Columbia University's Acceptance Results for the Class of 2029

Columbia University, ranked 13th in the nation by US News, has admitted the first round of applicants to the Class of 2029. Columbia’s Early Decision applications decreased a little over 2 percent from last year, down to 5,872 applications, from 6,009 in the 2023-24 admissions cycle. Keep reading to get the latest from Crimson Education COO Arkesh Patel on Columbia’s admissions data and trends as the Class of 2029 begins to take shape.

Class of 2029 Acceptance Results Overview

As a test-optional Ivy League school in the heart of New York City, Columbia offers a unique appeal to thousands of students each year, making the school’s acceptance rate highly competitive.

This year, Columbia has announced its Early Decision results for the Class of 2029, with Regular Decision results to follow in March 2025.

The deadline for Regular Decision applications for the Class of 2029 is January 1st.

Early Decision Acceptance Results

• Total Applications: 5,872
• Accepted Students: not available
• Acceptance Rate: not available

Columbia received slightly fewer Early Decision applications this year, decreasing by two percent compared to last year.

Columbia’s Early Decision Acceptance Rate Trends

Although Columbia hasn’t yet reported the number of Early Decision applicants accepted for the Class of 2029, we can make thoughtful projections based on years of Columbia data we track.

Over the past four years Columbia’s Early Decision acceptance rate has hovered between 10–15%, providing a fairly reliable range for estimating this year's EA acceptance rate, with 12–14% being a reasonable estimate.

The most recently publicized Early Decision acceptance rate statistics for Columbia are from the school’s 2023–24 data set (Class of 2027):

• Total Applications: 5,733
• Accepted Students: 840
• Acceptance Rate: 14.65%

Why Apply Early Action or Early Decision?

• Higher Acceptance Rates: Early Action and Early Decision applicants typically enjoy higher acceptance rates compared to Regular Decision.
• Demonstrated Interest: Applying early shows Columbia your strong interest in joining their academic community.

What To Expect for Regular Decision Results

The Regular Decision results for the Class of 2029 will be released on Ivy Day, March 26, 2025. Last year, Columbia's Regular Decision acceptance rate was an ultra-competitive 2.3%. Based on current trends, we anticipate another challenging admissions cycle.

Key Regular Decision Figures from Last Year (Class of 2028):

• Applications Received: 54,239 
• Students Accepted: 1,598

Acceptance Rate: 2.3%

Key Trends and Insights

• Increasing Application Numbers: Since going test optional in 2020-21, Columbia has seen a sharp spike in applications, jumping to more than 60,000 applications from 40,000. Since 2021 these higher numbers have remained consistently higher, but without increasing further.
• Holistic Admissions Approach: Columbia evaluates applicants beyond academic metrics, considering essays, extracurriculars, leadership roles, and recommendations. In the wake of the Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action programs, Columbia created an Admissions Working Group to expand outreach to underrepresented students, but has faced some criticism for failing to promote diversity after affirmative action was banned.
• Testing Requirements: Columbia is in its fourth year of having a test-optional admissions policy. This may affect the number of applicants and overall acceptance rates, even more so perhaps as other Ivy League schools are reinstating testing requirements.

This historical data demonstrates Columbia’s consistently competitive admissions process, with numbers hitting a post-pandemic plateau over the past four years.

What Makes Columbia Unique?

Columbia’s outstanding national and world rankings, its location in the heart of New York City, and its commitment to academic excellence and diversity make it a highly attractive institution. With a holistic admissions process, Columbia selects students who not only excel academically but also contribute to its dynamic community.

Key Takeaways

• Columbia’s Early Decision acceptance rate for the Class of 2029 reflects the increasing competition for spots at top universities, but it also offers a statistical advantage compared to the school’s Regular Decision acceptance rates.
• Historical trends show Columbia remains highly competitive, even more so after going test optional four years ago.
• While several Ivy League schools are reinstating test score requirements for admissions, Columbia remains test optional.
• With Regular Decision results due in March, students should continue preparing their applications with care.

What’s Next for Applicants?

For those admitted early, congratulations on joining Columbia’s prestigious Class of 2029! Regular Decision applicants should continue preparing strong applications and essays to maximize their chances.

Need Help with Your Application?
Crimson Education specializes in guiding students through the admissions process to top universities like Columbia. Speak to an admissions advisor today!