Cost of Attendance – Explanation of Tuition/Fees 2025-2026
When making your financial plans, it is necessary to consider tuition and fees as well as living expenses in estimating the overall cost of attendance. Below is an explanation of the different costs associated with attendance during the 2025-2026 school year. The Trustees of the Columbia University will determine the actual tuition and fees in the summer. Financial aid information can be found on our Paying for Your Degree page.
Explanation of Tuition/Fees
- Tuition
- Activity Fee
- Charges for all full-time entering MSSW students are estimated to be a flat tuition rate of $30,382 per semester and are eligible to enroll for 10.5 to 19.5 credit hours each term. Students enrolled in the part-time programs will be charged $2,025 per credit. Students also are charged $2,025 per credit for credits over 19.5. NOTE: Tuition charges for students in the 5-term International Students Program are estimated to be $25,441 each for the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 terms. Students in the Advanced Standing Program will be charged $11,628 for the Summer 2025 term. Ph.D. students registered for 9 or more credit hours in a term will be charged $29,840 and those registered between 3 and 8 credit hours in a term will be charged $19,162.
- The activity fee is charged per term to all students to help cover the costs of student events, activities, and to help fund student organizations.
- Tuition
- Services and Support Services Fee
- Charges for all full-time entering MSSW students are estimated to be a flat tuition rate of $30,382 per semester and are eligible to enroll for 10.5 to 19.5 credit hours each term. Students enrolled in the part-time programs will be charged $2,025 per credit. Students also are charged $2,025 per credit for credits over 19.5. NOTE: Tuition charges for students in the 5-term International Students Program are estimated to be $25,441 each for the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 terms. Students in the Advanced Standing Program will be charged $11,628 for the Summer 2025 term. Ph.D. students registered for 9 or more credit hours in a term will be charged $29,840 and those registered between 3 and 8 credit hours in a term will be charged $19,162.
- This mandatory fee per term for full-time and part-time students provides students access to the facilities at the Dodge Physical Fitness Center and Lerner Hall and supports enhancements for the libraries and computer networks.
- Tuition
- Instructional Technology Fee/Learning Resource Fee
- Charges for all full-time entering MSSW students are estimated to be a flat tuition rate of $30,382 per semester and are eligible to enroll for 10.5 to 19.5 credit hours each term. Students enrolled in the part-time programs will be charged $2,025 per credit. Students also are charged $2,025 per credit for credits over 19.5. NOTE: Tuition charges for students in the 5-term International Students Program are estimated to be $25,441 each for the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 terms. Students in the Advanced Standing Program will be charged $11,628 for the Summer 2025 term. Ph.D. students registered for 9 or more credit hours in a term will be charged $29,840 and those registered between 3 and 8 credit hours in a term will be charged $19,162.
- The CSSW Instructional Technology and Learning Resource Fee is a mandatory fee per term and covers resources, services, and the technological infrastructure necessary to support in-person and online learning at CSSW. These include, but not limited to, learning management systems, technology support staff, video conferencing services, online guides, training and workshops, multimedia and instructional support resources, and software licenses.
- Tuition
- Health and Related Services Fee
- Charges for all full-time entering MSSW students are estimated to be a flat tuition rate of $30,382 per semester and are eligible to enroll for 10.5 to 19.5 credit hours each term. Students enrolled in the part-time programs will be charged $2,025 per credit. Students also are charged $2,025 per credit for credits over 19.5. NOTE: Tuition charges for students in the 5-term International Students Program are estimated to be $25,441 each for the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 terms. Students in the Advanced Standing Program will be charged $11,628 for the Summer 2025 term. Ph.D. students registered for 9 or more credit hours in a term will be charged $29,840 and those registered between 3 and 8 credit hours in a term will be charged $19,162.
