Columbia University offers unlimited Yellow Ribbon spots with full tuition coverage, plus the highest housing allowance in the country due to its New York City location.
School Overview
| Location | New York, New York |
| Type | Private Research University (Ivy League) |
| Total Enrollment | 36,000+ |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 6:1 |
| Acceptance Rate | 3.9% |
| US News Ranking | #12 National Universities |
Tuition & Costs (2024-2025)
| Annual Tuition | $65,524 |
| Room & Board | $18,240 |
| Fees | $3,200 |
| Total Cost of Attendance | $86,964 |
Yellow Ribbon Benefits
| Yellow Ribbon Participant | Yes |
| Number of Spots | Unlimited |
| School Contribution | Full remaining tuition |
| VA Match | Matches school contribution |
| Programs Covered | All schools and programs |
| Veteran’s Out-of-Pocket Cost | $0 for tuition |
GI Bill Housing Allowance
Columbia’s Manhattan location provides one of the highest housing allowances in the country:
- Monthly BAH Rate: $4,098/month
- Annual Housing Benefit: $36,882 (9 months)
- Book Stipend: $1,000/year
Total 4-Year Benefit Value
The NYC housing allowance combined with full tuition coverage makes Columbia worth approximately $459,000+ over four years – one of the highest total benefit values available.
Veteran Services
- Columbia Military Veterans organization
- Office of Military Affairs
- Dedicated VA certifying officials
- MilVets housing community
- Veteran career services with NYC employer connections
Notable Programs
- Columbia Business School – Top-ranked MBA, Wall Street pipeline
- Columbia Law School – #4 ranked, full Yellow Ribbon
- School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) – Popular with military officers
- Columbia Engineering – Top-ranked in NYC
- Columbia Journalism School – #1 ranked journalism program
Why Columbia For Veterans
Columbia’s NYC location provides unmatched career networking in finance, media, law, and international affairs. The city itself is part of the education – veterans gain access to Wall Street, the United Nations, major media companies, and countless startups.
How To Apply
- Apply through Columbia’s admissions process
- Submit your Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
- Contact the Office of Military Affairs for Yellow Ribbon enrollment
- Benefits are automatic for eligible Post-9/11 veterans
Official Website: columbia.edu
Veteran Services: Columbia Veterans
