University Insights
February 25
Columbia Acceptance Rate and Admissions Results: Class of 2029 and 2030
Arkesh P.
Chief Operating Officer
Summary
Columbia University has released Early Decision application volume data for the Class of 2030. Columbia College and the School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) received 5,497 Early Decision applications, a 6.4% decrease from the 5,872 Early Decision applications received for the Class of 2029. Columbia typically shares more detail about the applicant pool after Regular Decision results are released in late March or early April. Columbia has also completed the most recent full admissions cycle for the Class of 2029. In its initial admissions release on Ivy Day, Columbia reported 2,557 offers of admission from 59,616 applicants, an acceptance rate of about 4.28%. Later reporting indicated Columbia increased total acceptances to 2,946 students, still out of 59,616 applicants, yielding an updated acceptance rate of 4.9%, after making adjustments to accommodate a larger incoming class
Columbia Early Decision Update for the Class of 2030
Columbia College and SEAS received 5,497 Early Decision applications for the Class of 2030, according to Columbia Undergraduate Admissions, representing a 6.4% decline from the previous year.
The University released Early Decision results on Tuesday evening. For reference, Columbia College and SEAS received 5,872 Early Decision applications for the Class of 2029. Columbia Daily SpectatorThis admissions cycle is expected to include additional reporting after Regular Decision results, which is typically when Columbia provides more detail about its applicant pool and admissions outcomes.
Early Decision Applications: Class of 2030 vs 2029
Class Year | ED Applications | YoY Change |
2030 | 5,497 | -6.4% |
2029 | 5,872 | Baseline |
When Will Columbia Release Regular Decision Results? (Ivy Day)
Columbia typically releases Regular Decision results in late March or early April, aligned with Ivy Day timing which falls on March 26th this year. Once Regular Decision decisions are released, Columbia usually provides more information about the applicant pool and admissions outcomes.
Columbia Acceptance Results for the Class of 2029
With the arrival of Ivy Day 2025, Columbia University completed its admissions cycle for the Class of 2029, reaffirming its position as one of the most selective universities in the world.
Out of 59,616 applicants, Columbia’s initial admissions release indicated 2,557 students were offered admission, for an acceptance rate of about 4.28%.
Later reporting (September 2025) indicated Columbia increased the number of acceptances to 2,946 students, still out of 59,616 applications, yielding an updated acceptance rate of 4.9%, with the incoming Class of 2029 described as the University’s largest ever.
The university is reported to have admitted an additional 389 students to the Class of 2029 after the initial release of early and regular decisions, after making adjustments to provide for additional space and resources on campus.
This post offers a look at available data and larger trends to help prospective applicants better understand the school’s evolving admissions landscape.
Class of 2029 Overview
Admission Round | Applicants | Admitted | Acceptance Rate |
Early Decision (ED) | 5,872 | TBA | TBA |
Regular Decision (RD) | 53,744 | TBA | TBA |
Overall (initial Ivy Day offers) | 59,616 | 2,557 | 4.28% |
Overall (updated reporting) | 59,616 | 2,946 | 4.9% |
Key Trends and Insights
Noticeable Acceptance Rate Increase: Columbia’s updated reporting for the Class of 2029 indicates an acceptance rate increase to 4.9%, up from the prior cycle’s reported rate near 3.8%, alongside an unusually large entering class.
Applications Numbers Leveling Off: Since adopting test-optional admissions during the pandemic era, Columbia saw applications rise to around 60,000 annually. For the Class of 2029, total applications were 59,616, slightly below the prior cycle’s 60,248.
Testing Requirements: Columbia has maintained a test-optional admissions policy for Columbia College and Columbia Engineering, and it has communicated that applicants may apply without SAT or ACT scores.
Advice from our Crimson Strategists
Columbia’s admissions remain fiercely competitive, demanding not only exceptional academic performance but also evidence of meaningful engagement and genuine passion. Applicants should focus on standing out authentically rather than merely fitting into a perceived mold.
Early Decision Acceptance Results
Total Applications (Class of 2029): 5,872
Accepted Students: TBA
Acceptance Rate: TBA
Although Columbia has not reported the number of Early Decision applicants accepted for the Class of 2029, we can make thoughtful projections based on years of Columbia data we track.
The most recently published Early Decision acceptance rate statistics for Columbia are from the school’s 2024–25 data set (Class of 2028):
Total Applications: 6,007
Accepted Students: 795
Acceptance Rate: 13.2%
Over the past several years, Columbia’s Early Decision acceptance rate has generally fallen in the 10–15% range, providing a reasonable historical band for applicants evaluating early-round competitiveness.
Why Apply Early Decision?
—Higher Acceptance Rates: Early Decision applicants typically enjoy higher acceptance rates compared to Regular Decision.
—Demonstrated Interest: Applying early shows Columbia your strong interest in joining their academic community.
Columbia’s Regular Decision Acceptance Results
This year, Columbia did not release a breakdown of the Regular Decision acceptance rate results for the Class of 2029. With that said, we can expect more information to be released later.
Columbia’s Regular Decision acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 was an ultra-competitive 2.8%, down from a 3.9% RD rate for the Class of 2027.
Key Regular Decision Figures from Last Year (Class of 2028):
—Applications Received: 54,241
—Students Accepted: 1,524
—Acceptance Rate: 2.8%
Based on current trends, we anticipate another challenging admissions cycle was in play for students who applied for Columbia’s Class of 2029.
Historical Trends
This historical data demonstrates Columbia’s consistently competitive admissions process, with numbers reaching a post-pandemic plateau over the past several years.
Historical Acceptance Rates at Columbia
Includes estimated or partially reported figures where indicated.
Class Year | Total Applications | Total Accepted | Overall Rate | RD Rate | ED Rate |
2029 | 59,616 | 2,946 (updated) | 4.9% | TBD | TBD |
2028 | 60,248 | 2,319 | 3.8% | 2.9% | 13.2% |
2027 | 57,129 | 2,246 | 3.9% | 2.7% | 14.6% |
2026 | 60,377 | 2,253 | 3.7% | 2.7% | 12.5% |
2025 | 60,551 | 2,355 | 3.9% | 2.9% | 11.9% |
How To Stand Out in Columbia’s Admissions Process
—Academic Excellence: Maintain top grades and a strong GPA.
—Strong Essays: Use your essays to showcase your unique voice and story.
—Leadership and Extracurriculars: Demonstrate meaningful engagement outside the classroom.
—Test Scores: If submitting, aim for high SAT or ACT scores within or above Columbia’s reported range.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a prospective student thinking about Columbia, be sure to check out our full guide on how to get into Columbia.
Otherwise, congratulations to all students admitted to Columbia’s Class of 2029. Your achievement reflects remarkable dedication and excellence. For those considering applying to Columbia in the future, the admissions landscape remains intensely competitive, making strategic preparation essential.
Crimson Education specializes in helping ambitious students navigate admissions to top universities like the Ivy League, Stanford, MIT, Johns Hopkins, UCLA, and more. Each student is matched with a highly qualified college admissions consultant who guides everything from student growth and academic support to application strategies, all tailored to individualized needs and goals.
To get started, speak with one of Crimson Education’s admissions consultants today so we can learn more about your goals and challenges and talk about the best next steps.
To find out more about Crimson and our dedication to helping students realize their fullest potential, read about our story, see our record of student results, and sign up for some of our upcoming webinars and events.
