Columbia University Ranking

Did You Know? 

• Columbia University awarded the first American doctorate in mathematics to a woman, Winifred Edgerton Merrill, in 1886.
• The university is home to an impressive list of alumni, including former U.S. President Barack Obama and acclaimed author and journalist Maggie Gyllenhaal.

Columbia University, a top-tier Ivy League institution in the U.S., ranks #34 in the QS World Rankings 2025, #18 in the Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings 2025, and #13 in the U.S. News National Rankings 2025, its a testament to its global academic reputation and research strength.

Subject-wise, it performs exceptionally well, placing 7th in Psychology and 8th in Law (QS), 5th in Law and 14th in Psychology (THE), and 8th in Psychology and 10th in Economics (U.S. News). With a highly selective 4% acceptance rate, Columbia attracts top talent worldwide. Its location in New York City also offers direct access to leading industries, global research centers, and career opportunities.

Columbia University World Rankings 2024-25

Columbia University holds a strong academic reputation in 2025, with a #34 rank in the QS World Rankings, placing it among the top global institutions. Its position at #18 in the THE World Rankings further supports its consistent international presence. Domestically, it ranks #13 in the U.S. News National Rankings, highlighting its continued recognition for academic quality, faculty strength, and student outcomes within the United States.

Look at the table below to understand how Columbia University rankings have moved over three years across major ranking platforms.

Here’s a quick visual that will help you spot the trend in Columbia University rankings across these platforms over three years.

This ranking trend shows a gradual shift in Columbia University’s global and national standing over the past three years. In the QS World Rankings, Columbia dropped from 22nd in 2023 to 34th in 2025, signaling growing competition or shifting evaluation metrics. 

Similarly, in the THE World Rankings, it moved from 11th to 18th, a steady decline but still within the top global tier.

On the other hand, U.S. News National Rankings show more stability, with Columbia moving slightly from 18th in 2023 to 13th in 2025, suggesting a stronger perception and performance within the U.S. education system.

Overall, while international ranks have seen a decline, Columbia continues to hold a strong national reputation.

Now that you’ve seen how Columbia performs globally, look at how its rankings hold up across specific academic subjects.

Subject-Wise Ranking of Columbia University

Columbia University rankings by subject show where the university stands out and where competition is rising. In the QS Rankings 2025, Columbia ranks 7th in Psychology. In THE Rankings 2025, it’s ranked 5th for Law. And in the U.S. News Rankings 2025, it holds the 8th spot for Psychology Programs.

These rankings help you decide if Columbia is a strong fit for your academic focus. If you're applying to a competitive program, knowing the subject-wise rank can shape your college list with better accuracy.

Now look at how Columbia performs across different subjects in the most trusted global ranking platforms.

QS Rankings 2025

Columbia ranks 7th in Psychology and 8th in Law in the latest QS subject rankings. These are globally competitive numbers that show Columbia's strength in social sciences and legal studies. You need this data to match your program interests with Columbia’s academic reputation.

Here’s a breakdown of how Columbia ranks by subject in the 2025 QS rankings.

These rankings show that Columbia maintains top-10 status in several key fields. Next, review how the university fares in subject-wise lists by THE.

THE (Times Higher Education) Rankings 2025

Columbia is ranked 5th in Law and 14th in Psychology in the 2025 Times Higher Education subject list. THE rankings give weight to teaching, research, and international outlook is useful if you're comparing research-heavy programs.

Below is Columbia's performance in major subjects as per THE 2025.

This data shows Columbia remains a top performer in Law and the humanities. Next, check how Columbia performs in U.S. News Rankings across key undergraduate and graduate programs.

U.S. News Rankings 2025

Columbia ranks 8th for Psychology Programs and 10th in Economics in the U.S. News Rankings 2025. These ranks reflect Columbia's national academic standing based on student outcomes, reputation, and faculty performance. You should pay close attention if you're planning to study in the U.S.

Here’s how Columbia placed across popular subjects in the 2025 U.S. News Rankings.

These rankings help you align your subject interest with Columbia’s strengths in the U.S. academic landscape. Now that you’ve seen how Columbia performs by subject, let’s review some other rankings that highlight the university's overall reputation.

Miscellaneous Ranking 2025

Columbia University rankings extend beyond academics, reflecting its efforts in innovation, sustainability, and student support. For instance, it ranks 63rd in the U.S. News Most Innovative Schools 2025, highlighting its active focus on modern teaching and forward-thinking initiatives.

You should look at these rankings to understand how Columbia performs across broader institutional goals that may shape your campus experience.

Here’s a look at how Columbia ranks in areas beyond academics.

Columbia University’s miscellaneous rankings offer a glimpse into its broader institutional priorities. It ranks 63rd in innovation, indicating a strong push toward modern teaching and tech-driven initiatives.

The 75th spot in social mobility shows moderate success in supporting students from lower-income backgrounds, with room to grow.

Meanwhile, its 199th rank in sustainability suggests limited progress in environmental and social impact. Together, these rankings show Columbia’s efforts beyond academics, though some areas still need attention.

