Private not-for-profit

Medium

Columbia University School of General Studies SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range1470 to 1530

ACT Range32 to 34

Average GPAN/A

Acceptance Rate29.6%

Columbia GS is test-optional, but its score range shows that strong testing can still sharpen your opportunity. Aim for at least the high 1400s on the SAT, with 1530 putting you near the top of the middle range.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

Columbia University School of General Studies facts and stats

Quick Facts

Columbia University School of General Studies enrolls 9,164 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. Columbia GS has a 98% freshman retention rate, well above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 95%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 6:1.

Location

New York, NY

Undergrad Enrollment9,164

Freshman Retention98%

SettingUrban

Student to Faculty Ratio6:1

Graduation Rate95%

Test PolicyTest-optional

How do your scores compare at Columbia GS?

SAT score card showing a 1520 score with an unlocked lock

Unlock your future with Acely

Adaptive SAT and ACT practice that meets you where you are and gets you to your target score.

Start your free trial

Key Columbia University School of General Studies application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

May 15

Early Action

March 1

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

January 15

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

March 1

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

If you choose to submit scores to test-optional Columbia GS, plan to take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year. Use the summer before senior year and fall of senior year for retakes, with a December SAT or ACT as the last fall sitting likely to arrive before the March 1 Early Action deadline.

Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at Columbia University School of General Studies?

Higher test scores can mean bigger merit awards. Acely helps you get there faster.

Start your free trial

What you'll actually pay

Columbia GS is a private not-for-profit, so the same rate applies to all students. Tuition and fees are $67,310, with an average merit award of $5,954 and 22% of students receiving aid. Submit the FAFSA by the March 1 priority deadline for financial aid consideration.

Tuition and Fees$67,310

Room and Board$20,628

Average Merit Award$5,954

Application Fee$80

Students on Aid22%

Average Aid Package$46,800

Average Debt at Grad$37,133

Columbia GS has an estimated cost of attendance of $87,938, combining $67,310 in tuition and fees with $20,628 for room and board. About 22% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $46,800, which can substantially reduce the billed cost for those who qualify. Merit awards average $5,954. Graduates leave with an average debt of $37,133.