Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons Admissions, Tuition & Student Feedback

School Overview

Degrees: MD
Ownership: Private Non-Profit
Program Length: 4 years
Total Enrollment: 162
Founding Year: 1767
Accreditation Year: 1942

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SDN Insights

Cost of Attendance: $508,952

Estimate repayment

Estimated loan burden for CUCPS using 4 years of in-state tuition, $1,500 annual fees, $3,000 monthly living expenses, government-derived local cost-of-living adjustment, $1,000 loan fees, and an 8.5% interest assumption.

Cost of Living: Above national average cost of living

New York, NY is about 1.13x higher than the national average for cost of living. In the debt estimate, the government-derived local cost adjustment raises the living allowance from $3,000 to about $3,390 per month, mainly reflecting rent, food, transportation, and day-to-day expenses. Compare this with your own housing plan before treating it as exact.

Environment: Urban

With top-tier walkability and great biking infrastructure, the neighborhood around CUCPS offers true versatility. Whether on foot or on wheels, students have a range of options to navigate their surroundings comfortably.

Interview Feedback

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 14% of interviews, indicating it is highly regarded. They found the interview generally impressive with a low stress level and felt they did okay.

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Secondary Essays for CUCPS

1. Other

Have you ever applied to medical school before? (Yes/No)

2. Personal Experiences and Challenges

If you took time off from your undergraduate studies, please briefly summarize the reasons for your decision.

3. Personal Experiences and Challenges

Did you work for compensation during college, either during the school year or in the summer? If so, what type of work did you do, and how many hours per week did you work?

4. Career Goals and Future Aspirations

If you have graduated from college, please briefly summarize what you have done since then.

5. Leadership and Teamwork

Please describe the leadership positions that have been most meaningful to you.

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About the School

Founded in 1767, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons (VP&S) was the first institution in the Thirteen Colonies to award the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree . Located in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City, VP&S is part of the Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC), a 20-acre campus that integrates medical education, research, and patient care . The college is affiliated with NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, one of the nation’s top hospitals . In 2017, a $250 million gift from Roy and Diana Vagelos enabled the school to replace student loans with scholarships for all students who qualify for financial aid.

Curriculum

VP&S offers an innovative and flexible MD curriculum that replaces traditional year-based designations with three major segments: Fundamentals, Major Clinical Year (MCY), and Differentiation and Integration (D&I) . The 18-month Fundamentals phase covers preclinical coursework. The MCY phase comprises 12 months of clerkships in major clinical areas. The D&I phase includes 14 months of electives and a required scholarly project . This structure allows students to explore individual scholarly interests and gain comprehensive clinical experience.

Facilities

The Roy and Diana Vagelos Education Center, a 14-story glass tower opened in 2016, serves as a hub for medical education at VP&S . Designed to foster collaboration and innovation, the building features technologically advanced classrooms, a state-of-the-art medical simulation center, and sustainable design elements aiming for LEED Gold Certification. Additional campus resources include the Augustus C. Long Health Sciences Library, a Simulation Center, and the People Development Center . Students also benefit from housing options like Bard Hall and the Bard-Haven Towers.

Demographics

For the VP&S Class of 2028, the school received 7,291 applications, conducted 757 interviews, and enrolled 140 new students . The class composition is 51% female and 49% male, with 4% identifying as first-generation college students. The GPA range for matriculants is 3.39–4.0, and the MCAT score range is 508–528. Students hail from 32 states and 60 colleges, reflecting a diverse and competitive cohort.

Last Updated: Aug 17, 2025