Columbia MBA
The Columbia Business School MBA is one of the world’s most prestigious MBA programs, located in the heart of New York City. Renowned for its strong ties to Wall Street, global corporations, and the entrepreneurial ecosystem, Columbia offers unmatched access to industry leaders and real-time business insights. The full-time MBA program emphasizes academic rigor, leadership development, and global perspective, making it an ideal choice for professionals aiming to advance or pivot their careers in finance, consulting, tech, or entrepreneurship. With flexible intake options (January and August), Columbia MBA provides a dynamic, immersive, and customizable learning experience.
Columbia MBA – Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve answered key applicant queries about this top-ranked two‑year MBA program—covering testing, cost, duration, internships & career support, and more.
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Yes. Columbia requires a valid GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment score with your application submission. There is no minimum score, but competitive candidates typically fall within the 680–760 GMAT range (middle 80%) and have 3–7 years of work experience
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For the full-time MBA (August/January entry), tuition plus fees averages around US $77,376 tuition + US $3,847 mandatory fees in year one, with total estimated first-year cost (including living expenses) approximately US $114,000
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The full-time MBA spans four terms over two academic years (approximately 20 months for August-entry, 16 months for January-entry), requiring completion of 60 credits (18 core + minimum 42 electives)
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Absolutely. Columbia offers top-tier internship support between Year 1 and Year 2, leveraging its NYC location and strong connections with finance, consulting, tech, and entrepreneurial firms. Many students intern on Wall Street, in consulting firms, and startups. Career services include externships, on-campus recruiting, career coaches, and extensive alumni networking
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Yes. All admitted students are automatically considered for merit-based fellowships. Need-based funding requires a separate application. Approximately 50% of students receive institutional aid, which is renewable into Year 2 if academic standards and financial criteria are met
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Yes. Columbia offers August-entry (≈20-month path with summer internship) and January-entry (≈16-month accelerated path, combined with August cohort in Year 2)
Columbia MBA - Class Profile
A Diverse, Intellectually Driven MBA Cohort
CBS brings together a dynamic, globally-minded cohort with deep industry experience. Students gain immersive access to real-time business in New York, forging powerful networks and shaping future-ready leadership.
- Class Profile Highlights (MBA Class of 2025):
- Class Size: 900 total
- 681 entrants in August
- 219 entrants in January
- Average Age: ~28 years (mid-20s to early 30s)
- Average Work Experience: 5 years (middle 80% range: 3–8 years)
- International Students: 47%
- Women: 44%
- U.S. Minorities: ~43%
- Mean GMAT Score: ~730 (range ~600–780)
- Average GPA: ~3.5
- Class Size: 900 total
- Professional Backgrounds:
- Financial Services: ~29%
- Consulting: ~21%
- Technology: ~11–13%
- Marketing/Media: ~11–12%
- Others (healthcare, real estate, energy, nonprofits, military/government): ~2–5% each
- Undergraduate Majors:
- Business/Economics (combined): ~55%
- Engineering: ~17%
- Social Sciences & Sciences: ~19%
- Other fields (Humanities, Tech, etc.): remainder
Columbia MBA – Basic Program Information
Columbia Business School offers a prestigious, full-time MBA program designed to develop leadership and business expertise with access to New York City’s dynamic business ecosystem.
- Program Duration: 16–20 Months (Full-Time MBA, January and August intakes)
- Tuition Fees (Domestic & International): Approximately $77,376 per year (covers tuition, academic materials, and campus resources)
- Estimated Living Expenses: Around $36,000 per year (includes housing, food, transportation, and personal expenses in NYC)
Columbia MBA - Employment Report (Class of 2025–26)
- Average Post-MBA Salary:
- Base Salary: $175,000
- Signing Bonus: $30,000
- Other Guaranteed Compensation: $32,150
- Total Median Compensation: $237,150
- Job Offer Rate (3 months post-graduation):
- 94%
- Top Hiring Sectors:
- Consulting – 35%
- Finance (Private Equity, Hedge Funds, Investment Banking) – 27%
- Technology & Product Management – 11%
- Marketing & Brand/Product Management – 12%
- General Management & Operations – 5%
- Top Hiring Regions:
- United States – 79%
- Asia – 9%
- Europe – 5%
- Central & South America – 4%
- Africa & Middle East – 3%
- Top Recruiters:
- McKinsey & Company
- Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
- Bain & Company
- Goldman Sachs
- Amazon
- J.P. Morgan
- Microsoft
- BlackRock
- Alumni Network:
- Over 44,000 alumni globally, offering access to a powerful network across industries and regions
Columbia MBA Program Deadlines & Intakes
Columbia Business School offers two MBA intakes each year—in January and August—providing flexibility for applicants to start their MBA journey aligned with their career plans.
- January 2026 Entry (Accelerated 16-Month MBA)
- Round 1: June 17, 2025
- Round 2: August 13, 2025
- August 2026 Entry (Traditional 20-Month MBA)
- Round 1: September 3, 2025
- Round 2: January 6, 2026
- Round 3: March 26, 2026
- Deferred Enrollment Program (For Current Undergraduates)
- Final Deadline: April 15, 2026
Columbia MBA - Application Requirements
Prepare a strong application package demonstrating your academic excellence, leadership potential, and career vision. All materials must be submitted online by the application deadline.
Requirements
- GMAT / GRE / Executive Assessment:
Submit a valid GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment score. Columbia has no minimum requirement but competitive candidates usually score 680+ GMAT. Recent years show a range of accepted tests to accommodate different applicant profiles. - Essays:
Columbia requires one or two essays focused on your career goals, leadership experiences, and personal motivations. Essays help showcase your fit with Columbia’s values and your future aspirations. - Recommendation Letters:
Two professional recommendations are required, ideally from current or former supervisors who can objectively evaluate your leadership, teamwork, and career progression. - Video Interview:
After submission, shortlisted applicants may be invited to complete a video interview with the admissions team. This assesses communication skills, motivation, and cultural fit. - Interview:
Interviews (by invitation only) are conducted by admissions committee members or alumni, either virtually or in-person. They evaluate leadership potential, interpersonal skills, and program fit. - Other Documents:
- Online application form
- Curriculum Vitae/Resume (1-2 pages)
- Academic transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
- TOEFL/IELTS scores (if applicable for non-native English speakers)
- Passport copy or proof of identity (if required)
- Application fee: $250 (non-refundable)
- Optional Documents:
Additional materials such as certificates, awards, or a third recommendation letter can be submitted to strengthen your profile but are not mandatory.
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