Parents & Guardians

As a parent, you play an essential role in navigating your student through the college admissions process. That’s why we want you to have all the information you need to help your student choose the right college. Whether it’s visiting Columbia in person, calculating what tuition might be for you, or just researching first-year dorm options, we want to provide all the resources you need during this pivotal and exciting time in your student’s life.

Three students sitting on the Low Steps

Getting Started

Helping your child navigate high school plus the college search and application process can be a profound responsibility. As a parent or guardian, you have the power to encourage your student to seek opportunities that align with their interests in meaningful ways, including classes, extracurriculars and personal pursuits. Each step paves the way for the next, and we’ve found that the journey to finding the right community for your student begins with a supportive nudge from their parents and guardians, counselors and admissions staff.

Stay connected with Columbia!

Affordability and Aid

Don't let the sticker price deter you from considering Columbia. We offer some of the most generous financial aid of any college in the United States, and students are often surprised by how much they receive. Our first-year students receive an average of $70,797 in financial aid and scholarships, and students whose families make under $150,000 a year are offered free tuition.

  • Use our financial aid calculator to see what a Columbia education would cost for you.
  • Read about affordability for all families, no matter your background.
  • Check out our simple instructions on how your child can use the Columbia-specific fee waiver on their Common Application or Coalition application.
Next Steps

$228 million

in grants and scholarships

500+

student clubs, organizations and teams

4 years

guaranteed campus housing

125,000+

jobs and internships posted annually on the LionShare job portal

Diving Deeper

Now that you've gotten your feet wet and learned some basic facts about Columbia, we're here to provide anything else you might need during your student's admissions process. Find information about how to assist your student in applying to college and why Columbia might be the right fit.

About Columbia

When students arrive, they aren't just in for another college experience. They're in for a centuries-old, world-class education in the greatest city in the world. Located in New York City, Columbia University has been a place of deep intellectual curiosity, all while rooted in tradition, community and innovation since 1754. Nowhere but here do students have access to the unparalleled cultural, professional and recreational resources of an Ivy League university and New York City.

More Resources

Take a deep breath. Now let it out. The college search process is a long yet rewarding journey. We're here to guide your experience in discovering Columbia.

Join Our Family Mailing List
Loading...
people under trees on College Walk in daytime
students interacting while sitting at a table in a classroom

Campus Life

In order to help your child choose the best college for them, you probably want to know as much as possible about what their life would look like at Columbia. And we want to tell you everything—not just about our renowned academic programs or our ideal NYC location, but also about things like student wellness and public safety, which we know are just as important for daily life here. We've linked information about housing, dining, campus community, and other aspects of everyday life as a Columbia student.