Tuition Aid - Columbia GSAPP

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 has the opportunity to complete a scholarship application included with the application for admission. GSAPP scholarships are based on a combination of merit and financial need.

The GSAPP Office of Admission and Financial Aid works with the Columbia University Office of Student Financial Services to meet the needs of each student.

2018-2019 Tuition and Fees

The below rates are pending approval by the Trustees of the University:

The flat fee for Masters degree tuition per term is $ 28,470 for 12-19 points. Additional points are $ 1,898 per point.

The New York/Paris Certificate has a flat fee of $ 18,810 per term for 12-19 points. Additional points are $ 1,254 per point.

The Introduction to Architecture program has a flat fee of $ 3,762 for 3 points at a rate of $ 1,254 per point.

Please visit the Columbia Student Financial Services website for further information on fees.

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

Tuition

Health Service Fee

Medical Insurance

University Facility Fee

Document Fee (one-time)

International Services

Combined Tuition and Fees

Living Expenses

Textbooks & Supplies

Commuting

Personal expenses

Loan Fees

Estimated Total

Fall/Spring

$56,940

$ 1,126

$ 3,210

$ 998

$ 105

(int'l students only)

$ 62,379

$ 21,231 (University estimate)

$ 3,260 (University estimate)

$ 1,089 (University estimate)

$ 4,905 (University estimate)

$ 218 (University estimate)

$ 93,082

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

Tuition

Health Service Fee

Medical Insurance

University Facility Fee

Document Fee (one-time)

International Services

Combined Tuition and Fees

Living Expenses

Textbooks & Supplies

Commuting

Personal expenses

Loan Fees

Estimated Total

Summer/Fall/Spring

$ 85,410

$ 1,372

$ 4,023

$ 1,459

$ 105

(int'l students only)

$ 92,369

$ 28,308 (University estimate)

$ 4,890 (University estimate)

$ 1,452 (University estimate)

$ 6,540 (University estimate)

$ 436 (University estimate)

$ 133,995

New York/Paris

Tuition

Health Service Fee

Medical Insurance

University Facility Fee

Document Fee (one-time)

International Services

Combined Tuition and Fees

Living Expenses

Textbook & Supplies

Commuting

Personal expenses

Loan Fees

Estimated Total

Fall/Spring

$ 37,620

$ 1,126

$ 3,210

$ 998

$ 105

(int'l students only)

$ 43,059

$ 21,231 (University estimate)

$ 3,348 (University estimate)

$ 484 (University estimate)

$ 4,905 (University estimate)

$ 133 (University estimate)

$ 73,055

Introduction to Architecture

Tuition

University Facility Fee

Document Fee (one-time)

Combined Tuition and Fees

Summer

$ 3,762

$ 246

$ 105

$ 4,113

Health Services Fee is a mandatory fee for access to the University Health Service Center.
Medical Insurance Fee is a payment for those enrolled in the Student Insurance plan.
University Facility Fee is an overall fee for use of its facilities, including the library and gym.
Document Fee is a one-time payment of $105 for transcripts, which allows students to request transcripts from the Registrar’s Office without further cost.

2019-2020 Tuition and Fees

The below rates are pending approval by the Trustees of the University:

The flat fee for Masters degree tuition per term is $ 29,490 for 12-19 points. Additional points are $ 1,966 per point.

The New York/Paris Certificate has a flat fee of $ 19,500 per term for 12-19 points. Additional points are $ 1,300 per point.

The Introduction to Architecture program has a flat fee of $ 3,900 for 3 points at a rate of $ 1,300 per point.

Please visit the Columbia Student Financial Services website for further information on fees.

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

Tuition

Health Service Fee

Medical Insurance

University Facility Fee

Document Fee (one-time)

Combined Tuition and Fees

Living Expenses

Textbooks & Supplies

Commuting

Personal expenses

Loan Fees

Estimated Total

Fall/Spring

$ 58,980

$ 1,166

$ 3,435

$ 1,030

$ 105

$ 64,716

$ 21,816 (University estimate)

$ 3,260 (University estimate)

$ 1,089 (University estimate)

$ 5,148 (University estimate)

$ 216 (University estimate)

$ 96,245

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

Tuition

Health Service Fee

Medical Insurance

University Facility Fee

Document Fee (one-time)

Combined Tuition and Fees

Living Expenses

Textbooks & Supplies

Commuting

Personal expenses

Loan Fees

Estimated Total

Summer/Fall/Spring

$ 88,470

$ 1,749

$ 4,248

$ 1,545

$ 105

$ 96,117

$ 29,088 (University estimate)

$ 4,890 (University estimate)

$ 1,452 (University estimate)

$ 6,864 (University estimate)

$ 432 (University estimate)

$ 138,843

New York/Paris

Tuition

Health Service Fee

Medical Insurance

University Facility Fee

Document Fee (one-time)

Combined Tuition and Fees

Living Expenses

Textbook & Supplies

Commuting

Personal expenses

Loan Fees

Estimated Total

Fall/Spring

$ 39,000

$ 1,166

$ 3,435

$ 1,030

$ 105

$ 44,736

$ 21,816 (University estimate)

$ 3,348 (University estimate)

$ 484 (University estimate)

$ 5,148 (University estimate)

$ 132 (University estimate)

$ 75,664

Introduction to Architecture

Tuition

University Facility Fee

Document Fee (one-time)

Combined Tuition and Fees

Summer

$ 3,900

$ 246

$ 105

$ 4,251

GSAPP Funding

Scholarships

GSAPP is proud to offer several million dollars annually in scholarships for both domestic and international students. All applicants who complete a scholarship application are reviewed by the admissions committee for funding. GSAPP scholarships are based on a combination of merit and financial need. In order to be considered for for a GSAPP scholarship, please complete the scholarship application in the online application.

Allocations of scholarships are based on the following criteria.

Funding is determined by the Program’s Admissions Committee.
All applicants, domestic and international, are eligible.
All applicants may complete a scholarship application that is included with the application for admission. The scholarship application must be submitted at the same time as the application for admission. The deadline is the same as the admissions deadline.
Notification of a GSAPP scholarship is included in the admission letter.
A direct tuition award is disbursed in the student’s account each term by the end of the change of program period (the second week of each semester).
Full time enrollment and good academic standing are required.
Scholarship awards are for the entire duration of the degree program and will be divided and disbursed evenly for each semester. For students in the M. Arch, M.S. UP, M.S. HP, MS. CCCP and NY/Paris programs, scholarships will be disbursed evenly for the Fall and Spring semesters. For students enrolled in the M.S. AAD, M.S. AUD or M.S. RED programs, scholarships will be disbursed evenly for the Summer, Fall, and Spring semesters.

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. An enrolled student receiving an assistantship will also be granted a tuition award, which is applied directly to the student’s account.

Remuneration varies based on the position and falls within the following range.
Minimum: 10 hours per week for $7,864 tuition award plus $2,320 salary.
Maximum: 19 hours per week for $14,745 tuition award plus $4,350 salary.

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

All GSAPP students receive a travel stipend to offset required studio, conference, or thesis travel. The average amount of support given is $2,412 per student.
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.

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.

Outside Awards

Many financial resources exist in addition to those offered by Columbia University. We urge students to research outside scholarships.

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 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.