Tuition-aid - Columbia GSAPP

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Tuition & Aid

Columbia GSAPP is committed to educating and supporting students pursuing careers in architecture, planning, preservation, real estate development, and related disciplines. It is our aim to provide as many students as possible with the opportunity to become successful professionals in their chosen field of study.

Direct funding at GSAPP through fellowships, scholarships, and assistantships is competitive and not available to all admitted or enrolled students. Each applicant is considered for merit-based scholarships. Additional GSAPP scholarship opportunities are available to enrolled students by application.

The Columbia University Office of Student Financial Services works with the GSAPP Office of Admission and Financial Aid to provide student support including Federal Loan processing and information on the Estimated Cost of Attendance and Types of Aid.

2025-2026 Academic Year

The Master’s degree tuition rate per term is $35,190 for 12-19 points. Additional points are $2,346 per point. Other University fees are outlined below.
The New York/Paris Certificate tuition rate per term is $22,950 for 12-19 points. Additional points are $1,530 per point. Other University fees are outlined below.
The Introduction to Architecture program course fee is $4,590 for 3 points, at a rate of $1,530 per point. Other University fees are outlined below.
Tuition for Part-time students (registered for fewer than 12 points per semester) is billed at the rate of $2,346 per point. Other University fees are applied based on Part-time registration status.

Please reference the Columbia Student Financial Services website for further information on tuition and fees, types of aid, and an overview of the total Estimated Cost of Attendance (including Food and Housing, Books/Supplies, Transportation, and Personal expenses).

See Columbia Health for details on health insurance requirements, policy details, and premiums.

Master of Architecture

University Tuition and Fees

Tuition

University Services & Support Fee

Health and Related Services Fee

Health Insurance

Document Fee (one-time)

International Services Charge

Fall 2025 / Spring 2026

$70,380 ($35,190 per term)

$1,252* ($626 per term)

$1,430* ($715 per term)

$5,367** ($2,044 Fall / $3,323 Spring)

$105

$170

Cost of Attendance Estimates

Food

Housing

Books / Materials

Transportation

Personal Expenses

9-month academic year

$7,192

$15,624

$1,500

$1,323

$3,510

*Visit the Columbia Tuition and Fees website for complete details on University fees.

**Please see Columbia Health for health insurance requirements, policy details, and premiums.

The Cost of Attendance Estimates, also known as the “budget” or “COA,” represent the student’s maximum financial aid eligibility amount based on the length of the academic year. Visit the Student Financial Services website for additional information.

M.S.CCCP, M.S.HP, M.S.UP

University Tuition and Fees

Tuition

University Services & Support Fee

Health and Related Services Fee

Health Insurance

Document Fee (one-time)

International Services Charge

Fall 2025 / Spring 2026

$70,380 ($35,190 per term)

$1,252* ($626 per term)

$1,430* ($715 per term)

$5,367** ($2,044 Fall / $3,323 Spring)

$105

$170

Cost of Attendance Estimates

Food

Housing

Books / Materials

Transportation

Personal Expenses

9-month academic year

$7,192

$15,624

$1,250

$1,323

$3,510

*Visit the Columbia Tuition and Fees website for complete details on University fees.

**Please see Columbia Health for health insurance requirements, policy details, and premiums.

M.S.AAD, M.S.AUD, M.S.CDP, M.S.RED

University Tuition and Fees

Tuition

University Services and Support Fee

Health and Related Services Fee

Health Insurance

Document Fee (one-time)

International Services Charge

Summer 2025 / Fall 2025 / Spring 2026

$105,570 ($35,190 per term)

$1,834* ($582 Summer / $626 Fall / $626 Spring)

$1,878* ($500 Summer / $715 Fall / $715 Spring)

$6,723** ($1,356 Summer / $2,044 Fall / $3,323 Spring)

$105

$170

Cost of Attendance Estimates

Food

Housing

Books / Materials

Transportation

Personal Expenses

12-month academic year

$9,589

$20,832

$1,875

$1,764

$4,680

*Visit the Columbia Tuition and Fees website for complete details on University fees.