Next, explore the accomplishments and milestones that have helped Columbia build a global reputation.

Columbia University: Excellence and Achievements

Columbia University has garnered numerous accolades that underscore its commitment to academic distinction, community engagement, and cultural innovation.

For instance, the university administers the Pulitzer Prizes, recognizing excellence in journalism and the arts. Also, they have been awarded with the Louisa Gross Horwitz Prize, honoring outstanding contributions in biology or biochemistry.

These honors reflect Columbia's dedication to fostering a multifaceted environment that promotes scholarly achievement and societal impact.

Explore the specific areas where Columbia has been recognized:

Academic Excellence and National Recognition

Columbia's dedication to academic rigor is evident through various honors. Notably, the university administers the Louisa Gross Horwitz Prize, awarded for outstanding contributions in biology or biochemistry.

Such accolades reflect Columbia's commitment to advancing knowledge and research.

Below are some of the notable academic recognitions:

Beyond academics, Columbia has been acknowledged for its vibrant community and lifestyle initiatives.

Community and Lifestyle Recognitions

Columbia's efforts to enhance campus life and promote community engagement have garnered significant recognition. The university hosts events like the Community Recognition and Award Breakfast, celebrating local community access to education and student civic engagement. 

Such initiatives highlight Columbia's commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.

Here are some of Columbia's community and lifestyle accolades:

Columbia also shines in the cultural and creative arenas, fostering artistic expression and innovation.

Cultural and Creative Excellence

Columbia’s influence in the creative fields extends beyond the classroom, with its alumni and programs earning prestigious honors. 

For instance, Columbia-affiliated filmmakers have received multiple Independent Spirit Awards, highlighting the school’s strength in fostering talent in independent cinema. These recognitions show how your creative pursuits can grow in an institution that values originality and expression.

Highlighted below are some of Columbia's cultural and creative achievements:

Understanding these achievements provides insight into Columbia's holistic excellence.

Next, examine how Columbia University's rankings correlate with its acceptance rates.

Columbia University: Ranking V/S Acceptance Rate

​Columbia University is renowned for its rigorous academic standards and selective admissions process. According to U.S. News & World Report, the university has an overall acceptance rate of 4%. This low percentage reflects the high level of competition among applicants.

Understanding the relationship between Columbia University rankings and acceptance rates can provide insight into the competitiveness of specific programs and help you assess your admission prospects.​

Below is a comparison of Columbia University's program rankings and their respective acceptance rates:

Next, let's explore the methodologies employed by various ranking bodies to evaluate and rank universities.

Ranking Bodies Methodologies

Columbia University rankings are shaped by the methodologies used by different ranking bodies. Each platform focuses on distinct indicators such as research output, teaching quality, global engagement, and student outcomes. 

Understanding these frameworks helps you interpret what a high or low ranking actually reflects. Whether you are targeting global exposure or strong graduate outcomes, knowing how each ranking is calculated will help guide your decision.

Let’s now examine how major ranking agencies evaluate institutions like Columbia.

QS World University Rankings

The QS World University Rankings focus on academic reputation, global research impact, employability, and international diversity. Columbia’s standing in this list reflects strengths in research and global presence.

For example, Academic Reputation and Citations per Faculty together make up 50% of the total score, heavily influencing the university’s position.

Here’s how QS measures university performance:

Next, explore how THE Rankings evaluate institutions differently, with more weight on teaching and research quality.

Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings

THE Rankings prioritize teaching, research quality, and international outlook. Columbia performs strongly in citation impact and teaching reputation, together these contribute to more than 30% of the score. This methodology is useful if you’re comparing universities with a focus on academic excellence and research leadership.

Below is the complete breakdown of THE ranking criteria:

Now, take a closer look at the U.S. News & World Report Rankings, which center more on student outcomes and financial strength.

U.S. News & World Report Rankings

U.S. News & World Report Rankings emphasize student success, graduation outcomes, and faculty quality. Peer assessment and graduation rates are major contributors, making up 36% of the score combined. This methodology suits applicants focused on long-term academic performance and career potential.

Check the full set of indicators used by U.S. News:

These rankings highlight Columbia University's strong reputation for delivering high-quality education and practical outcomes, using key indicators such as graduate employability and industry relevance.

Conclusion

Columbia University rankings reflect its stature as one of the most prestigious institutions globally and within the United States. In the QS World Rankings 2025, Columbia stands at 34, while in the THE World Rankings, it holds the 18th position. Domestically, the U.S. News & World Report National Rankings place it at 13.

When you break it down by subject, Columbia shows strength across multiple disciplines. In Psychology, it ranks 7th (QS) and 14th (THE). In Law, it stands at 8th (QS) and 5th (THE). Programs like History, Geology, Economics, and Data Science are also consistently ranked within the top 20.

If you're aiming for a university that offers academic rigor, global recognition, and a legacy of achievement across disciplines, Columbia is worth serious consideration. But you should also be prepared for its competitive admissions and evaluate whether your academic profile aligns with its expectations.

Also Read: 

• Columbia University Admissions 2025: Process, Requirements & Deadlines
• American University Rankings 2025