SIPA: School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University

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Tuition and Fees

These figures reflect the estimated costs of the nine month academic year (fall 2008 and spring 2009 terms.) The figures are for full-time study unless otherwise noted.  Students are expected to complete four full-time terms to complete these degrees.

Master of International Affairs (MIA)

Tuition (12 to 18 points of credit per
term):
$36,764
School Fees: $1,120
Health Services and Insurance Fees*: $2,272
Room and Board: $14,400
Books and Educational Supplies (Estimated): $1,500
Personal Expenses (Estimated): $4,184
Total: $60,240

* Student Health Insurance may be waived if proof of comparable coverage is presented to the appropriate University office.  The Health Service Fee is mandatory for all students taking classes at Columbia.

Withdrawal and Adjustment of Fees

Withdrawal is defined as the dropping of one’s entire program in a given term as opposed to dropping a portion of one’s program. Any student withdrawing from the program must notify the Student Affairs Office in writing. Additionally, students must complete a Notice of Withdrawal form. Notification of instructors or failure to attend classes does not constitute a formal withdrawal and will result in failing grades in all courses. 

A student who withdraws will be charged a withdrawal fee of $75. In addition, the health service fees, the medical insurance premium, and all application fees, late fees, and other special fees are not refundable, and any coverage will remain in effect until the end of the term.

Any adjustment of the tuition that the student has paid is determined from the date on which the Student Affairs Office receives the student’s written notification. Students receiving financial aid will not be entitled to any portion of a refund until all Title IV financial aid programs are credited and all outstanding charges have been paid.

Academic Year:  All refund calculations will be based on the last day of attendance as indicated by the schedule below.

Week of the Term Refund
1st week 100%
2nd week 90%
3rd week 80%
4th week 80%
5th week 70%
6th week 60%
7th week 60%
8th week 50%
9th week 40%
After the 9th week 0%

Note: When a term begins on a Tuesday, the term week goes from Tuesday to Monday.

Summer Term Withdrawals

Summer Withdrawals Vary.  Summer terms have abbreviated withdrawal schedules based on the individual sub terms.

12- Week Session

Week of the Term Refund
1st week 100%
2nd week 90%
3rd week 80%
4th week 70%
5th week 60%
6th week 50%
7th week 40%
After the 7th week 0%

9- and 10- Week Sessions

Week of the Term Refund
1st week 100%
2nd week 80%
3rd week 70%
4th week 60%
5th week 50%
6th week 40%
After the 6th week 0%

6- Week Session

Week of the Term Refund
1st week 100%
2nd week 60%
3rd week 60%
After the 3rd week 0%

4-Week Session

Week of the Term Refund
1st week 100%
2nd week 50%
After the 2nd week 0%

 

Additional questions regarding student accounts or refunds should be directed to:

Office of Student Financial Services
210 Kent Hall
1140 Amsterdam Avenue
New York, NY 10027
212-854-4206