Columbia University School of Nursing
General Information
Overview
Columbia University School of Nursing is the graduate nursing arm of Columbia University, situated in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. Founded in 1892 as the Presbyterian Hospital Training School for Nurses, it later formally affiliated with Columbia University in 1937 and evolved into a leading institution for advanced nursing education. The school is known for blending rigorous clinical, research, and leadership training in its programs, preparing nurse clinicians, nurse scientists, and advanced practitioners.
It is housed on Columbia’s medical campus alongside other health professional schools, facilitating interprofessional collaboration. Over its history, Columbia Nursing has pioneered innovation—being among the first nursing schools to confer master’s degrees in clinical specialties and to be designated a World Health Organization Collaborating Center for advanced nursing practice. It maintains extensive partnerships with major New York hospitals, offering students access to diverse patient populations and high‑impact clinical training settings. The school places significant emphasis on health equity, nursing science, translational research, and the development of advanced nursing roles in public health and systems care.
Contact Information
Address: 560 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032
Phone: (212) 305‑5756
Email / General Inquiries: (managed via the Columbia Nursing administrative office)
Dean: Lorraine Frazier, PhD, RN, FAAN
School Facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1892 |
| Type | Private, graduate professional school |
| Parent Institution | Columbia University |
| Dean | Lorraine Frazier, PhD, RN, FAAN |
| Campus Setting | Urban, part of Columbia University Irving Medical Center |
| Degrees Offered | MS (Advanced Practice, Specialty), DNP, PhD, MDE (for non‑nurses) |
| Accreditation / Recognition | Among top funded nursing schools, recognized WHO Collaborating Center |
Columbia University School of Nursing Rankings
| Scope / Ranking Body | Position / Note |
|---|---|
| U.S. National Nursing School Rankings | Consistently among top graduate nursing schools |
| Research Funding / NIH | Among nursing schools with strong federal funding per capita |
| Specialty Recognitions | Frequently ranked highly in DNP, clinical specialties |
Columbia University School of Nursing Academics
Columbia University School of Nursing Faculties / Departments
Rather than traditional undergraduate colleges, Columbia Nursing is organized by specialty and functional domains. Key units include:
- Advanced Practice Nursing / Clinical Specialties
- Nurse Anesthesia and Midwifery
- Nursing Science and Research (PhD programs)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) / Clinical Practice Leadership
- Masters Direct Entry (MDE) program for non‑nurses
- Clinical Partnerships and Practice Sites Office
- Curriculum, Simulation & Skills Education
- Student Affairs, Advising & Academic Support
Columbia University School of Nursing Courses and Programs / Majors
Columbia Nursing offers a robust suite of programs:
- Masters Direct Entry (MDE) for non‑nurses (15‑month accelerated)
- Master of Science (MS / Advanced Practice Nursing) in specialties such as Adult‑Gerontology Primary Care NP, Acute Care NP, Family NP, Pediatric NP, Psychiatric‑Mental Health NP
- Nurse Anesthesia (Master’s degree)
- Nurse Midwifery / Women’s Health specialty programs
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) for advanced practice clinicians
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing / Nursing Science
- Certificate and subspecialty programs (e.g. palliative care)
- Dual degree options and interprofessional opportunities
Online Learning
While Columbia Nursing’s core clinical and hands‑on programs are delivered in person (in New York), the school also offers supplemental online components (didactic modules, simulation debriefings, asynchronous learning) in various advanced and research-oriented courses. However, full degree programs are not delivered wholly online due to the clinical, laboratory, and simulation requirements. Some certificate or continuing education offerings may have greater online flexibility.
Average Test Scores
| Test / Metric | Typical / Reported Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate GPA (applicants) | ~3.4 average for incoming students | From Columbia Nursing facts and figures |
| GRE | Required only for certain PhD applicants | Others are exempt from GRE |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Columbia Nursing reports a graduation rate around 85 % in available institutional data. The institution supports students through academic counseling, remediation, and cohort models to maintain strong retention. The commitment to research funding, faculty support, and clinical mentorship helps students complete their advanced degrees efficiently.
Columbia University School of Nursing Admissions
GPA Range and Standardized Test Requirements
Applicants to Columbia Nursing’s advanced practice and graduate programs typically present undergraduate GPAs of 3.0–3.7 or above; in practice, competitive candidates often exceed 3.4. For PhD programs, GRE scores may be required unless exempt or waived based on credentials.
Columbia University School of Nursing Acceptance Rate
| Program / Stage | Rate / Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Overall acceptance (for graduate programs) | Approx. 35 % (varies by specialty) | Based on selective nature and competitive applicant pools |
| MDE / MS / DNP programs | Varies by specialty, often lower in high-demand tracks | More selective programs have lower rates |
Columbia University School of Nursing Application Requirements
Applicants must submit transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate work, a current CV or resume, letters of recommendation (often from clinicians or academic mentors), a personal or professional statement explaining goals and alignment with the program, evidence of clinical or health‑related experience, and any required test scores (e.g. GRE, if needed). Some programs require completion of prerequisite courses (e.g. anatomy, physiology, statistics) with specified minimum grades. Applicants may also be asked to complete interviews, and submit supplemental essays or responses tailored to specialty interests.
