Columbia University: How to Apply for 2026, Acceptance Rate, and What To Expect as a Columbia SOA Film Student

Columbia University’s School of the Arts film program is widely regarded as an elite hub for storytellers. With MFA concentrations in Screenwriting & Directing, Creative Producing, and Writing for Film & Television, and a BA in Film & Media Studies for undergraduates, Columbia combines rigorous narrative training with direct access to New York City's film industry.

In 2025, The Hollywood Reporter ranked Columbia No. 8 on its list of the 25 best U.S. film schools, noting its Ivy League prestige, strong industry connections, and noteworthy faculty, such as Minhal Baig and Elizabeth Ramírez‑Soto. In recent years, undergraduate alumni have contributed to outstanding films and televisions series, from “Women Talking” (Academy Award nominee for Best Picture) to “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.”

Undergraduate regular decision applications are due January 1, 2026 and graduate applications due December 9, 2025. Before you apply, read this guide to learn about Columbia University and review the creative requirements, deadlines, the cost of attendance, and more key information.

What is it like studying film at Columbia University School of the Arts?​

Located on the upper west side of Manhattan at 116th and Broadway, Columbia is widely considered one of the most scenic urban universities in the nation. The University's historic residence halls are surrounded by greenery, including the South Lawns and Morningside Park. The University is in one of the most multicultural cities in the country, and its student body is just as diverse: In fall 2025, students from 58 countries made up 32% of the film community, highlighting Columbia's international reach.

Students shoot on the Canon C200, Panasonic AU-EVA1, and Sony FS5 and have a variety of light packages. ARRI cameras are available for advanced film shoots. The Columbia Casting database connects students with talented and trustworthy actors. Additionally, the Digital Media Center assists graduate film students with their coursework. Film students are well-connected to New York's entertainment industry, including major American broadcast networks and popular cable channels, from HBO to Comedy Central, along with dozens of independent studios.

Columbia film students can enjoy an unlimited number of film screenings off-campus, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art's film series, Tribeca Film Festival, and Brooklyn Film Festival. Manhattan's historic Quad Theater and the Lincoln Center also regularly screen films.

FilmSchool.org's exclusive two-part interview with Columbia University's Admissions and Industry Outreach departments offers deeper insights into the historic Ivy. Read the interview to discover what the Office of Admissions looks for in a stellar applicant, common application mistakes to avoid, and how to excel as a Columbia film student:


For an inside look at life after Columbia University's film MFA program, read FilmSchool.org's interview with alumnus Seabold Krebs (AKA Patrick Clement), who reflects on writing and directing his psychological thriller, "Bury Me When I'm Dead:"

Plus, don't miss FilmSchool.org's interview with Columbia University alumnus @Zeno, who discusses his experiences with filmmaking, navigating the festival circuit, and coaching film students:


You can also ask current Columbia film students general questions by emailing askastudent@columbia.edu.

Renowned Columbia University film program alumni ​

Columbia University alumni dominate the Academy Awards, the Emmy Awards, the Peabody Awards, and other historic film awards.

Kathryn Bigelow (MFA, ‘79) became the first woman to win the Academy Award for Best Director for "The Hurt Locker."

Lisa Cholodenko (MFA, ‘97) wrote and directed "Olive Kitteridge" and received an Emmy for Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series. Most recently, she directed the Hulu limited series "The Girl from Plainville."

Anna Winger (BA, ‘93) created and wrote the Netflix limited series "Unorthodox." In 2021, Winger entered a partnership with the streaming service.

10 commonly asked questions about Columbia University​

1. What makes Columbia University School of the Arts exceptional? ​

Columbia trains students to become filmmakers by infusing its curriculum with producing, writing, directing, film theory, and navigating the business side of the industry. Students benefit from the University's impressive alumni network, award-winning instructors, vibrant urban location, and emphasis on storytelling.

FilmSchool.org spoke with Tal Lazar, who taught at Columbia University School of the Arts, to learn more about how the Ivy's curriculum and atmosphere compare to other top film schools, including the AFI Conservatory. Part 1 of Lazar's interview is available here:

2. Is Columbia University test optional? ​

Yes. Both undergraduate and graduate film programs remain test-optional for 2026 entry.

