Columbia Business School MBA Admissions: 2025–2026 Guide
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Last updated: August 2025 — Includes new 2026 MBA deadlines, updated class profile data, and the latest essay prompt changes.
🎯 Why Columbia Business School?
Columbia Business School (CBS) offers an Ivy League MBA with unparalleled access to New York City — the global hub for finance, media, consulting, and entrepreneurship. Known for its strong ties to Wall Street, flexible curriculum, and world-class faculty, CBS attracts ambitious students who thrive in fast-paced, high-impact environments.
Notable alumni include Henry Kravis (KKR co-founder), Sallie Krawcheck (Ellevest CEO), Warren Buffett (Berkshire Hathaway), and Ursula Burns (former Xerox CEO). A CBS MBA places you at the center of global business and leadership.
👉 Columbia Business School MBA Program Overview
📅 Application Deadlines (Class of 2028 Entry)
Round 1
Application Deadline: September 10, 2025
Interview Invitations: Mid-October 2025
Decision Released: December 11, 2025
Round 2
Application Deadline: January 7, 2026
Interview Invitations: Mid-February 2026
Decision Released: March 26, 2026
Round 3
Application Deadline: April 1, 2026
Interview Invitations: Mid-April 2026
Decision Released: May 15, 2026
👉 Columbia Business School Application Deadlines
📝 Columbia Business School Essays (2025–2026 Cycle)
CBS has three required essays:
- Short Answer: What is your immediate post-MBA professional goal? (50 characters max)
- Essay 1: Through your resume and recommendations, we have a clear sense of your professional path to date. What are your career goals over the next 3–5 years, and what’s your long-term dream job? (500 words)
- Essay 2: The Phillips Pathway for Inclusive Leadership (PPIL) is central to the CBS experience. Describe how you have worked to advance DEI in your professional or personal life. (250 words)
- Essay 3: Why do you feel Columbia Business School is a good fit for you? (250 words)
👉 Columbia Business School Application Essays
👩🎓 Class Profile (MBA Class of 2026)
- Class Size: ~844 students
- Acceptance Rate: ~16%
- Average GMAT: 730
- Average GPA: 3.6
- Work Experience: 5 years (avg)
- Women: 44%
- International: 42%
👉 Columbia Business School Class Profile
💼 Careers After Columbia Business School
CBS graduates are highly sought after in consulting, finance, and technology, with NYC’s location providing unmatched access to recruiters and internships.
- Median Base Salary (Class of 2024): $175,000
- Median Signing Bonus: $30,000
- Top Employers: McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Google, Amazon, Meta
- Entrepreneurship: CBS’s Eugene Lang Entrepreneurship Center supports 70+ student startups annually.
👉 Columbia Business School Employment Report
🌍 International Applicants
CBS has one of the largest international student populations among U.S. MBA programs, with 40%+ of the class coming from abroad. The school provides strong visa support and offers a STEM-designated MBA track, extending U.S. work authorization for international grads.
👉 Columbia Business School International Students
📚 Inside the Columbia MBA Experience
Signature programs and courses include:
- Value Investing Program: Taught by legendary investors, exclusive to CBS.
- Master Classes: Hands-on consulting projects with NYC companies.
- Chazen Global Immersion: International study tours led by CBS faculty.
- Columbia Startup Lab: A hub for student entrepreneurs in NYC.
👉 Columbia Business School Curriculum
❓ FAQs
Is there an age limit for CBS?
No. While the average age is 28, applicants in their 30s (and older) are admitted every year.
What GPA and test scores are competitive?
The average GPA is 3.6. The median GMAT is 730 (80% range: 700–760).
Does CBS prefer the GMAT over the GRE?
No. Both are accepted. Roughly half of applicants now submit the GRE.
How selective is CBS?
Acceptance rates typically range from 16% to 19%. Roughly 900 students enroll across the January and August intakes.
Does Columbia still offer Early Decision?
No. CBS eliminated Early Decision and rolling admissions in 2023. All applicants now follow a four-round system aligned with peer MBA programs.
Can I reapply to CBS if rejected?
Yes. CBS welcomes reapplicants and encourages evidence of personal and professional growth.
Does CBS offer scholarships?
Yes. All admits are considered for merit-based and need-based fellowships. About half of students receive financial aid.
What are common post-MBA careers?
Consulting, investment banking/private equity, and technology remain the most common paths, alongside a strong pipeline into media, real estate, and entrepreneurship.
What’s unique about CBS teaching?
The school emphasizes case-based learning and hands-on labs in NYC. Flagship offerings include the Value Investing Program, the Media & Technology Program, and the Lang Center for Entrepreneurship.
Does CBS have joint degree programs?
Yes. Options include MBA/JD with Columbia Law, MBA/MPH with Mailman School of Public Health, and MBA/MS dual degrees in areas such as engineering and international affairs.
🤝 Work With M7A
Applying to Columbia Business School is highly competitive, but the right strategy can give you an edge. Our team of M7 grads helps you craft standout essays, sharpen your goals, and position your profile for CBS success.
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