**Please see Columbia Health for health insurance requirements, policy details, and premiums.

Non-degree Programs

Introduction to Architecture

Tuition

University Services and Support Fee

Health and Related Services Fee

Document Fee (one-time)

Summer 2025

$4,590

$436

$150

$105

New York / Paris Program

Tuition

University Services and Support Fee

Health and Related Services Fee

Health Insurance

Document Fee (one-time)

International Services Charge

Fall 2025 / Spring 2026

$45,900 ($22,950 per term)

$1,252* ($626 per term)

$1,430* ($715 per term)

$5,367** ($2,044 Fall / $3,323 Spring)

$105

$170

*Visit the Columbia Tuition and Fees website for complete details on University fees.

**Please see Columbia Health for health insurance requirements, policy details, and premiums.

GSAPP Funding

Columbia GSAPP offers institutional financial aid to support the graduate education of the most highly qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and nationalities. Awarded at the time of admission, GSAPP scholarships for incoming students are competitive and are awarded based on recommendations by the program’s admissions committee. These scholarships aim to reduce financial barriers, increase equity and access to education, and yield the highest caliber students who are able to benefit from and contribute to the GSAPP experience.

The School actively supports the recruitment of historically underrepresented groups at GSAPP and has established several scholarship funds for this purpose in the past years, including the George and Nancy Rupp Fellowship in 2018 honoring the legacy of the former President of the University, and the Milton and Yvonne Edelin Scholarship in 2019—the largest gift from a Black alumnus in the school’s history.

Learn more about specific scholarship opportunities below, and reference current application details on the GSAPP Scholarships webpage.

Scholarships

Admissions Scholarships

All applicants are considered as part of the admissions review and there is no separate application form. Recipients are notified through their offer of admission.

Need-based Scholarships

In 2022, Columbia GSAPP established a scholarship to provide tuition-relieving, need-based scholarships for currently enrolled master’s students. Awards are limited and selections are made based on the Scholarship Need Assessment submissions in order to prioritize the students with the greatest financial need.

In the 2024-25 academic year, this scholarship will offer one-time awards of up to $10,000 each. The application process consists of a Need Assessment Form, which is available in Summer 2024 for awards to be disbursed in the Fall 2024 semester.

Merit-based Scholarships

In 2023, GSAPP established a scholarship to provide tuition-relieving, merit-based scholarships for currently enrolled master’s students. Awards are limited and selections are made based on academic achievement as documented in the application form.

In the 2024-25 academic year, this scholarship will offer one-time awards of up to $10,000 each. The application process consists of a Scholarship Application Form, which is available in Summer 2024 for awards to be disbursed in the Fall 2024 semester.

Emergency Fund

Established and funded by the Dean’s Office, the GSAPP Emergency Fund was initially created in 2020 to support the student community facing hardships resulting from the impact of COVID-19. In order to meet the students’ financial needs during that period, the School provided a total of $290,743 in emergency aid to 195 students in the 2020-2021 academic year. The Fund was renewed in the 2021-2022 academic year to provide continued support, and a total of $272,366 in emergency aid was awarded to 206 students.

Columbia GSAPP will continue to assist students with unexpected financial needs through an Emergency Fund. The GSAPP Emergency Fund is for current GSAPP students who are enrolled full time and have urgent financial need that cannot be addressed by any other sources. These taxable stipends vary in amount and may be up to $1,000 per student in each application round. Students who have already received a stipend from the fund’s prior rounds and continue to experience financial hardship may re-apply for an additional stipend.

Please contact the Financial Aid Office at financialaid@arch.columbia.edu to discuss your current situation and eligibility.

The Emergency Fund also welcomes gifts from friends and alumni whose contributions help support student success.

Employment Opportunities

Assistantships

Columbia GSAPP offers a limited number of merit-based teaching and research assistantships to students enrolled in full-time degree programs and to continuing non-enrolled students. Remuneration is based on the expected workload and is disbursed via semimonthly paychecks.

The assignment of assistantships is made on the basis of qualifications for each position. Because these are merit-based positions, preference is given to applicants who have experience in the course or subject matter. Students are only eligible for one position per semester. A complete list of available positions is released to all students by the Dean’s Office in June. Applications are typically due the following month and students will be notified of their candidacy in late July. Positions are typically for the Fall and/or Spring terms (Summer term appointments are very limited). More information can be found on the Assistantships page.

Casual Payroll

GSAPP offers a range of hourly employment opportunities in the fabrication shop, output shop, exhibitions and events offices, and other administrative roles. Salaries are paid via bi-weekly time sheets at a rate of $16 and $17 per hour.

