Columbia/Howard and Columbia/Spelman Exchange Programs

Columbia College participates in an exchange program with Howard University. Each year interested Columbia juniors who are in good standing may spend one semester (not to be repeated during their stay at Columbia College) studying at Howard, a historically Black university in Washington, D.C.

Columbia College partners with Barnard College in an exchange program that permits Columbia women who are juniors to spend a semester (not to be repeated during their stay at Columbia College) at Spelman College, a historically Black women’s college in Atlanta, Georgia.

Columbia College students pay no tuition beyond that which is paid to Columbia College. Students studying at Howard, however, are expected to pay their room and boarding expenses at Howard University. Students studying at Spelman make room and board arrangements and payments through Barnard College.

Grades from Howard or Spelman are treated as transfer credit; they are not included in computing the Columbia College grade point average. Courses taken at Howard or Spelman count toward a specific graduation requirement only if approved by the appropriate academic department.

No more than five students combined may participate in these exchanges during one semester. Students interested in participating in either program may apply by mid-October for the spring semester and by mid-April for the fall semester.

Applications and additional information may be obtained from The Intercultural Rescource Center, (212) 854-7461; irc@columbia.edu.