International Financial Aid

A Columbia education is possible for students from all socioeconomic backgrounds, including international students. Columbia is committed to meeting 100% of the demonstrated need of all admitted first-year students, regardless of citizenship. International students apply for and receive a substantial amount of financial aid every year, with international financial aid totaling over $17 million for the Class of 2025.

International Admissions and Financial Aid

The Columbia admissions process is largely the same for all students, regardless of citizenship and residency, but international students are evaluated in a need-aware manner. For financial aid purposes, students who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States, do not have refugee visas or asylum status, and are not undocumented or DACA recipients are considered international. This means that the admissions committee considers how much financial aid a student requires when evaluating an application. All financial aid at Columbia is need-based, and there are no merit scholarships awarded for academics, athletics or other talents.$177 million

AWARDED IN FINANCIAL AID GRANTS$17 million

AWARDED IN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL AID$62,850

For admitted international students, Columbia will meet 100% of a family’s demonstrated need, based on the information provided in the financial aid application. The average award for international financial aid recipients is $66,350, usually encompassing a Columbia grant, which does not have to be repaid, and a student work-study job. Columbia does not include loans in financial aid packages, and as international students are not eligible for federal student aid, Columbia will meet all international financial aid with institutional resources.

International applicants must indicate their plan to apply for financial aid when submitting their admission application. If admitted without requesting financial aid, international students may not change their status to apply for aid, even if their financial circumstances change. International financial aid cannot be awarded in subsequent years if not awarded at the time of admission. 

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