Columbia Business School MBA Program
At the very center of business. The only Ivy League MBA in NYC, offering unparalleled access to industry leaders, global markets, and transformative opportunities.
Key Information
Application Deadlines 2025-26:
Why Location Matters: The Columbia Advantage
Being in Manhattan isn't just convenient—it fundamentally transforms your MBA experience
Wall Street Access
20-minute subway to every major bank and PE firm. Network with executives during lunch, attend evening events, and intern during the school year.
Industry Leaders on Campus
CEOs and executives regularly guest lecture between meetings. Warren Buffett lunches with students annually. Unmatched speaker access.
Year-Round Internships
Only top school where you can work part-time at PE funds, startups, or corporations during the academic year. Real experience while learning.
Global Business Hub
UN headquarters, global company HQs, and international organizations all within reach. The world comes to NYC.
Media & Tech Scene
Beyond finance: NYC's booming tech scene, media companies, fashion houses, and startups offer diverse career paths.
Immediate Alumni Access
30,000+ Columbia alumni work in NYC. Coffee chats, mentorship, and networking happen organically throughout the city.
Columbia Requirements & Class Profile
Understanding what Columbia looks for in future business leaders
GMAT Range
690-760
Median: 729
GRE Range
V157-167, Q155-170
Median: V161/Q161
GPA Range
3.1-3.9
Median: 3.63
Work Experience
3-9 years
Median: 5 years
International Students
48%
Women
42%
What Columbia Really Looks For
Based on insights from former admissions officers and successful admits
Core Evaluation Criteria
Professional Excellence
Demonstrated success and rapid progression
Global Mindset
International experience or perspective valued
NYC Fit
Clear reasons for needing NYC location
The "Columbia Type"
Ambitious & Driven
Clear career vision with aggressive goals
Culturally Sophisticated
Comfortable in diverse, fast-paced environments
Network Builders
Natural connectors who leverage relationships
Pre-MBA Industries
Post-MBA Career Placement
Financial Services
34% of class
$175,000
Consulting
33% of class
$190,000
Technology
16% of class
$170,000
Real Estate
6% of class
$165,000
Media/Entertainment
4% of class
$155,000
Other
7% of class
$160,000
Signature Columbia Programs
Innovative programs that leverage NYC's unique advantages
Value Investing Program
The Heilbrunn Center Legacy
Home to value investing education since Benjamin Graham. Warren Buffett, a Columbia alum, regularly meets with students. The only MBA program with dedicated value investing curriculum and fund.
- Applied Value Investing courses
- Student-managed investment fund
- Omaha trip to meet Warren Buffett
NYC Immersion Seminars
Industry Deep Dives
Unique seminars that take you inside NYC's leading companies. Visit trading floors, media studios, fashion houses, and tech startups. Learn directly from industry leaders in their work environment.
- Wall Street Immersion
- Media & Entertainment Deep Dive
- NYC Tech Ecosystem Tour
Unique Columbia Advantages
January Entry Option
J-Term allows you to start in January, graduating in 16 months. Perfect for career changers and sponsored students.
- • Smaller cohort (~200 students)
- • Same curriculum, accelerated
- • August internship option
Dual Degrees
Leverage Columbia's strength across disciplines with 11 dual degree options.
- • MBA/MS in Engineering
- • MBA/MPH Public Health
- • MBA/MIA International Affairs
- • MBA/JD with Columbia Law
Executive Speaker Series
Unmatched access to global leaders who can easily visit between meetings.
- • 200+ CEO visits annually
- • Intimate fireside chats
- • Real-time business insights
How to Get Into Columbia Business School
Stand out in a highly competitive pool with these proven strategies
Essay Strategy: Show Your NYC Connection
Essay 1: Through your resume and recommendations, we have a clear sense of your professional path to date. What are your career goals over the next 3-5 years and what, in your imagination, would be your long-term dream job? (500 words)
- Be specific about companies and roles, especially NYC-based
- Show progression from short-term to dream job
- Demonstrate why NYC location is critical
Essay 2: The Phillips Pathway for Inclusive Leadership (PPIL) is a co-curricular program designed to ensure that every CBS student develops the skills to become an ethical and inclusive leader. Through PPIL, students attend programming focused on five essential diversity, equity, and inclusion skills. Tell us about a time when you were challenged around one of these five skills, and describe the work you did to grow in this area. (250 words)
- Choose one PPIL skill to focus on deeply
- Show genuine growth and self-reflection
- Connect to Columbia's diverse community
Essay 3 (Optional): Is there any further information that you wish to provide the Admissions Committee? (250 words)
- Use only for critical context (gaps, low scores, etc.)
- Don't repeat information from other essays
Interview Strategy
Interview Format
- • 30-45 minutes with alumni or admissions
- • Behavioral and fit-focused questions
- • Virtual or in-person options
- • Blind interview (limited application access)
Key Topics to Prepare
- • Why NYC is essential to your goals
- • Specific Columbia resources you'll use
- • How you'll contribute to clusters
- • Leadership examples with impact
Pro Tip: Columbia values candidates who will actively use NYC resources. Have specific examples of companies, events, or people you plan to engage with.
Common Columbia Application Mistakes
Not explaining "Why NYC?"
Location is Columbia's biggest differentiator—use it
Generic diversity essay
PPIL essay needs specific skill focus and real growth
Ignoring Early Decision option
ED shows commitment and has higher acceptance rate
Overlooking J-Term benefits
January entry can be strategic for certain profiles
Life at Columbia Business School
Where academic excellence meets the energy of New York City
Manhattanville Campus
Brand new state-of-the-art facilities in West Harlem with Hudson River views
Cluster System
65-person learning teams create tight bonds while maintaining large network
NYC Social Life
From rooftop happy hours to Broadway shows, the city is your campus
Global Perspective
48% international students create the most diverse M7 community
Living in New York City
Housing Options
- • Columbia Housing: Convenient but limited
- • Upper West Side: Classic NYC living
- • Morningside Heights: Walking distance
- • Downtown: For those wanting city life
Getting Around
- • Subway: 1 train direct to campus
- • CitiBike: Great for short trips
- • Walking: NYC is made for it
- • Uber/Lyft: Late night backup
Student Favorites
- • Thursday "Café Fridays" happy hour
- • Central Park study sessions
- • Cluster dinners in the city
- • Spring Break trek to Japan
Ready to Join Columbia's Elite Network?
Navigate Columbia's unique application with former CBS admissions officers who understand what it takes to stand out in NYC's most competitive MBA program.