Columbia University School of Professional Studies
- 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
SPS students are typically working professionals balancing education with careers and often family responsibilities. The school structures programs to accommodate these demands, with evening and weekend classes, intensive formats, and hybrid online-residential options. This flexibility creates a student body that brings rich professional experience to classroom discussions. Despite the practical challenges of part-time study, SPS students develop strong community connections through cohort-based programs, student organizations, and school events. Regular networking receptions, speaker series, and professional development workshops create opportunities for connection beyond coursework. As Columbia students, SPS participants access university-wide resources including libraries, career services, athletic facilities, and cultural events. The Morningside Heights location provides convenient access to Manhattan's cultural and professional opportunities, while the residential campus offers green spaces and historic architecture providing respite from city intensity.
Location & Surroundings
Columbia University's Morningside Heights campus occupies a stunning site in upper Manhattan, bounded by Harlem to the north and the Upper West Side to the south. This neighborhood, sometimes called the "Academic Acropolis," also hosts Barnard College, Union Theological Seminary, and other educational institutions, creating a scholarly atmosphere within New York's urban environment. New York City's resources need little introduction—the city offers unparalleled cultural institutions, diverse neighborhoods, world-class dining, and professional opportunities across virtually every industry. SPS students particularly benefit from access to media, finance, technology, and nonprofit organizations concentrated in the city. The campus is accessible via multiple subway lines, making it convenient for students commuting from across the metropolitan area. While housing in Manhattan is expensive, many students commute from more affordable areas in Brooklyn, Queens, or New Jersey. The city's 24/7 culture accommodates the schedules of working professionals attending evening classes.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition at SPS varies by program, with most master's programs costing between $2,000 and $2,800 per credit hour. Full master's programs typically require 36-42 credits, making total tuition approximately $75,000-120,000 depending on the specific program. Additional fees apply for some courses and services. Financial aid options include federal student loans, limited merit scholarships, and employer tuition assistance programs that many students utilize. Payment plans allow students to spread costs across semesters. The school's career-focused orientation means many students see rapid return on investment through career advancement. Career outcomes for SPS graduates reflect both the quality of education and the power of the Columbia network. The school's career services office provides job search support, networking events, and employer connections. Alumni work across industries in leadership positions, with particularly strong representation in media, consulting, technology, and nonprofit sectors.
Campus Location
Explore More
See your match score for Columbia University School of Professional Studies
Find out how you compare to admitted students with a personalized admission assessment.
See your match score — Sign up free