Columbia University in the City of New York Reviews

"I can't say enough good things about Columbia. Regardless of what happens in life, to have had the privilege to have gone to one of the most prestigious schools in the world is something that no one can ever take away from you. The professors are world renown, the campus is gorgeous, the food is amazing, and nothing compares to living in New York City."

"CBS offers students with exceptional resources that are unparalleled in many aspects. The location in the City of New York means unlimited opportunities not only for career but also in terms of pursuing personal interests and enjoying unique experience for international students. Other advantages including strong global network, amazing faculty, flexible curriculum, and first-class career service. It really transformed my life and career!"

"I believe New York is THE PLACE to study Urban Design, and Columbia GSAPP Urban Design program does great justice to that. It's an excellent 1-year program which hosts a good academic environment with great faculties, diverse background of students, the greatest library facilities and so many more! In our studio sessions, many guest critics used to come, and we got to know many people outside the school which we really appreciate. Columbia GSAPP, I believe, is a great place for networking with professionals and to learn in a competitive environment."

"My experience at the Executive MBA program at Columbia was superb. I joined thinking I needed a career change but I did not know what to do. After being exposed to great professors and classes, network with many classmates, I was able to decide my next career path. The CBS community is invaluable and I feel extremely happy to be part of it."

"Columbia Business School (CBS) students can best be described as follows (and of course, this is a generalization): "smart, but not arrogant; scrappy-- and not so straight-laced." CBS has all of the same benefits as any top business school: an amazing alumni network, beautiful facilities, world-class faculty, tons of recruitment/professional opportunities and experiences, smart classmates, great conferences/ visiting business leader speeches and programs, etc.-- but the main observation that I must point out is the depth and diversity of the student body. Before applying to business schools, I attended a number of alumni panels for different schools and was always greeted by a rainbow coalition of alums who were from different backgrounds, races and industries. Columbia stood out from the crowd because the alumni actually sounded very distinct from one another and were truly passionate about their ideas, which were not always in agreement with the other person (vs. some other schools that had alums who were more articulate, but ultimately seemed to hold the same mindset while appearing in separate bodies-- seriously). This observation struck me early on and stayed with me throughout my time at business school. In addition to the fact that it happens to be located in NY (an advantage the admissions office belabors in its marketing materials), CBS has a population that is passionate, ambitious and still very community-oriented. A boisterous group of Peer Advisors greets new students when they enter the school and a tight bond forms among each class. During the first year, everyone takes a core set of classes before taking on different elective courses to round out their formal education here. Whether pursuing a career in finance, management consulting, social enterprise, marketing or anything else, there was a place everyone at CBS and I honestly cannot recall another time where I have been surrounded by more talented and passionate individuals and where debate and new ideas were welcomed/encouraged as openly. The only drawbacks I can say about CBS are ones that can be found at any MBA program: some of your classmates will be resume-padders who overpromise and underdeliver, some professors are better than others, and not everyone gets their dream offer from their perfect company. But the experience of being at CBS was definitely worth it for me and I encourage prospective students, who are looking for a dynamic and inspiring 2 years, to seriously consider looking down this path. * One thing I must also point out to anyone considering pursuing an MBA at any school is that it is *not* a guarantee for a super-high salary or any type of professional advancement; it is a training ground where you will gain the tools to do great things in the world-- and it will be up to you to do the work to put those tools to use. Good luck in your future endeavors!"

"Columbia Journalism School is an amazing place for any writer who wants to truly become immersed in a piece. The only downside is the cost of the education, which in New York City, can be extremely challenging."

"PROS: -Probably the best international and public affairs in the world. -Quality and experience of professors. -Career Service and network. -Caliber of classmates and community. -Center of all types of policy. -Top quality of academic. -Middle of everything CONS: -Costs"

"There is a strong faculty that provide the students with the proper connections that they need to find employment upon graduation. The cost of attendance is not reasonable."

"The CJS Program is highly competitive and includes a very diverse student body recruited globally. The Investigative journalism module allows students to independently undertake a year-long investigation of their own. It is very challenging but also very rewarding."

"Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism offers an academic environment that is unlike any other. The skill set and network that you develop are invaluable! The location, accessibility and student diversity is perfect. You are literally nestled in the heart of New York, so there is a story waiting to happen. This is truly the school and place for a journalist to grow and develop their passion to the next level. The only expense that you may have to work on and be a little creative with is the cost of living in New York, but it can be done. Research and pooling together a network of individuals willing to share space can help defray the cost of living."

"The Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism is very tough. As a full time student there is a tremendous amount of work both in the classroom and out. The program wants to shape its students into the best multifaceted, multimedia journalists. We are taught how to write, report, investigate, edit, film, interview, produce, and do just about anything else involved with journalism. It is a demanding and time consuming program, but in the end truly worth it. To be able to cover stories live on scene in one of the busiest, most vibrant cities in the world is truly a magnificent learning opportunity. And the professors are best of the best! They truly get to know their students and are passionate about helping us find the right job in our fields of study. But being an Ivy League and with it's location in the middle of Manhattan, it is very costly. My dream has always been Columbia journalism and to have made this far, but have to worry about the impeding financial situation is stressful."

"I am now a graduate student of the computer science dual journalism program in Columbia University. They provide all kinds of course including writing and interviewing, also courses from CS department. We also get the chance to have an one on one chat with the professor about our curriculum. Being able to get into with all experienced journalist around the world in this program, also learning most advanced journalism techniques here, I felt really lucky!"

"I feel that this program is academically challenging while teaching me practical skills that I can leverage when searching for a job. The price is steep, but network and the school name after graduation make it worth the cost."

"The area is not great but you're near an express line which can whisk you downtown. The program is intense and they'll get you a job."

"The Public Health School at Columbia is one of the top schools in the nation and the program here is very rigorous and prepares you well for a public health career. My only con is that this school is very expensive. New York city has a high cost of living so it makes budgeting very difficult."

"The School of International and Public Affairs has great faculty and quality programs targeted for students who have a range of interests. The student body is accomplished, intelligent and passionate. The location of the university is in the heart of NYC so there are plenty of opportunities for networking and general exploration."

"The sustainability management program at Columbia University has truly enhanced my understanding of the complex, multidimensional problems that sustainability practitioners deal with on a daily basis. Professors are practitioners themselves and bring informative, helpful examples from their own experience to provide a more complete understanding of the subject matter being studied."

"Although I know I am definitely paying for part of the school name, I would not trade my education at Columbia University for anything at all! Their Social Work program is very supportive and I am learning more than I would have ever imagined. But don't be fooled--there is no way anyone is able to do all of the readings that are assigned to us."

"Pros- living in New York City, the campus is at the hospital to get hands on experience, experienced faculty, small class sizes, work in the community, and we are on campus with others in the health field. Cons- Cost of tuition and cost of living, busy schedule, lots of paperwork, and that we do not get to take classes with students from different fields."

"Columbia University is a great place to get your degree from. Although tuition and living accommodation are extremely expensive, the degree is worth every penny that you will spend. The faculty and network you will build at Columbia is second to none. I highly recommend Columbia to any student seeking graduate school."