Work-Study

The federal Work-Study program is a form of financial assistance provided to students through part-time employment. This aid is usually $16 per hour and is awarded based on need. See the Student Financial Services Work-Study Overview for more details.

Other Benefits

Subsidized Travel

GSAPP students receive travel stipends to offset required studio, conference, or thesis travel.
Additionally, GSAPP hosts and funds international summer workshops. These faculty-led, non-curricular workshops take place each summer and are announced during the Spring Semester.

Computers

Each student enrolled in a design studio has 24-hour access to a dedicated computer and workspace. Computers are equipped with animation, modeling, and fabrication software and students do not need to purchase or maintain a personal computer.

Columbia University & External Funding

Columbia University Fellowships

Columbia University offers a limited number of need-based institutional awards for graduate students. Applications are accepted from current students or those who plan to matriculate in the Fall. The submission deadline for these awards is determined by the University Provost’s Office (typically June 1st).

For more information and a complete list of available fellowships, please visit the Student Financial Services.

Lemann Foundation Interschool Fellowship

The Lemann Interschool Fellowship program is open to current and incoming full time master’s students in the programs listed above that have demonstrated a strong commitment to social change in Brazil and its future. Applicants can be Brazilian citizens, or those of other nationalities that can demonstrate a strong interest in social change in Brazil.

In order to apply to become a Lemann Fellow, please read the Columbia University Provost’s fellowship description, then download and fill out the Lemann Interschool Fellowship Application Form.

Dolores Zohrab Liebmann Fellowship

The Dolores Zohrab Liebmann Fund was established by the Will of Dolores Zohrab Liebmann and is administered by JPMorgan. Mrs. Liebmann was the daughter of a prominent Armenian intellectual, writer and statesman and was married to one of the owners of a successful American business. She supported students and educational and charitable organizations during her lifetime. The purpose of the fund is to attract and support students with outstanding character and ability who hold promise for achievement and distinction in their chosen fields of study.

In order to apply, candidates must fill out the DZL application and submit the required materials listed on the application checklist.

Columbia University Scholarship for Displaced Students

Columbia GSAPP is proud to participate in Columbia University’s Scholarship for Displaced Students. Administered by the Columbia Global Centers, is was launched in November 2019 to provide support for up to 30 students annually to receive tuition, housing, and living assistance while pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees across all 18 Columbia schools. The Scholarship is for foreign nationals with refugee status or who have received US asylum or submitted a US asylum application, or are in the US under Temporary Protected Status.

Learn more about the Scholarship and application procedure on the Columbia Global Center website.

External Funding Sources

Many financial resources exist in addition to those offered by Columbia University. We urge students to research outside scholarships, including the selection and additional databases featured on the External Funding Sources page.

Students may be eligible for a specific scholarship or grant from an outside agency. Some sources to explore are employers, unions, professional organizations, and special interest groups. Please also consult the Student Financial Services’ Outside Awards page for more information.

Additional Domestic Student Funding

Federal Aid

Students interested in federal financial aid (loans and/or work study) should submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Please use FAFSA code 002707. Information on federal aid can be obtained by contacting Columbia University Financial Aid, 202 Kent Hall, 212-854-7040.

Please note that although there is no official deadline for the FAFSA, Columbia University Student Financial Planning requires 4-6 weeks to prepare a Financial Aid Package. Applicants should plan accordingly if they wish to receive notice of federal funding by April 1st.

All degree candidates (including those in the M.S. AAD, M.S. AUD and M.S. RED programs that begin with the Summer semester) should complete the FAFSA application for the upcoming academic year only.

Find more information about Federal Financial Aid on Columbia’s Student Financial Services page. Additional information for Veterans and Service members can be found on the Student Financial Services Veterans and Service Members page.

Student Loans

While student loans may be used to mitigate educational expenses, they are, nevertheless, loans that must be repaid after graduation or after you cease to be enrolled halftime in a degree-granting program. For this reason, we strongly urge you to be as prudent as possible when borrowing and to understand fully the terms and conditions of any loan that you may borrow.

Students interested in additional loan funding, such as the Graduate Plus Loan should consult the Student Financial Services’ Graduate Financial Aid website in order to obtain information about private loan eligibility, borrowing limits, interest rates, fees and disbursement.