At a Glance

Postbaccalaureate Premedical Program

Founded in 1955, the Columbia University Postbaccalaureate Premedical Program, the oldest and largest program of its kind in the United States, is designed to meet the needs of college graduates who have decided to pursue medical education but have taken none or only some of the basic science courses required for admission to medical school. In addition to those preparing for medical doctor degree programs, the program also accepts and supports students applying for admission to dental, veterinary medical schools and other allied health professional programs.

Curriculum

The program consists of two full academic years of study and an application year, where students have the opportunity to deepen their exposure to medicine through full-time employment, research, or volunteer work. Postbac Premed students enroll in science courses with students from Columbia's other undergraduate colleges, for which admission is among the most competitive in the country.

Degree Program

Certificate in the Premedical Sciences

Enrollment

• More than 350 students enrolled; More than 110 in glide/application year
• 61% female; 39% male
• 29% of American students are Asian American, African-American, Hispanic/Latino, or Native American
• Average age: 27

Tuition and Financial Aid

• $1,454 per credit hour; Tuition and Fees
• $22,045 estimated living and personal expenses, including room and board, books, commuting costs and miscellaneous expenses
• Postbac Premed students taking at least six credits per term may be eligible for Federal Stafford Loans (and Federal PLUS Loans if considered a dependent student for federal aid purposes) for one 12-month period.

Program Resources

The wealth of clinical opportunities available in New York City and the Columbia Postbac Program's world-renowned faculty and research facilities offer postbac students a tremendous advantage in their preparation as competitive medical school candidates. Dedicated advisors counsel students on health care program options, academic requirements and clinical experience.

Student Life

• More than 500 student organizations
• NCAA Division I member, with intramural and intercollegiate sports teams
• Countless cultural offerings on and off-campus

After Completing the Program

• In past years, up to 90 percent of Postbac Premed students who complete the program have been accepted into medical school.
• The Program also maintains admission linkage programs with medical schools, allowing highly qualified students to accelerate the application process.