Columbia University School of Nursing
New York, NY
Quick Facts
1892
Founded
600+
Enrollment
14%
Acceptance Rate
96%
NCLEX Pass Rate
About Columbia University School of Nursing
Columbia University School of Nursing, located in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan and part of the Columbia University Irving Medical Center, is among the most prestigious nursing schools in the world. The school offers exclusively graduate-level programs, attracting accomplished students who want to advance their careers in advanced practice, research, and leadership. Clinical training takes place at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, one of the top-ranked hospitals in the country, as well as community health centers serving the diverse populations of Upper Manhattan and the Bronx.
Columbia's nursing curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, health equity, global health, and interprofessional collaboration. The school's research enterprise is among the most productive in nursing academia, with faculty and students conducting groundbreaking work in areas including HIV/AIDS, cardiovascular health, health informatics, mental health, and aging. The school's location in New York City provides access to an unparalleled range of clinical settings and healthcare innovation.
Degree Programs Offered
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Advanced practice programs including the Entry to Practice (ETP) pathway for career changers, plus specialty tracks in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP, Family NP, Pediatric NP, Psychiatric-Mental Health NP, Nurse-Midwifery, and Nurse Anesthesia.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
A practice-focused doctoral program for advanced practice nurses, emphasizing clinical leadership, health systems improvement, and evidence translation. Designed for working professionals with flexible scheduling.
Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)
A research-focused doctoral program preparing nurse scientists to conduct original research that advances health equity and improves care for vulnerable populations.
Accreditation
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Columbia University School of Nursing holds full CCNE accreditation for its MSN and DNP programs, reflecting its standing as one of the oldest and most respected graduate nursing programs in the world.
Campus & Online Options
Columbia School of Nursing is based at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center campus in Washington Heights, Manhattan. Clinical rotations take place at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, community health centers in Upper Manhattan, and specialty facilities throughout the New York metropolitan area. The DNP program includes hybrid elements with online coursework. The school does not offer fully online programs.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition
Graduate tuition at Columbia School of Nursing is approximately $58,000 per year, reflecting its status as a private Ivy League institution. The Entry to Practice MSN program is a two-year intensive with a total estimated cost of approximately $120,000 including fees and living expenses.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Columbia offers merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, federal and private loans, and nursing-specific endowed scholarships. Many students receive institutional aid. The school connects students with the Nurse Corps Scholarship, Jonas Nurse Scholars program, and other external funding opportunities. Loan forgiveness programs for nurses working in underserved communities are also available.
Admissions Overview
Admission to Columbia School of Nursing is highly selective. The Entry to Practice pathway requires a bachelor's degree in any field with prerequisite science courses. Post-MSN programs (DNP, PhD) require an MSN or equivalent from an accredited program. Applications are reviewed holistically, considering academic achievement, clinical experience, leadership, and research potential.
Application Deadline
January 15 for fall admission
Requirements
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in prerequisite or prior graduate coursework
- Bachelor's degree (for ETP) or MSN (for DNP/PhD) from an accredited institution
- Personal statement addressing career goals and fit with Columbia's mission
- Three letters of recommendation from academic or clinical references
- Current RN license (for post-MSN applicants)
- Interview for shortlisted candidates
Student Life
Columbia's medical center campus in Washington Heights offers a close-knit community within the energy of New York City. Nursing students engage in interprofessional events, global health initiatives, community outreach, and student government. New York City provides access to world-class cultural institutions, diverse dining, professional networking, and an unmatched range of clinical and career opportunities in healthcare.
Great for Future Travel Nurses
Columbia School of Nursing graduates bring an Ivy League education and training at one of the top hospitals in the country to their travel nursing careers. Clinical experience at NewYork-Presbyterian, consistently ranked among the top five hospitals nationally, prepares graduates for the most demanding travel assignments at major academic medical centers and high-acuity facilities. The school's emphasis on evidence-based practice and health equity gives alumni the clinical confidence to adapt quickly to new environments. While New York is not an NLC state, Columbia graduates' elite credentials make them highly competitive for travel positions anywhere, and many agencies specifically recruit from Columbia and similar top programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
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