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Columbia University School of General Studies

New York, NY

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Overview

Columbia University School of General Studies

Columbia University School of General Studies (GS), established in 1947, is the finest liberal arts college in the country dedicated specifically to nontraditional students seeking a traditional Ivy League education. Nontraditional students include those who have, for personal or professional reasons, interrupted their educations, never attended college, or are only able to attend part time.

GS is unique among colleges of its type because its students are fully integrated into the Columbia undergraduate curriculum--they take the same courses with the same faculty members and earn the same degree as all other undergraduates at the University. In the classroom, the diversity and varied personal experiences of the student body promote discussion and debate that is unparalleled in the Ivy League, fostering an environment of academic rigor and intellectual development.

In addition to its core undergraduate program, GS is home to the Columbia University Postbaccalaureate Premedical Program, the Dual BA Program Between Columbia University and Sciences Po, the Dual BA Program between Trinity College Dublin and Columbia University, the Joint Bachelor's Degree Program between City University of Hong Kong and Columbia University and the Joint Program with List College of the Jewish Theological Seminary.

GS enrolls world-class dancers, athletes, and musicians; bankers and small business owners; military veterans; and people who come from as far away as China, Israel, and Germany. There are more than 2,100 undergraduate degree candidates and more than 400 students enrolled in the Postbaccalaureate Premedical Program. The average age of the GS student body is 26. More than 70 percent attend classes full time, and more than 70 percent of GS graduates go on to earn advanced degrees.

Columbia University Campus

Columbia University is located in Morningside Heights, on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The University's neighbors include the Union Theological Seminary, the Jewish Theological Seminary, the Manhattan School of Music, Mount Sinai St. Luke's Hospital, Riverside Church, and the historic Cathedral of St. John the Divine, the largest cathedral in the world. The diversity of intellectual and social activities offered by these institutions is one of Columbia's great assets; another is New York City itself, which offers Columbia students a rich and almost boundless variety of social and cultural opportunities.

Columbia University Majors and Degrees

GS offers a traditional, Ivy League liberal arts education leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree, which is designed to provide students with the broad knowledge and intellectual skills that foster continued education and growth in the years after college, as well as to provide a solid foundation for positions of responsibility in the professional world. Students choose from more than 80 majors and concentrations, and individually-designed majors are also available.

The Dual BA Program Between Columbia University and Sciences Po is an intensive, transatlantic course of study in which students earn two bachelor's degrees in four years, one from each University. Students begin their studies at one of three Sciences Po campuses, each of which is devoted to a particular part of the world and offers a heavy linguistic and cultural focus. After two years, students matriculate at GS to complete core and major requirements. Upon graduation, students are eligible for guaranteed admission to a graduate program at Sciences Po. Admission to the program is highly competitive, and high school seniors are eligible to apply.

The Dual BA Program between Trinity College Dublin and Columbia University transcends traditional study-abroad opportunities by providing students the opportunity to pursue a rigorous undergraduate liberal arts education spanning two continents, at two world-renowned universities in the heart of Dublin and New York City. Upon completion of one of four programs at Trinity—English studies, European studies, history, or Middle Eastern and European languages and cultures—students matriculate at GS to complete core and major requirements. Admission is highly competitive, and high school seniors are eligible to apply.

Study Abroad

Columbia students are encouraged to enhance their academic experiences through the more than 150 study abroad programs offered in more than 100 cities around the world. Options include studying in Paris at the Columbia University Global Center, in Kyoto at the Consortium for Japanese Studies, in Kenya completing the Tropical Biology and Sustainability Program, or in Cuba taking courses at the University of Havana, to name a few.

Financial Aid

GS awards financial aid based upon need and academic ability. Approximately 70 percent of GS students receive some form of financial aid, including federal Pell grants, New York State TAP grants, federal unsubsidized and subsidized Stafford Loans, institutional scholarships, and Federal Work-Study Program awards. GS is also a proud participant in the Department of Veterans Affairs' Yellow Ribbon Program, and more than 400 military veterans are currently enrolled at the School.

Costs

For the 2018-2019 academic year, tuition is $1,822 per point (credit). Living (room and board) and personal (books, local commuting costs, etc.) expenses are approximately $24,170.

Columbia University Faculty

All undergraduate liberal arts courses at Columbia University are taught by members of the Columbia University Faculty of Arts and Sciences. These distinguished scholars in virtually every discipline also teach students in Columbia College, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the School of the Arts, and the School of Professional Studies. The student-faculty ratio is six to one, and GS students have many opportunities to work closely with faculty members, both in small classes and on research projects. Faculty members also serve as departmental advisors to students majoring in their area of study and maintain regular office hours.

Admissions Information and Deadlines

GS employs a rigorous admissions process geared toward nontraditional students. Applicants are evaluated individually, with each student's background and experiences taken into account alongside more traditional measures of academic success. 

