50 Facts About Columbia University

Founding and Early History

Columbia University has a storied past that dates back to the colonial era. Let's explore some key moments from its early years.

1. Columbia University was founded in 1754 as King's College by royal charter under King George II of Great Britain. This makes it the oldest institution of higher education in New York and the fifth-oldest in the United States.

2. The name was changed to Columbia College in 1784 following the American Revolution. The new name reflected the patriotic fervor of the time.

3. In 1896, it was renamed Columbia University. This change marked its evolution into a comprehensive research university.

Campus and Location

Columbia's campus is a blend of historic and modern, situated in one of the world's most vibrant cities.

4. The university's main campus is located in Morningside Heights, Manhattan, and spans approximately 36 acres. It's the seventh-largest property owner in New York City.

5. The architectural centerpiece of the campus is Low Memorial Library. Named in honor of Seth Low’s father, it now houses the university’s central administration offices and the visitors center.

Academic Excellence

Columbia is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and distinguished faculty.

6. Columbia University is organized into twenty schools, including four undergraduate schools and sixteen graduate schools. This diverse structure offers a wide range of academic programs.

7. The university employs 4,381 faculty members. Among them are 70 members of the National Academy of Sciences, 178 members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and 65 members of the National Academy of Medicine.

8. The faculty has included 52 Nobel laureates. This highlights Columbia's role in groundbreaking research and innovation.

Research Initiatives

Columbia is a leader in various research fields, contributing significantly to scientific and technological advancements.

9. The university is home to the Lamont–Doherty Earth Observatory and the Goddard Institute for Space Studies. These institutions are at the forefront of earth and space science research.

10. Columbia administers and annually awards the Pulitzer Prize. This prestigious award recognizes excellence in journalism, literature, and music.

Notable Alumni

Columbia's alumni network includes some of the most influential figures in history.

11. Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, graduated from Columbia in 1983. He specialized in political science and international relations.

12. Isaac Asimov, a renowned author and chemist, earned a Ph.D. in chemistry from Columbia in 1948. He is best known for his science fiction works.

13. Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a trailblazing Supreme Court justice, graduated from Columbia Law School. She was the first tenured female faculty member at Columbia Law.

Historical Significance

Columbia has played a pivotal role in American history and beyond.

14. During the British occupation of New York City in 1776, the university was used as a British military hospital. This underscores its historical importance.

15. The first intercollegiate sporting event Columbia played was a baseball game against NYU in 1860. This marked the beginning of organized college sports in the U.S.

Innovations and Inventions

Columbia has been a hub for groundbreaking inventions and discoveries.

16. The FM radio was invented in Philosophy Hall by Edwin Armstrong, class of 1913. This invention revolutionized radio communication.

17. Columbia faculty and researchers significantly contributed to the Manhattan Project during World War II. This project led to the creation of the first nuclear weapon.

Student Life and Traditions

Columbia offers a vibrant student life with numerous traditions and organizations.

18. The Columbia Queer Alliance, founded in 1967, is the oldest LGBTQ student organization in the world. It reflects the university's commitment to diversity and inclusion.

19. The mascot for Columbia is a lion, inspired by the MGM Studio’s Lion. The mascot, named Roar-ee, dresses in the school colors, blue and white.

20. Columbia’s football team holds the longest losing streak for the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision: 44 losses in a row between 1983 and 1988. This is a unique, if unfortunate, part of its sports history.

Financial Aid and Costs

Columbia is committed to making education accessible through various financial aid programs.

21. Students from families earning less than $150,000 annually can attend Columbia without paying tuition. This makes a Columbia education more accessible to a wider range of students.

22. Nearly 50% of Columbia students receive grants from the university. The average amount awarded is $63,971.

23. The average annual tuition and fees at Columbia University are $68,400. Including room, board, and other expenses, the total annual cost of attendance is approximately $89,590.

Contributions to Society

Columbia's impact extends far beyond its campus, influencing various fields and societal issues.

24. Columbia scientists have played a pivotal role in the development of brain-computer interfaces. This technology has the potential to revolutionize how we interact with computers.

25. Columbia researchers have also contributed to the development of lasers and masers. These technologies have numerous applications in medicine, telecommunications, and materials science.

26. The university's commitment to interdisciplinary studies is exemplified by the Year of Water initiative launched in 2019. This program investigates water in all its social, political, cultural, economic, and environmental complexities.

27. Columbia University annually awards the Pulitzer Prize. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding work in journalism, literature, and music.

