Visual Arts + Sound Art Tuition

Columbia University School of the Arts provides over $18 million for student support each year in the form of tuition scholarships, paid student positions, and teaching assistantships, as well as institutional awards and grants to support research, travel, and productions. The School of the Arts admissions process is need-blind, which means that financial need is not factored into admissions decisions.

In addition to the above, students admitted as Printmakers will receive a Neiman Center Fellowship of approximately $18,000/year.

MFA Applicants who wish to have their financial need considered in potential offers of School of the Arts scholarship or fellowship aid (also referred to as “institutional aid”) must complete the following steps:

Choose the pull-down menu option in your School of the Arts MFA Application for Admission stating that you wish to be considered for institutional aid.
U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents only: Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid form at www.studentaid.gov by February 1. Columbia’s School Code is 002707.
All MFA applicants: Complete the online School of the Arts Financial Aid Application by February 1 for admission in the fall semester.

Learn more about Admissions and Financial Aid

First and Second-Year Students

Direct Costs: Tuition (up to 18 credits)
Fall 2025: $38,920
Spring 2026: $38,920
Total: $77,840

Direct Costs: Career Services Fee
Fall 2025: $85
Spring 2026: $85
Total: $170

Direct Costs: Student Activity Fee
Fall 2025: $55
Spring 2026: $55
Total: $110

Direct Costs: University Services and Support Fee
Fall 2025: $618
Spring 2026: $618
Total: $1,236

Direct Costs: Health Services Fee
Fall 2025: $723
Spring 2026: $723
Total: $1,446

Direct Costs: Medical Insurance*
Fall 2025: $2,044
Spring 2026: $3,323
Total: $5,367

Direct Costs: Total Direct Costs
Fall 2025: $42,445
Spring 2026: $43,724
Total: $86,169

Additional Fees During the Academic Year

Additional Fees: International Student Fee
Total: $170; Per semester for all international students

Additional Fees: Document Fee
Total: $105; Charged during your first semester of your first year

Additional Fees: Course or Lab Fees
Total: Varies; Typically between $30 to $125 per course

Additional Fees: Late Registration Fee
Total: $100; If after the late registration period

Additional Fees: Late Payment Fee
Total: $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.

Additional Fees: Per-point tuition
Total: $2,596; Per point

Indirect Costs: Food
Fall 2025: $3,196
Spring 2026: $3,996
Total: $7,192

Indirect Costs: Housing
Fall 2025: $6,944
Spring 2026: $8,680
Total: $15,624

Indirect Costs: Transportation
Fall 2025: $588
Spring 2026: $735
Total: $1,323

Indirect Costs: Personal Expenses
Fall 2025: $1,560
Spring 2026: $1,950
Total: $3,510

Indirect Costs: Books & Supplies
Fall 2025: $625
Spring 2026: $625
Total: $1,250

Indirect Costs: Total Indirect Costs
Fall 2025: $12,913
Spring 2026: $15,986
Total: $28,899

* 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.

First and Second-Year Students

Additional Fees During the Academic Year

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