Columbia University, founded in 1754, is New York’s oldest higher education institution and the country’s fifth oldest university. Columbia University is a private research university that is also a member of the Ivy League. It has a long history spanning over 250 years, during which time it has experienced tremendous growth in many areas and has evolved as one of the top destinations for higher education in the United States. Columbia University is a member of the Association of American Universities, the Universities Research Association, and the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. Columbia University has a ranking of #22 in the QS World University Rankings 2023