2026-2027: Explanation of Tuition and Fees

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. For details on financial aid, visit our Paying for Your Degree page.

The breakdown below covers the costs charged by the University for the 2026-2027 school year, finalized by the Trustees of Columbia University in the summer.

Note: Students enrolled on an F-1 or J-1 visa, which are processed through the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO), are charged an ISSO fee each term.

Flat-Rate Programs (MSSW Two-Year, Transfer, and Advanced Standing):

  • Full-time students are charged an estimated flat tuition rate of $31,598 per semester and may enroll in 10.5 to 19.5 credit hours each term.
  • Students taking fewer than 10.5 credits are charged the per-credit rate of $2,108. 
  • Students will be charged the per-credit rate for credits exceeding the flat rate range above 19.5.
  • Advanced Standing students will be charged $12,648 for the Summer 2026 term.

Per-Credit Programs (Part-Time to Full-Time (Extended), One-Year Residency for Working Professionals (Reduced Residency), and Part-Time):

  • Students are charged $2,108 per credit, per term.

International Students Program (5-Term):

  • Tuition is estimated at $26,460 for the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 terms.

Ph.D. Program:

  • Students registered for 9 or more credit hours in a term are charged $32,430.
  • Students registered for 3 to 8 credit hours are charged $17,566.
  • Students registered for fewer than 3 credit hours are charged $2,108 per credit.

A mandatory per-term fee charged to all students used to fund student events, activities, and student organizations.

A mandatory per-term fee charged to all students. It provides access to the Dodge Physical Fitness Center and Lerner Hall and supports improvements to the libraries and computer networks.

A mandatory per-term fee charged to all students. This fee covers the resources, services, and technology infrastructure supporting in-person and online learning at CSSW. 

This includes, but is not limited to: learning management systems, technology support staff, video conferencing services, online guides, training/workshops, multimedia and instructional support resources, and software licenses.

A mandatory fee charged to all students. It provides students access to programs and services from Columbia Health's five departments, including Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS), Medical Services, and Sexual Violence Response. 

A small portion of the HRSF supports the University Gender-Based Misconduct Office (GBM) to provide staff with resources to support students who have experienced sexual assault. 

For more information, please visit Columbia Health or call 212-854-7210.

Charged to all full-time students to provide basic medical insurance for the academic year. Students are insured from Aug. 15, 2026 until Aug. 14, 2027. 

Students who already have comparable medical insurance of their own may elect to waive this fee. Click here for waiver information.

Note: The Columbia Student Health Insurance Plan may not cover all of your health care expenses. It excludes 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. 

For more information, please visit Columbia Health or call 212-854-7210

A one-time fee charged to all students in their first term of attendance that covers orientation and graduation expenses.

A one-time fee charged to all students in their first term of attendance that covers e-transcripts, enrollment and degree certifications, and mailing of the original diploma.