Columbia University – 5 Fun Facts

Columbia University – 5 Fun Facts

Many students dream of getting an Ivy League education from one of the elite eight universities.

These universities have a tradition of academic excellence, social elitism, and prestige.

While known for its strong academics and research, there are five fun facts you may not know about Columbia University.

Fun Fact #1

Columbia was founded in 1754 by King George II through a royal charter, hence the original name of King’s College. It was only one of three colleges founded through a royal charter. The original intent of the school was to educate civil leaders and clergy. The name was changed in 1784 to Columbia.

Fun Fact #2

Columbia has the second largest international student body in the nation. They have the more students receiving the Fulbright Grant for study abroad than any other university.

Fun Fact #3

In 1902, newspaper magnate Joseph Pulitzer donated a substantial amount to the university to create a journalism program. Thus, Columbia administers the Pulitzer Prize annually. The prize is awarded to those that have made significant achievements in newspaper, journalism, literature, and musical composition.

Fun Fact #4

Columbia alumni are a who’s who of American history.

They boast having five of the founding fathers of the country, four presidents, nine Supreme Court justices, 26 heads of state, and 97 Nobel Prize winners, which is the most out of all Ivy League colleges.

Fun Fact #5

As with all Ivy League colleges, Columbia is very selective in its admissions. The acceptance rate for the class of 2014 was only 9.16%, which makes it the fifth most selective college in the nation.

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• Yale University – 5 Fun Facts
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• Cornell University – 5 Fun Facts