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πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Columbia University Β· Programs

Columbia University Best Programs & Majors for International Students 2026

Columbia University's strongest programs and what each is genuinely known for β€” beyond marketing copy. With BrightKey's view on which serves international students best.

Columbia University's strongest programs include Columbia Business School, Graduate School of Journalism, School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA).

Notable programs

Columbia Business School

Consistently ranked top 8 globally for MBA programs with median starting salary exceeding USD 175,000. Alumni dominate Wall Street C-suites and private equity leadership. Value Investing program founded on Benjamin Graham's legacy remains the gold standard.

Graduate School of Journalism

The only Ivy League journalism school and permanent home of the Pulitzer Prize. Ranked first nationally for journalism education. One-year intensive MS program with direct placement into NYT, WSJ, CNN, and major digital media organizations.

School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA)

Ranked top 5 nationally for international relations and public policy. Strong UN and multilateral organization placement given NYC headquarters proximity. Two-year MPA and MIA programs with concentrations spanning economic policy to human rights.

School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS)

Leading research in AI, data science, and biomedical engineering. USD 400M+ Manhattanville campus expansion added state-of-the-art facilities. Strong industry partnerships with NYC tech ecosystem and growing startup culture among graduates.

Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons

Ranked top 5 nationally for research medicine. Affiliated with NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, one of the nation's top-ranked medical centers. Pioneered numerous medical breakthroughs and maintains USD 600M+ annual research funding.

Columbia Law School

Ranked top 5 nationally with over 95% bar passage rate and median starting salary exceeding USD 215,000 at major law firms. Dominant placement into elite NYC and DC law firms, federal clerkships, and Supreme Court pipelines.

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