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Columbia University - Academics - College ProwlerCollege Prowler5.00

Academics

A+
Where does this grade come from?View all Academics rankingsReview this school to add your opinion

Comparable Schools' Academics Grades:

Quick Stats

Student-Faculty Ratio 6:1
Full-Time Student Population 20,476
Part-Time Student Population 3,712
Full-Time Instructional Faculty 1,422
Part-Time Instructional Faculty 902
Total FT Faculty 3,667
Faculty with Terminal Degree 100%
Average Faculty Salary $126,417
Full-Time Retention Rate 98%
Part-Time Retention Rate 97%
Graduation Rate 93%
Programs/Majors Offered 168
Average Course Load 5 courses
Academic/Career Counseling? Yes
Remedial Services? No
Class Sizes
  • Fewer than 20 Students: 77%
  • 20 to 49 Students: 15%
  • 50 or More Students: 8%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

A college cannot be considered one of the best in the world without attracting top-notch faculty. Most students are impressed with the collective knowledge and academic rigor of the professors. The major problems that Columbia students cite are the huge egos of the senior faculty and the lack of individual attention. If a student is sincere and persistent, however, it is possible to find stimulating mentors among the faculty. And do not disregard the old drunk—he may very well be the best professor you ever had. Columbia is the kind of place where you must find out who and what works for you.

Sometimes, students have little choice in selecting a professor, especially if a course is offered only once a year. In those situations, you just have to bite the bullet. Students can ask around or use CULPA to learn about a specific professor. Many view the first week of school as a tasting menu. They go from course to course in order to find the professor who best fills their needs, and sometimes, they may even find an inspiring mentor in the process. Some students find their niche in their selected curriculum, while others are equally impressed by the diversity offered within the core requirements. One can find something of interest in a classroom at Columbia, but it takes more effort than just glancing through the course catalogue.

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Columbia Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Academics at Columbia University

russkayamargo

'14

Chemistry

4.6
A

Great Department Resources

The academic advisers really help you out-- especially if you start talking to them early on in your college career. I'm also pre-med, which is really great and helpful at Columbia. There are TONS of speaker events on campus, and TONS of opportunities on campus and in the city!

Nov 29, 2011

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Academics at Columbia University

adrig328

'13

Political Science and Government

4.2
A-

You Get What You Came for

Columbia is intense, though diverse. We all came here for a good education that is challenging and demanding, you defintely get that. Depending on the class, teachers grade hard or easy. Its nearly impossible to fail a core class but very easy with other classes. Your peers are who fuel the competition of grades. Everyone is out for their own.

Aug 10, 2011

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Academics at Columbia University

shruti1

'14

Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering

5.0
A+

Fantastic!

Workload is tough and challenging but one learns a lot. Facilities are excellent. Unique student centered research and engagement curriculum. Excellent career and education office support.

Jul 31, 2011

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Page 1 of 9

Photos of Columbia University's Academics

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Columbia University - LibraryLibrary
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Library A look at Butler Library.
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Columbia University - The QuadThe Quad
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The Quad Another view of the campus.
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Columbia University - CampusCampus
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Campus Brick pathways line the campus.
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Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

Rate your school’s professors on the following topics

Rate your school’s academic environment on the following topics

Facts

Instructional Programs Occupational: No
Academic: Yes
Continuing Professional: Yes
Recreational/Avocational: No
Adult Basic Remedial: No
Secondary (High School): No
Special Credit Opportunities Advanced Placement (AP) Credits: Yes
Dual Credit: No
Life Experience Credits: No
AP Test Score Requirements Placement with scores of 4 or 5
IB Test Score Requirements 6 or 7 in higher level classes
Undergraduate Schools/Divisions
  • Columbia College
  • The Fu Foundation School for Engineering and Applied Sciences
  • School of General Studies
  • School of Nursing
  • School of the Arts
Degrees Awarded
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Doctorate - Professional practice
  • Doctorate - Research/scholarship
  • Master's degree
  • Post-bachelor's certificate
  • Post-master's certificate
Most Popular Majors
  • Business Administration and Management: 5%
  • International Relations and National Security Studies: 2%
  • Law: 2%
  • Social Work: 2%
Special Study Options
  • Distance learning opportunities
  • Study abroad
Best Places to Study
  • Butler Library's stacks
  • Hungarian Pastry Shop, at a corner table
  • Lerner Hall, in a comfy chair
  • School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) Library
Did You Know?

Bring your swim shoes because Columbia University requires all of its undergrads to pass a swim test in order to graduate. The test consists of swimming three lengths of the pool without stopping. It is the bane of all seniors trying to fulfill every last requirement.

Columbia offers a wide range of classes to satisfy the PE two-class requirement, from scuba diving to skiing.

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Most Recent Student Author

College Prowler guides are in the hands of students throughout the entire process. Because you can't make student-written guides without the students, we have students at each campus who write, edit, and survey their peers for every guide that we publish. Thanks to our most recent student author at Columbia

Name: Alexandre Millet

Hometown: Washington D.C., Geneva

Major: Economics and Computer Science

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