Columbia University in the City of New York Reviews

"Columbia University offers a integrative approach that caters to each individual student. They are supportive of your current and future goals. The rigor is at an acceptable level for graduate level coursework. I would highly recommend this program over other social work programs in NYC. It is the only program offering unique tracks like policy and program planning. This is the primary reason why I chose Columbia regardless of the steep cost of tuition."

"For public administration New York is the most relevant city, and SIPA is absolutely in the forefront of creating how we shape public and social life. Cons: New York and campus is expensive. There is no way to afford school or living unless one accrues large amounts of loans."

"Pros of law school: gives me the skills that will help me both professionally and personally Cons of law school: first year competition is overwhelming."

"The dental program at Columbia University requires that students take medical school classes for the first three semesters. This is perfect for students who want to specialize. The program is rigorous, but the education at Columbia is top of the line. Unfortunately, living expenses in Columbia are extremely high and the surrounding area isn't the best. But, the benefits far outweigh the cons."

"Being in New York City has obvious benefits for students of international affairs. The faculty and general quality of instruction is also fantastic, as is the diversity of the student body. Career support could be improved - the career services office is helpful, but not always in touch with students' goals and aspirations on the ground. Finally, it would be helpful if the administration made it easier to cross-register for classes at other Columbia schools, since they do use this as a selling point to prospective students."

"Great place to call your academic home. The only stressful thing is having to balance the scholastic rigor with the expense of living in New York City."

"Excellent faculty and classes. Virtually no financial aid."

"The program is rigorous and there is a great network of people to tap into. But sometimes I feel because we have so much work it can be difficult to have room to plan a career and focus on establishing that."

"Pros: lots of staff availabe to help if needed and always knowledgeable, understanding professors, flexible in terms of field placement Cons: location is uphill from some trains which can be physically daunting, class offerings are a bit too rigid in structure"

"The graduate program at Columbia University is excellent. The support given by professors is ever present, and they challenge the students to do the best possible work. The facilities are unbeatable and the student body is inspiring. There are plenty of opportunities for networking as well as career advisement. The only negative side to the program is the lack of financial aid for masters students. Living in New York City is far from affordable, and paying tuition on top of everyday expenses is a challenge."

"I'm in the Fundraising Management Program in the School of Continuing Education and it has been so helpful for my career development. The courses and professors are the top in their field and generally care for the development of their students. Great program, great courses."

"Great Faculty. But classes aren't necessarily as high quality as you would expect (depend on professor, obviously)."

"Columbia Business School is an excellent program that provides its students with an abundance of resources. I have no cons for the program aside from the more expensive standard of living in New York which is irrelevant to the school itself."

"I love my program overall, and the only drawback is that, I had to take on lots of part-time works to pay for school because Columbia grad school didn't offer me much scholarship."

"Best social work program in the tri-state area! Although tuition is very high, the experiences and connections you acquire are worth the high price tag."

"The journalism program at Columbia is extremely rigorous, and it offers its students the chance to really hone their journalism skills. The fact that the program is only one year, puts of pressure to learn a lot of information in a short space of time, but it is still enjoyable. I think the main con of the university is cost of attendance and living in New York, that is something that has kept many African students from being able to attend the university. And, even though I am an African student who made it to New York, it has caused extreme financial burden for me and my family. Overall, I would not trade the experience because I know that once I graduate, I will be able to make a difference with my education, back home in Africa."

"Overall a great investment in education from a prestigious university."

"The Fundraising Management program is a great way to expand your professional knowledge and skill-set. The faculty are top-notch, and you acquire an excellent network upon graduation."

"The networking opportunities are amazing. The quality of the students and their experiences help me learn from my peers, not just my professors. The workload definitely calls for good time-management skills, or you will feel overwhelmed. Overall, it is a fantastic program."

"I highly recommend studying international affairs at Columbia University. Great faculty and curriculums, the opportunity to study in other departments, and irreplaceable networking opportunities and career advancement in New York City. In a competitive field like international affairs, Columbia and NYC are great places to be. However, the stress of a high tuition and dismal financial aid opportunities outside of student loans is disappointing."