Outcomes

In the professional and postgraduate landscape of the 21st century, it’s tempting to define successful outcomes in quantifiable terms—from competitive job placements and impressive starting salaries to elite graduate program acceptances. At Columbia, we’re mindful of these metrics, too, and we’re always proud to see our students go into the world to pursue all the continued success that awaits them. 

But we are equally mindful of outcomes that are less tangible—but perhaps more important. Developing the character, curiosity, initiative and engaged citizenship that are the true hallmarks of a Columbia education.

Four years of growth. A lifetime of perspective.

Through the century-old Core Curriculum, and in more recent concepts like Engineering for Humanity and My Columbia College Journey, there is an emphasis on reflection, connection and a search for deeper understanding that is at the heart of the Columbia experience. It manifests in the ways we engage with the city and the world around us. In the hands-on, experiential emphasis of our learning environment. In the depth of the relationships that our students form around seminar and dining tables, on playing fields, in residential lounges.

However your time at Columbia unfolds, and wherever your path leads you next, we hope you will find it was time well spent—four years as part of a community rooted in immersive discourse and the pursuit of deeper meaning. You’ll go forward into the world with the avid curiosity to ask life’s big questions—as well as the wisdom and the resolve to find your own answers.

Where do Columbians go after Morningside Heights?

What matters most to Columbia is the citizens and individuals our students become. But they grow into truly impressive scholars and professionals, creators and visionaries as well.

Below are sample outcomes that highlight the first post-graduation jobs of Columbia students:

Arts Majors
IndustryOrganizationRole
BusinessMcKinsey & CompanyBusiness Analyst
EntertainmentUnited Talent AgencyAgent Trainee
FilmVillage RoadshowAssistant Producer
JournalismQuad-City TimesSports Editor
PublishingThe Masters ReviewFirst Reader
Graduate SchoolColumbia University; Harvard University; University of Southern CaliforniaMA, MFA, PhD Candidate
Engineering Majors
IndustryOrganizationRole
ConstructionWhiting-TurnerProject Engineer
Consumer GoodsHenkelChemical Engineer
EntertainmentTwitchSoftware Engineer
Investment BankingJ.P MorganAnalyst
TechnologySamsungScientist
Graduate SchoolUniversity of California, Berkeley; Tufts University; University of PennsylvaniaMS, PhD Candidates
Humanities Majors
IndustryOrganizationRole
ConsultingDeloitteBusiness Analyst
EducationStevens Institute of TechnologyAdmissions Officer
LawFrankfurt, Kurnit, Klein + SelzLitigation Paralegal
MuseumsSmithsonianCuratorial Intern
TelevisionAMC NetworksResearch Analyst
Graduate SchoolCambridge University, Yale University, University of MichiganMD, PhD, JD, MPhil
Natural Sciences Majors
IndustryOrganizationRole
ArchitectureScapeStudio Assistant
ConsultingCrossixMarketing Data Analyst
EducationnyctfPhysics Teacher
ResearchThe Broad InstituteResearch Associate
TechnologyIBMConsultant
Graduate SchoolThe University of Vermont; University of Oxford; Columbia UniversityMBA, MPA, MS and PhD
Social Sciences Majors
IndustryOrganizationRole
FellowshipKippTeaching Fellow
GovernmentDistrict Attorney's OfficeInvestigative Paralegal
NonprofitSanctuary for FamiliesProject Assistant
NonprofitHuman Rights FoundationStrategic Advisor
TechnologyFacebookProduct Marketing Manager
Graduate SchoolDuke University; Harvard University; London School of EconomicsMA, MPhil, JD, MIA, PhD
fact:

$95,425

average starting salary for undergraduate alumni

fact:

87.9%

of the Columbia College and Columbia Engineering 2024 graduating class are employed or in graduate school

Learn more about the incredible things our graduates do in the most recent Beyond Columbia report. 

Class of 2024 Outcomes

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Columbia campus lion statue

Ready to see where Columbia Blue might take you?

A Columbia education leads to some truly remarkable places. How far will you go? Whose lives will you touch? We can’t wait to find out.

Begin your application for admission