FAQs Regarding Cost of Attendance

What changes are being made to the Tuition rate?

The rate increase for tuition is 2%.

Why are tuition costs going up?

Tuition has increased due to greater costs associated with supporting students, including instruction and technology support as we teach in multiple modalities. To adhere to public health guidelines, there will also be additional cleaning and facilities enhancements to mitigate risk in our current health environment.

This year, tuition will allow for Columbia Engineering students to enroll in three terms (Fall, Spring and Summer) while only paying for two (Fall and Spring), which may allow students to further advance in their degree progress. The maximum credits over the three terms is 40 credits. Note that the typical Columbia Engineering student course load in a semester is 15-18 credits (or 30-36 for the academic year). The summer term hence allows a student to take more courses without overloading in any semester.

Columbia University does not typically recoup the full cost of educating a student from Tuition, Room and Board, and other associated fees. Fundraising and other revenue sources cover the difference between what a student pays and the actual cost of attendance but given the current economic and health environment we anticipate significant challenges in fundraising activities and generating other revenues.   

Columbia Engineering remains committed to meeting demonstrated financial need. Even in these challenging times, we have increased our commitment to support students with the greatest financial need. This includes the waivers for the student contribution and term time work expectation as well as planning for an increased demand for financial aid this academic year.

Will I receive more financial aid given costs have gone up?

When the cost of attendance increases, financial aid eligibility increases as well - along with aid awarded. The Financial Aid and Educational Financing office is preparing financial aid award letters that reflect the costs of tuition, housing, and other allowances taking into account whether or not you will be living on- or off-campus and for which portion of the academic year. In financial aid awards for students living off-campus, Columbia Engineering will include an off-campus living allowance of $4,000 per semester to help with living and technology expenses related to remote learning.

When will I receive my financial aid eligibility letter?

The first round of eligibility letters for current students will be emailed by the end of July, once the Cost of Attendance for the 2020-2021 academic year has been finalized.

Can I update my financial aid application if a parent has lost a job or my family’s circumstances have changed due to the coronavirus outbreak?

If your family’s financial situation has changed significantly from what was originally reported in your application materials, please follow the steps below:

  • If you have already received your eligibility letter for 2020-2021, please submit a financial aid appeal. Instructions can be found here: https://cc-seas.financialaid.columbia.edu/appeals-process.
  • If you have not received your eligibility letter for 2020-2021, you can submit your financial aid appeal after you receive your initial eligibility letter.

Will fees be adjusted based on whether I am on campus or not?

Certain fees may be adjusted based on the availability of specific campus activities or operations, and the location of a student (on-campus or off-campus). This includes the Student Life fee. More details will be provided after course registration and housing confirmations are finalized.

What if I change my mind about my housing options, will my financial aid be adjusted?

Your financial aid award will be adjusted according to whether you live on-campus or off-campus. If your housing plans change before the start of either semester (Fall or Spring), contact the Financial Aid and Educational Financing office to discuss an adjustment to your Cost of Attendance and its impact on your financial aid award.

If I am not on campus, how will my financial aid work for housing and dining?

Students who attend class from off-campus/home will have their cost of attendance adjusted to reflect the costs of a remote term. Their dining and room costs will instead be replaced with a remote living allowance. Financial aid recipients whose grant exceeds the student account balance will receive a refund for the semester to help support costs associated with attending class from home.

If I take courses in the summer, do I have to pay for housing?

Housing for Summer term is an additional expense. The application for Summer housing will be available next Spring. Summer courses will also be available online, and therefore can be taken from whatever location you are in.

What happens if I have to leave campus residence before the term is over because of the pandemic?

If the University decides at any point in time (e.g. due to public health guidance) that it is necessary to depart campus mid-semester, your financial aid award will be modified  to prorate the charges for housing and dining, as well as certain other on-campus fees to the overall cost of attendance. This is similar to what occurred in Spring 2020 and students with financial aid would instead receive prorated off-campus support. For those living off-campus, the living allowance would remain unchanged.

What happens to my financial aid if I need to take a leave of absence in the middle of the term?

It is vital that students direct all financial aid questions to the Financial Aid and Educational Financing office at (212) 854-3711 or [email protected] as there are significant implications to taking a leave mid-term.

Learn more about withdrawals.

I am considering taking a voluntary leave of absence. Does this affect my financial aid for the future?

Taking a voluntary leave may impact financial aid eligibility. If you take a voluntary leave before the start of the term, there is no impact to your financial aid. However, If you take a voluntary leave after the start of the semester, that semester may count towards your eight semesters of financial aid eligibility. As each student’s financial situation is unique you should contact the Financial Aid and Educational Financing office when considering taking a leave of absence.

How can I find out more about a campus job this upcoming year? Can I take a job if I am remote?

There are two types of positions students may secure while enrolled: federal work-study or casual employment. Both types of positions are on-campus work; however they are funded by different sources. Eligibility for federal work-study is determined by the FAFSA. The financial aid award will indicate whether a student is eligible for federal work-study. Federal work study jobs are posted online.

Students not eligible for federal work-study can obtain campus jobs, but would search for them in the casual-employment section. Casual employment campus jobs are posted on the LionSHARE portal.

Students are paid directly; their earnings are not applied toward the bill. Information on the requirements for student job paperwork as well as payroll is available online.

You should check with the department listing the job as to whether or not a remote work arrangement is possible.