Application Process
- Complete the centralized or school‑specific application form by the deadline
- Submit all supporting documents (transcripts, recommendations, statement)
- Application review and screening for minimum criteria
- Invitation to interview (in person or virtual)
- Assessment by admissions committee including interviews
- Admission decision (offer, waitlist, or denied)
- Enrollment acceptance and registration of courses
Columbia University School of Nursing Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Program | Deadline | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| MS / DNP / Advanced Practice | April 15 (domestic) / April 15 (international) | Standard deadline for many programs |
| PhD | November 18 | Specific deadline for PhD applications |
| MDE Program | Varies by cycle | Must meet prerequisites prior to matriculation |
Essay Prompt
Typical prompts ask applicants to reflect on clinical or personal experiences that shaped their nursing philosophy, their goals in advanced practice or research, how they hope to contribute to health equity, and examples of leadership or teamwork that demonstrate readiness for graduate nursing study.
Columbia University School of Nursing Scholarships
Columbia Nursing offers merit‑based scholarships, research assistantships, and funding packages particularly for PhD students (including full tuition and stipend for several years). Many MS and DNP students also receive financial aid, institutional scholarships, or subsidized support; a high proportion (80 %) of students receive some form of financial aid.
Columbia University School of Nursing Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Program | Estimated Tuition & Fees | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MS / Advanced Practice | Several thousand dollars per credit | Varies by specialty and year |
| DNP | Similar per‑credit basis as MS programs | Includes clinical, lab, and residency costs |
| PhD | Tuition plus stipend/support for 3–4 years | PhD students often receive full funding including tuition waiver and stipend |
Total cost of attendance also includes fees, books, supplies, and clinical requirements, which must be budgeted by students.
Columbia University School of Nursing Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics (Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity)
Columbia Nursing’s enrolled degree and non‑degree students number 639, average age ~30 (range 17 to 66), representing 32 U.S. states and 26 countries. Around 13 % identify as men, and approximately 46 % identify as Asian, Black, Hispanic, Native American or Pacific Islander; 27 % of students have unknown or unreported racial identity.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Columbia Nursing provides support mechanisms including financial aid and scholarships for students with varying economic backgrounds. Its student services and disability resource centers at the university level help accommodate students with disabilities, ensuring accessible curriculum, testing accommodations, and inclusive support structures.
Student Body
| Category | Number / Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total enrolled degree students | 639 | Includes MS, DNP, PhD programs |
| Non‑degree / prerequisite program (OPEN) students | 146 | Enrolled in the online prerequisites for non‑nurses |
| Graduates since founding | Over 14,500 | Cumulative graduates since 1892 |
University Diversity
Columbia Nursing emphasizes diversity and inclusion as core institutional values. Its student body includes learners from many states and globally from 26 countries, ensuring cross-cultural perspectives in cohorts. Around 46 % of students identify with underrepresented or diverse racial/ethnic groups. The institution’s curriculum also embeds cultural competence, health equity, and policy awareness. Through outreach, pipeline programs, and scholarship support, Columbia Nursing seeks to reduce barriers to advanced nursing education for underrepresented populations and to foster a workforce more reflective of the communities served.
Average Earnings
While nursing salaries depend heavily on specialty, role, location, and experience, graduates of Columbia Nursing’s advanced practice and doctoral programs typically command higher earning trajectories. Nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and advanced clinicians in New York and metropolitan settings often achieve six-figure incomes. Alumni with PhDs in nursing science may pursue research, academia, or leadership roles which may yield varied remuneration depending on grants, institutional appointments, and consulting. Graduates in leadership, policy, or executive nursing roles likewise may see expanded compensation, reflecting the prestige and training of Columbia.
Columbia University School of Nursing Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Columbia Nursing employs a robust faculty structure: 81 full‑time faculty, 20 attending faculty, 308 part‑time faculty, and a clinical faculty roster of 854 preceptors. The faculty and staff support encompass curriculum delivery, clinical supervision, research mentorship, student affairs, simulation education, and administrative functions.
Faculty Profiles (Expertise, Achievements)
Faculty expertise spans advanced practice, nursing science, health services research, informatics, health equity, global health, and policy. Many hold leadership roles and high national or international recognition, securing NIH funding and contributing to groundbreaking nursing research. The school’s longstanding reputation and research intensity attract faculty with strong scholarly portfolios, interprofessional collaboration, and influence in policy and practice.
Columbia University School of Nursing Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Columbia Nursing is co‑located with Columbia University Irving Medical Center and its allied health schools in northern Manhattan. Students benefit from shared campus facilities including simulation centers, libraries, research labs, and wellness amenities. Housing is predominantly off campus, with many students residing in nearby neighborhoods in Manhattan or Upper Manhattan. Rental costs are significant given New York City housing markets, so students often share apartments or live in commuting-accessible areas. The broader Columbia University environment offers student organizations, interprofessional events, seminars, and networking opportunities across the health sciences.
Transportation
The campus is well served by New York City public transit, including subway lines, buses, and commuter rail accessible from many boroughs. Many students rely on the city’s mass transit system to reach campus. On campus, mobility is supported by pedestrian walkways, elevators, and connections between health science buildings. For clinical rotations across New York City hospitals, students use transit, hospital shuttles, or regional transport depending on practice site locations.