- The fee is charged to all students by paying the Columbia Health and Related Services Fee (HRSF), students can access the programs and services provided through Columbia Health’s five departments, including 24/7 support from Counseling & Psychological Services, Medical Services, and Sexual Violence Response. A small portion of the HRSF supports the University Gender-Based Misconduct Office (GBM) Opens in a new window, so that GBM staff may fully collaborate with CH staff in providing necessary resources and support to students who have experienced sexual assault. For additional Health Service and Medical Insurance information, please visit the Health Service Enrollment Office or call the office at 212-854-7210.
- Tuition
- Medical Insurance Fee
- Charges for all full-time entering MSSW students are estimated to be a flat tuition rate of $30,382 per semester and are eligible to enroll for 10.5 to 19.5 credit hours each term. Students enrolled in the part-time programs will be charged $2,025 per credit. Students also are charged $2,025 per credit for credits over 19.5. NOTE: Tuition charges for students in the 5-term International Students Program are estimated to be $25,441 each for the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 terms. Students in the Advanced Standing Program will be charged $11,628 for the Summer 2025 term. Ph.D. students registered for 9 or more credit hours in a term will be charged $29,840 and those registered between 3 and 8 credit hours in a term will be charged $19,162.
- The fee is charged to all full-time students in order to provide them with basic medical insurance throughout the academic year. Students are insured from Aug. 15, 2025 until Aug. 14, 2026. NOTE: The Columbia Student Health Insurance Plan may not cover all of your health care expenses. The plan excludes coverage for certain services and contains limitations on the amounts it will pay. Please read the Student Health Insurance Plan Brochure carefully before deciding which plan is right for you. Students having comparable medical insurance of their own may elect to waive this fee. Click here for waiver information. For additional Health Service and Medical Insurance information, please visit the Health Service Enrollment Office or call the office at 212-854-7210.
- Tuition
- Student Events Fee
- Charges for all full-time entering MSSW students are estimated to be a flat tuition rate of $30,382 per semester and are eligible to enroll for 10.5 to 19.5 credit hours each term. Students enrolled in the part-time programs will be charged $2,025 per credit. Students also are charged $2,025 per credit for credits over 19.5. NOTE: Tuition charges for students in the 5-term International Students Program are estimated to be $25,441 each for the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 terms. Students in the Advanced Standing Program will be charged $11,628 for the Summer 2025 term. Ph.D. students registered for 9 or more credit hours in a term will be charged $29,840 and those registered between 3 and 8 credit hours in a term will be charged $19,162.
- One-time fee for incoming students to cover orientation and graduation expenses.Document Fee
- Tuition
- Document Fee
- Charges for all full-time entering MSSW students are estimated to be a flat tuition rate of $30,382 per semester and are eligible to enroll for 10.5 to 19.5 credit hours each term. Students enrolled in the part-time programs will be charged $2,025 per credit. Students also are charged $2,025 per credit for credits over 19.5. NOTE: Tuition charges for students in the 5-term International Students Program are estimated to be $25,441 each for the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 terms. Students in the Advanced Standing Program will be charged $11,628 for the Summer 2025 term. Ph.D. students registered for 9 or more credit hours in a term will be charged $29,840 and those registered between 3 and 8 credit hours in a term will be charged $19,162.
- This one-time fee, assessed during the first term of attendance, entitles students to e-transcripts, enrollment and degree certifications, and the mailing of the original diploma.
- Tuition
- Note:
- Charges for all full-time entering MSSW students are estimated to be a flat tuition rate of $30,382 per semester and are eligible to enroll for 10.5 to 19.5 credit hours each term. Students enrolled in the part-time programs will be charged $2,025 per credit. Students also are charged $2,025 per credit for credits over 19.5. NOTE: Tuition charges for students in the 5-term International Students Program are estimated to be $25,441 each for the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 terms. Students in the Advanced Standing Program will be charged $11,628 for the Summer 2025 term. Ph.D. students registered for 9 or more credit hours in a term will be charged $29,840 and those registered between 3 and 8 credit hours in a term will be charged $19,162.
- Any student enrolled via an F-1 or J1 visa, which is processed through the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) is charged an ISSO fee each term