3. What is the average GPA of Columbia University applicants? ​

There is no minimum GPA requirement for admission. However, the average Columbia student has a minimum 3.91 GPA, according to Campusreel.org.

FilmSchool.org's Application Database includes the GPAs of Columbia applicants who are waitlisted, accepted, or rejected, along with other data points that can help you determine your chances of acceptance and fine-tune your application.

4. Can I apply to more than one Columbia MFA film program?​

Yes. You can apply to two or more MFA film programs per cycle by submitting separate applications with an additional fee.

5. How important is the film portfolio? ​

Columbia uses a holistic admissions process, considering every part of your application. Each requirement is a chance to show the Office of Admissions why you’re a strong fit for the BA or MFA program. Taking into account how Columbia remains one of the most competitive universities nationwide, your portfolio should clearly highlight your passion for film, your storytelling talents, and your artistic vision.

6. Do all applicants need to attend an interview?​

Undergraduate film does not require an interview for admission; optional interviews may be given depending on how many volunteers are available.

Graduate film requires an interview for admission. To learn how many FilmSchool.org members who were admitted after an interview, visit our Acceptance Statistics pages for the Screenwriting & Directing (MFA) and the Creative Producing (MFA).

7. In what ways does Columbia's film MFA program emphasize collaboration?​

Both Columbia MFA film degrees frequently collaborate, notably on the 8-12 minute film at the end of the second year of study that allows Creative Producing students to develop Directing students' best work. According to the Office of Admissions, this project has paved the way for film crews on major motion pictures such as "Boys Don’t Cry," "American Splendor," and "Monsoon Wedding."

8. Does Columbia allow film students to work part-time? ​

Part-time jobs on or off campus are permitted to offset the exceptionally high cost of living in New York City. However, the Office of Admissions advises MFA students to account for a heavy course load: classes run Monday to Friday and often last over 8 hours.

9. Is student housing available to all Columbia students?​

Columbia Housing offers undergraduate residence halls where film students have a safe and inclusive space to study and grow their network. The program guarantees housing to all undergraduates — excluding visiting students — who apply and plan to study full-time for up to four years. Freshmen are required to live on campus, excluding sororities. Eligible applicants can apply to receive special housing accommodations.

Graduate applicants do not have guaranteed housing. If admitted, they are encouraged to apply for dorm-style rooms and shared apartments through Columbia University Apartment Housing.

10. If I withdraw from Columbia's film program, can I reapply?​

If you withdraw, you can reapply for admission only if you have attended Columbia within the past five years. Request the application by contacting soaadmissions@columbia.edu. For more information, read about readmission for former students on Columbia's website.

Information sessions and campus tours​

Learn more about Columbia's film program in one of the following online sessions. You can also schedule a guided campus tour by going to the University Visitor's Center. To make an appointment with a School of the Arts admissions counselor, please email soaadmissions@columbia.edu.

Virtual tours are also available for the Morningside Heights Campus and the Manhattanville Campus. For questions or additional information, email the Office of Admissions at soaadmissions@columbia.edu.

Graduate Online Film Faculty FAQ​

Creative Producing
Thursday, December 4, 2025 at 6 p.m. ET
Click here to RSVP

Screenwriting & Directing and Writing for Film & Television
Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at 7 p.m. ET
Click here to RSVP

Undergraduate Academic Interest session​

Forum: Academic Interest - Humanities and the Arts
Friday, December 12, at 4:00 p.m. ET
Click here to RSVP

Editor's note: This article has been revised to reflect application instructions for 2026 entry.​

Continue reading...​

• Columbia University Acceptance Rate​

• Columbia University Cost of Attendance Financial Aid, and Scholarships for 2026 Entry​

• How to Apply to Columbia University's BA in Film and Media Studies for 2026 Entry​

• Columbia University General Admissions Requirements for Graduates for 2026 Entry​

• How to Apply to Columbia University's Screenwriting & Directing MFA for 2026 Entry​

• How to Apply to Columbia University's Writing for Film & Television MFA for 2026 Entry​

• How to Apply to Columbia University's Creative Producing MFA for 2026 Entry​

• Showcase your films at Columbia University Film Festival (CUFF)​

• How to Apply to Columbia University as an International Applicant​

• Columbia University Application Deadlines and What to Expect After Applying​

• Increase Your Chances of Acceptance to Columbia University​

• Read the full article​