28. Columbia faculty and researchers played a pivotal role in the Manhattan Project during World War II. The project led to the creation of the first nuclear weapon, which had a profound impact on world history.

29. The works of professors like Edward Said and Gayatri Spivak reflect Columbia's commitment to social justice and critical thinking. Their contributions have been foundational to the field of postcolonialism.

30. Columbia University has produced a significant number of Nobel laureates. The university has 103 Nobel laureates among its alumni and faculty, making it a hub for groundbreaking research and innovation.

31. Columbia University has several historic buildings on its campus. Low Memorial Library is one such building, which appears in the New York City Register of Historic Places.

32. Columbia University has a strong athletic program. The football team holds the dubious honor of the longest losing streak for the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision: 44 losses in a row between 1983 and 1988.

33. Columbia University alumni have achieved remarkable success in various fields. Thirteen U.S. presidents have graduated from Columbia, including Barack Obama.

34. Columbia University has been at the forefront of innovative research. The university has contributed significantly to scientific breakthroughs, including the development of brain-computer interfaces, lasers, and nuclear magnetic resonance.

35. Columbia University is deeply engaged with the local community. The university offers various programs and initiatives aimed at fostering community engagement and addressing societal issues.

36. Columbia University has several campus traditions that are deeply rooted in its history. The university's motto, “In Lumine Tuo Videbimus Lumen,” reflects its commitment to intellectual inquiry and illumination.

37. Columbia University has been the site of numerous innovative inventions. The FM radio, invented by Edwin Armstrong, class of 1913, revolutionized radio communication.

38. Columbia University has produced a significant number of Nobel laureates. The university has 103 Nobel laureates among its alumni and faculty, making it a hub for groundbreaking research and innovation.

39. Columbia University annually awards the Pulitzer Prize. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding work in journalism, literature, and music.

40. Columbia scientists have made significant contributions to the development of brain-computer interfaces. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with computers.

41. Columbia researchers have also played a crucial role in the development of lasers and masers. These technologies have numerous applications in fields such as medicine, telecommunications, and materials science.

42. Columbia scientists have contributed significantly to the development of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology. NMR is widely used in medical imaging and has numerous applications in chemistry and physics.

43. Columbia faculty and researchers played a pivotal role in the Manhattan Project during World War II. The project led to the creation of the first nuclear weapon – the atomic bomb – which had a profound impact on world history.

44. Columbia University is a world-renowned institution with a rich history, academic excellence, and a commitment to innovation and community engagement. From its founding in 1754 to the present day, Columbia has continued to evolve and thrive, producing some of the most influential thinkers and leaders of our time.

45. Columbia University has a long list of notable alumni, including seven of the Founding Fathers of the United States, four U.S. presidents, 34 foreign heads of state or government, two secretaries-general of the United Nations, ten justices of the United States Supreme Court, 103 Nobel laureates, 125 National Academy of Sciences members, 53 living billionaires, 23 Olympic medalists, 33 Academy Award winners, and 125 Pulitzer Prize recipients.

46. Columbia University offers excellent financial aid. Students from families that earn an annual income of less than $150,000 can attend Columbia without having to pay tuition.

47. Federal grant aid is available to 20% of students, with an average award of $6,649. State grant aid is available to 7% of students, with an average award of $4,131. Institution grant aid is available to 53% of students, with an average award of $55,773. Pell Grant aid is available to 20% of students, with an average award of $5,126.

48. Columbia University was the first school in the United States to grant the MD degree. It was also the site of the first intercollegiate sporting event, a baseball game against NYU in 1860.

49. Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 13th president of Columbia University, resigned in 1953 when he was elected president of the United States.

50. Columbia University fosters intellectual vibrancy and a rich culture and student life. The university offers a diverse student population and a 7-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, making for an exceptional college experience.

Columbia University: A Legacy of Excellence

Columbia University stands as a beacon of academic excellence and historical significance. Founded in 1754, it’s the oldest higher education institution in New York and the fifth-oldest in the U.S. With a sprawling 36-acre campus in Morningside Heights, Columbia offers diverse academic programs across 20 schools. The university boasts a remarkable faculty, including 52 Nobel laureates and numerous members of prestigious academies. Notable alumni like Barack Obama, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Isaac Asimov highlight Columbia’s impact on various fields. From pioneering research initiatives to groundbreaking inventions like the FM radio, Columbia’s contributions are vast. The university’s commitment to financial aid ensures accessibility for students from diverse backgrounds. With a rich history, vibrant student life, and a legacy of innovation, Columbia University continues to shape the future while honoring its storied past.