
Columbia University’s financial aid package includes several options for those who are looking for scholarships to study in the US. Popular scholarships for international students include –
| Scholarship | Availability | Application required | Amount award(in USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Helen Lansdowne Resor Scholarship | Available to women enrolled in Architecture, Business, Communication, etc. | Yes | 10,000 |
| Northwest IB Scholarship | Offered to the first 20 IB School Graduates | No | 1,000 |
| International Merit Scholarship | Available to International freshmen students | Yes | 500 – 3,000 |
| Business Studies Scholarship | Available to Management, Economics, and Marketing students | No | 2,000 |
Furthermore, there are several country-specific outside scholarships for international students. There are plenty of funding options for Indian students in USA and other countries.
Columbia University Alumni Benefits
According to a 2016 ranking of global universities for living graduates who are billionaires, Columbia ranked second, after Harvard.
The Columbia Alumni Association has a separate portal dedicated to the health and betterment of the varsity alumni. With over 350,000 alumni population registered in the network, the university spares no effort to help its former students in any way it can. Few of the notable alumnae benefits are –
- Insurance teamed up with nationwide to offer special savings on a wide range of insurance and financial solutions.
- Discounted shopping for books at Columbia University Press
- Alumni and guest have access to on-campus accommodations at International House, Teachers College and off-campus at Columbia University Club of New York
- Access to Alumni Bookshelf to browse books written by fellow alumni
- Browsing and reading privilege at Columbia Libraries
- Free subscription to Columbia Magzine
- Free transcripts access from the Office of Registrar
- Columbia Facilities access like Dodge fitness center, St. Paul’s Chapel, faculty house
Columbia University is the 5th oldest institute of higher education in US and has a tie-up with Caltech, Yale, and MIT and it provides a wide scope of opportunity so that the students gain exposure to a different curriculum as well.
Notable alumni
- Madeleine Albright, former United States Secretary of State
- Joseph Kofi Adda, Member of Ghanaian Parliament for Navrongo Central and Ghanaian Minister for Energy
- Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, Minister of External Affairs of Nigeria and UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs
- Karen Attiah, Global Opinions editor for The Washington Post
- Jose Ramos Horta (graduate student), President of East Timor (2007–); former Prime Minister; Nobel Laureate
- David Kay, Chief UN weapons inspector and head of Iraq Survey Group
- George Tenet, Former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency
- Howard Warren Buffett, former policy advisor, Executive Office of the President of the United States (for Barack Obama), executive director of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation
- William Clark Jr., former U.S. Ambassador to India
- Julie J. Chung, US Diplomat
- Bill de Blasio, Mayor of New York City and former Public Advocate
- Ina Drew, former Chief Investment Officer for J.P. Morgan; forced to resign after JPM suffered a trading loss of $2 billion in April/May 2012
- Pamela Druckerman, writer and freelance journalist
- Daniel Fried, Assistant U.S. Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs
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