Columbia University School of Social Work
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
- Size
- N/A
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- N/A
- Setting
- N/A
- Graduation Rate
- N/A
- Retention Rate
- N/A
- Tuition (In-State)
- N/A
- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
Student life at Columbia SSW combines rigorous academic work with immersion in New York City's social service landscape. The student body of approximately 900 is notably diverse in background, age, and experience, with many students entering after significant prior careers in related fields. This maturity creates a professional atmosphere where students learn from each other as well as from faculty. Study groups, student organizations, and informal gatherings build community among students navigating demanding programs. The school occupies a building on Columbia's Morningside Heights campus, with access to the broader university's libraries, athletic facilities, and cultural resources. The campus provides relative calm within the bustling city, with nearby Riverside Park and Central Park offering green space. Student housing is available through the university, though many students live off-campus throughout Manhattan and outer boroughs. New York City's cultural offerings provide endless opportunities outside the classroom, from museums and theater to diverse neighborhoods and cuisines. The cost of living is high, requiring careful budgeting on student incomes. Many students work part-time alongside their studies, though the combined demands of coursework, field placement, and employment can create stress. Support services include academic advising, mental health counseling, and career services. Students frequently describe the experience as transformative but demanding, requiring strong time management and self-care practices.
Location & Surroundings
Columbia SSW is located on Columbia University's main campus in Morningside Heights, a neighborhood on Manhattan's Upper West Side. The campus sits between Riverside Park along the Hudson River and the culturally rich neighborhoods of Harlem. The location provides immediate access to diverse communities, social service agencies, and policy organizations throughout the city. New York City offers unparalleled opportunities for social work education and career development. The concentration of hospitals, schools, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and international institutions creates field placement possibilities across every specialization. The city's diversity exposes students to populations and challenges from around the world, preparing them for practice in any setting. Professional networking opportunities abound through conferences, events, and the concentration of social work alumni in the region. The cost of living in New York is among the highest nationally, with housing representing the largest expense. Many students share apartments or live in outer boroughs for relative affordability. Public transportation via subway and bus provides extensive mobility without need for a car. The climate features hot, humid summers and cold winters with occasional snow. Cultural amenities from world-class museums to neighborhood restaurants make New York an endlessly interesting place to live, though the pace and expense can be wearing. La Guardia, JFK, and Newark airports provide global connectivity.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition for the MSSW program for 2024-2025 is approximately $56,000 annually, with fees, living expenses, and health insurance bringing total annual costs to approximately $85,000-95,000 depending on housing choices. The 16-month or two-year program represents a substantial investment. Columbia provides institutional grants, scholarships, and work-study opportunities to reduce costs for many students, with approximately 80% receiving some financial aid. The social work profession typically offers moderate salaries compared to other professional degrees, making educational debt a significant consideration. Starting salaries for MSW graduates vary widely by setting and location, ranging from $45,000-65,000 for many nonprofit and government positions to higher amounts in healthcare settings or administrative roles. The school's loan repayment assistance program helps graduates in lower-paying positions manage educational debt. Career outcomes reflect Columbia SSW's strong reputation and New York location. Graduates pursue diverse paths including clinical social work (therapy and counseling), policy analysis and advocacy, nonprofit management, hospital social work, school social work, and community organizing. Major employers include New York City agencies, major hospital systems, leading nonprofit organizations, and social enterprises. The alumni network of over 16,000 graduates provides mentorship, job referrals, and professional connections throughout the social work field. Career services support includes job postings, resume review, interview preparation, and employer networking events.
Campus Location
Explore More
See your match score for Columbia University School of Social Work
Find out how you compare to admitted students with a personalized admission assessment.
See your match score — Sign up free