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For all students affected by recent college closures: We understand that these developments have disrupted your educational plans, and we are here to help you continue your work toward a creative career.

If you're interested in transferring to ÌÀ²»ÈÈÊÓƵ, please review the information on this page to help prepare your application.

Please reach out to us at transfer@colum.edu so we can expedite review of your application and transfer credits.

Transfer: How to Apply

ÌÀ²»ÈÈÊÓƵ is no longer accepting applications for the Fall 2026 term. If you have already been admitted for Fall 2026, please see below for relevant enrollment dates and deadlines.

The applications for Spring and Fall 2027 will be available on Tuesday, September 8.

Apply as a transfer student if you’ve completed high school, home school, or a GED (called HiSET in some states) program and have earned (or will earn) college credit at a college or university before your first day at Columbia. This excludes dual enrollments (including Summer at Columbia) and/or any college or university enrollment completed during the summer immediately following high school or GED (or HiSET) completion.

If you have not enrolled in courses at a post-secondary college or university, or if your coursework is covered by the exceptions listed above, please review the Freshman Application Requirements.

If you are you an international student who will require a visa to study in the United States, please follow the steps listed here, and review this page for additional information. 

You can also review a complete checklist and timeline for transfer students at the links.

Important Dates and Deadlines for 2026 Admitted Students

August 21, 2026: Deadline to submit a tuition deposit and enroll in the Fall 2026 term.

September 8, 2026: Classes start

Important Dates and Deadlines for 2027 Applicants

September 8, 2026: Columbia's application opens.

October 1, 2026: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will be available at . Submitting the FAFSA will help to maximize your access to all possible financial aid. The FAFSA is only available to United States citizens and permanent residents.

November 1, 2026: Priority application deadline for all terms and all degree programs

December 1, 2026: Spring 2027 application closes

BA, BFA, BMus, and BS: What’s the difference?

Our Bachelor of Arts (BA) programs allow for greater flexiblity and exploration within the curriculum. This includes the ability to tailor elective coursework beyond your major or add a minor. Around 90% of Columbia students are pursuing a BA degree.

Our Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Bachelor of Music (BMus), and Bachelor of Science (BS) programs feature more intensive required coursework in the major with limited flexibility for electives.

A Note on Standardized Test Scores

ÌÀ²»ÈÈÊÓƵ's admissions process is entirely test-free. Standardized test scores will play no role in the college's determination of a student's admissibility, or in awarding merit-based scholarships.

After admission, students who have them are encouraged to submit results from Advanced Placement or International Baccaulaurate tests. Just list Columbia on your or talk to your school's IB diploma program coordinator about how to . Columbia grants credit for scores of 3 or higher on and 4 or higer on .


Learn More

Ready to Apply? Follow these steps.

1. Submit your application.

Use the "Apply Now" link above to access the application.

2. Submit the following required items.

• Transcripts

  As a transfer student, you must submit official transcripts from all colleges where you have previously been enrolled—even if you didn't complete any graded credits.

  Columbia does require final high school transcripts for some transfer applicants. If you:

  • Earned your GED, or
  • Were home-schooled, or
  • Attended a non-US high school, or
  • Have completed FEWER than 24 graded semester college credits at the time of application

  
  

  International Applicants: Please see this page for more complete instructions.

  How to Submit Transcripts

  Ask your institution(s) to electronically transmit transcripts to ÌÀ²»ÈÈÊÓƵ Admissions, or mail them to 600 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60605. All transcripts received by mail or in person must be in the original sealed envelope from the school.

  We also accept transcripts—when sent directly from the institution—via email at admissions@colum.edu.

  If you are applying to transfer from a partner institution with a , ÌÀ²»ÈÈÊÓƵ's Admissions Office will purchase your official transcripts to complete your application. Please note that this purchase applies only to the application process. If you complete additional coursework after admission, a final transcript must be purchased before the start of your first semester at Columbia.

• Writing Sample

  Within the application, submit a writing sample in response to this prompt:

  Please provide a short personal statement that outlines your goals for your enrollment at ÌÀ²»ÈÈÊÓƵ. You may choose to write about development of your creative practice, progress toward your career objectives, improving specific skills, or your own personal growth.

  The application will also have an optional section where you can provide additional information about items in your academic history that you might want to explain.

• Application Fee

  Columbia does not charge an application fee.

• Portfolios | Auditions | Interviews

  Portfolio, audition, and/or interview requirements are based on your intended major.

  Please find the requirements for your intended major here.