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Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid
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2020–2021 Tuition and Fees

First- and Second-Year MFA Students, All Programs

 

 

Fall 2020

Spring 2021

2020–21 Total

Tuition 

$32,558

$32,558

$65,116

Career Services Fee 

$80

$80

$160

Student Activity Fee 

$30

$30

$60

University Services and Support Fee 

$261

$261

$522

Health Services Fee

$610

$610

$1,220

Medical Insurance*

$1,400

$2,276

$3,676

Total 

$34,939

$35,815

$70,838
* Domestic students may request a waiver from the Columbia Student Health Insurance plan by submitting a waiver application at the beginning of the academic year with proof of comparable coverage. The Health Services Fee cannot be waived. International students must be insured through Columbia's plan except in rare circumstances when they are covered by a U.S.-based, employer-sponsored, group health plan (as a primary, spouse or dependent). Such requests are reviewed on a case by case basis. Please click here for more information.

 

 

Additional Fees During the Academic Year (if applicable)

 
Writing MFA Thesis Reading Fee $100 Per semester for all first and second-year Writing MFA students
International Student Fee $110 Per semester for all international students
Document Fee $105 One-time charge for first year students
Course or Lab Fees varies Typically between $30 to $125 per course
Late Registration Fee $100 If after the late registration period
Late Payment Fee $150

This fee is assessed if you make your payment after the due date of the first term bill.


An additional charge of 1.5% of the balance due will be assessed per month on any past due amount thereafter.
Per-point tuition $2,172 Each point over 18 points

 

Other estimated typical costs (per 9-month academic year)
Living Expenses (Room & Board) $22,284
Transportation $1,143
Personal Expenses $5,400
Books & Supplies $2,874
Loan origination fees (for U.S. Citizens and
Permanent Residents with federal loans)		 $216

 

Note: The figures represented here vary each academic year and are subject to approval by the Trustees of Columbia University. Other fees may apply. Historically, tuition and fees have risen each year.