Students who wish to apply to GS must submit an application, standardized test scores, high school and college transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a non-refundable application fee. If the applicant has not taken the SAT or ACT within the last eight years, he or she has the option of taking the General Studies Admissions Exam (GSAE). For additional information about admissions requirements, visit the GS website.

Students may apply to GS either Early Action (nonbinding) or Regular Decision. Early Action applicants receive a decision significantly earlier. Application deadlines are as follows: 

Fall Early Action (nonbinding): March 1; Fall Regular Decision: June 1

Spring Early Action (nonbinding): October 1; Spring Regular Decision: November 1

The application deadline for the Dual BA Program Between Columbia University and Sciences Po is January 2. For additional information about admissions requirements, visit the Dual BA Program website.

Location & Contact

Address 2970 Broadway
408 Lewisohn Hall, MC 4101
New York, NY  10027
United States
Contact Mr. Curtis M. Rodgers
Vice Dean
Email: gsdegree@columbia.edu
Phone: 212-854-2772
Fax: 212-854-6316

Majors & Degrees

Architecture And Related Services Associate Bachelors
Architectural History And Criticism, General Checkmark
Architecture Checkmark
Area, Ethnic, Cultural, And Gender Studies Associate Bachelors
African Studies Checkmark
African-american/black Studies Checkmark
American/united States Studies/civilization Checkmark
Caribbean Studies Checkmark
East Asian Studies Checkmark
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, And Group Studies, Other Checkmark
French Studies Checkmark
Hispanic-american, Puerto Rican, And Mexican-american/chicano Studies Checkmark
Italian Studies Checkmark
Latin American Studies Checkmark
Near And Middle Eastern Studies Checkmark
Regional Studies (us, Canadian, Foreign) Checkmark
Russian Studies Checkmark
Slavic Studies Checkmark
South Asian Studies Checkmark
Women's Studies Checkmark
Biological And Biomedical Sciences Associate Bachelors
Biochemistry Checkmark
Biology/biological Sciences, General Checkmark
Biophysics Checkmark
Ecology And Evolutionary Biology Checkmark
Environmental Biology Checkmark
Evolutionary Biology Checkmark
Neuroscience Checkmark
Business, Management, Marketing, And Related Support Services Associate Bachelors
Finance And Financial Management Services, Other Checkmark
Computer And Information Sciences And Support Services Associate Bachelors
Computer And Information Sciences, Other Checkmark
Computer Science Checkmark
Information Science/studies Checkmark
English Language And Literature/Letters Associate Bachelors
Creative Writing Checkmark
English Language And Literature, General Checkmark
English Language And Literature/letters, Other Checkmark
Writing, General Checkmark
Foreign Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics Associate Bachelors
Classics And Classical Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics, General Checkmark
Classics And Classical Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics, Other Checkmark
Comparative Literature Checkmark
East Asian Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics, Other Checkmark
French Language And Literature Checkmark
German Language And Literature Checkmark
Germanic Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics, Other Checkmark
Italian Language And Literature Checkmark
Middle/near Eastern And Semitic Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics, Other Checkmark
Russian Language And Literature Checkmark
Slavic Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics, General Checkmark
History Associate Bachelors
History, General Checkmark
Mathematics And Statistics Associate Bachelors
Applied Mathematics, General Checkmark
Mathematics And Statistics, Other Checkmark
Mathematics, General Checkmark
Statistics, General Checkmark
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies Associate Bachelors
Ancient Studies/civilization Checkmark
Sustainability Studies Checkmark
Natural Resources And Conservation Associate Bachelors
Environmental Science Checkmark
Philosophy And Religious Studies Associate Bachelors
Philosophy Checkmark
Religion/religious Studies Checkmark
Physical Sciences Associate Bachelors
Astronomy Checkmark
Astrophysics Checkmark
Chemical Physics Checkmark
Chemistry, General Checkmark
Environmental Chemistry Checkmark
Geology/earth Science, General Checkmark
Physics, General Checkmark
Psychology Associate Bachelors
Psychology, General Checkmark
Social Sciences Associate Bachelors
Anthropology, General Checkmark
Archeology Checkmark
Economics, General Checkmark
Economics, Other Checkmark
Political Science And Government, General Checkmark
Political Science And Government, Other Checkmark
Sociology, General Checkmark
Urban Studies/affairs Checkmark
Visual And Performing Arts Associate Bachelors
Art History, Criticism And Conservation Checkmark
Dance, General Checkmark
Design And Applied Arts, Other Checkmark
Drama And Dramatics/theatre Arts, General Checkmark
Film/cinema/media Studies Checkmark
Fine/studio Arts, General Checkmark
Music, General Checkmark
Visual And Performing Arts, General Checkmark
Visual And Performing Arts, Other Checkmark

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

504
Applied
149
Accepted
2,234
Enrolled
30%
Female icon

Female Admissions

238
Females Applied
62
Females Accepted
26%
Acceptance Rate
Male icon

Male Admissions

266
Males Applied
87
Males Accepted
33%
Acceptance Rate

Applying

Admission Requirements
Required Transcript of high school record
Essay
2 recommendations
Required for some programs Interview

