About the College

From understanding the forces of globalization to grasping life through the prism of a gene or a molecule to expressing human yearning through the arts, Columbia College challenges students to think critically and develop intellectual skills.

One of the world’s premier liberal arts colleges, Columbia College is distinguished by a singular, intensive Core Curriculum and provides all the benefits of a small college and all the reach of a great research university. Students have close contact with prize-winning and path-breaking faculty, a comprehensive advising system and a community where individuals are able to interact with their peers in a deep, meaningful way both inside and outside of the classroom. Students also benefit from close ties with the University’s renowned graduate and professional schools, including law, business, medicine, arts, journalism, and international and public affairs, all while being surrounded by the world’s most exciting city: New York.


At a Glance

Dean
Josef Sorett

Founded
1754

Faculty to Student Ratio
6:1

Class Size %
About 60% of classes with fewer than 20 students

Students
Nearly all students live on campus all four years

Resources
Instruction in more than 40 foreign languages
More than 100 study abroad programs
More than 150 research institutes and centers
19 Libraries