Application Deadlines

Type Application Closing Notification Date Rolling Admissions
Fall freshmen May 15th July 7th
Other early decision plan January 15th March 1st
Transfer May 15th March 1st Yes

Test Scores Accepted

Test Avg. Score 25th % Info icon 75th % Info icon
SAT Critical Reading 703 750
SAT Math 763 790
ACT Composite 32 34

Tuition & Fees

Money icon

Tuition

63,060
Private
Fees icon

Fees

2,920
Full-time student fees

Financial Aid

42,954
Avg. Financial Aid Package
42,457
Avg. Freshman Financial Aid Package
23,822
Avg. International Student Financial Aid Package
5,609
Avg. Loan Aid
12,297
Avg. Grant Aid
37,679
Avg. Scholarship and/or Grant Aid awarded
100% Percentage of students with need who receive financial aid
59.4%
Avg. Percentage of Financial Need Met
8%
Percentage of Students Who Had Their Need Fully Met

Student Body

2,234
Total Undergrad students
27%
International Students
66%
Out-of-state students

Race/Ethnicity

Hispanic/Latino 11.24%
Black or African American 4.92%
White or Caucasian 40.42%
American Indian or Alaska Native 0.09%
Asian 10.25%
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander 0.13%
Two or more races 4.12%
Other 1.97%

Gender

Male (53.54%)
Female (46.46%)

Campus Life

Housing

Type
College-owned housing Yes
Housing requirements None
Housing options Cooperative housing
Co-ed housing
Disabled housing
International housing
% of undergrad students who live in college housing 30%

Student Activities

Student-run campus newspaper Checkmark
Drama/theatre group Checkmark
Student-run radio station Checkmark
Student-run television station Checkmark
Marching band Checkmark
Choral groups Checkmark
Campus events:
Commencement

Student Services

Legal services Checkmark
Health clinic Checkmark
Personal/psychological counseling Checkmark
Women's center Checkmark
International students advisor Checkmark

Student Organizations

Greek fraternities Checkmark
Greek sororities Checkmark
Local fraternities Checkmark
Most popular organizations:
General Studies Student Council

Campus Security & Safety

24-hour emergency telephone/alarm services Checkmark
24-hour patrols by trained officers Checkmark
Student patrols Checkmark
Late-night transport/escort services Checkmark
Electronically-operated dormitory entrances Checkmark

Athletics

Male icon

Men's Sports

Sport Intramural Intercollegiate Scholarship
Archery Checkmark No No
Badminton Checkmark Checkmark No
Baseball No Division 1 No
Basketball Checkmark Division 1 No
Bowling Checkmark No No
Crew No Division 1 No
Cross-country Running No Division 1 No
Equestrian Sports Checkmark Checkmark No
Fencing No Division 1 No
Field Hockey No No No
Football Checkmark Division 1B No
Golf No Division 1 No
Ice Hockey No Checkmark No
Lacrosse No Checkmark No
Racquetball Checkmark Checkmark No
Rock Climbing Checkmark No No
Rugby No Checkmark No
Sailing No Checkmark No
Skiing (downhill) No Checkmark No
Soccer Checkmark Division 1 No
Softball No No No
Squash No Division 1 No
Swimming And Diving No Division 1 No
Table Tennis Checkmark Checkmark No
Tennis No Division 1 No
Track And Field No Division 1 No
Ultimate Frisbee No Checkmark No
Volleyball Checkmark No No
Water Polo No Checkmark No
Weight Lifting Checkmark No No
Wrestling No Division 1 No
Female icon

Women's Sports

Sport Intramural Intercollegiate Scholarship
Archery Checkmark Division 1 No
Badminton Checkmark Checkmark No
Baseball No No No
Basketball Checkmark Division 1 No
Bowling Checkmark No No
Crew No Division 1 No
Cross-country Running No Division 1 No
Equestrian Sports Checkmark Checkmark No
Fencing No Division 1 No
Field Hockey No Division 1 No
Football Checkmark No No
Golf No Division 1 No
Ice Hockey No Checkmark No
Lacrosse No Division 1 No
Racquetball Checkmark Checkmark No
Rock Climbing Checkmark No No
Rugby No Checkmark No
Sailing No Checkmark No
Skiing (downhill) No Checkmark No
Soccer Checkmark Division 1 No
Softball No Division 1 No
Squash No Division 1 No
Swimming And Diving No Division 1 No
Table Tennis Checkmark Checkmark No
Tennis No Division 1 No
Track And Field No Division 1 No
Ultimate Frisbee No Checkmark No
Volleyball Checkmark Division 1 No
Water Polo No Checkmark No
Weight Lifting Checkmark No No
Wrestling No No No

Faculty

3,270
Total Faculty
6:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-time - 1,651
Part-time - 1,619
Male - 1,939
Female - 1,328
Columbia University School of General Studies
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