About Columbia University
Columbia University, founded in 1754 as King's College by royal charter of King George II of England, is the oldest institution of higher learning in New York State and the fifth-oldest in the United States. Renamed Columbia College in 1784 following the American Revolution, it became Columbia University in 1896 with the establishment of a full university structure. Located in the vibrant Morningside Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, New York, New York, Columbia is an Ivy League research university renowned for its academic excellence and contributions to fields such as journalism, law, medicine, and the sciences. The university's mission emphasizes rigorous scholarship, innovative research, and a commitment to public service, fostering a diverse community of over 33,000 students and faculty from around the world.
Key achievements include producing numerous Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and leaders in various industries. Columbia's campuses include the main Morningside Heights site, the medical center in Washington Heights, and additional facilities like the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. For more details, visit the Columbia University Website. Explore academic jobs in related locations such as Academic Jobs in United States, Academic Jobs in New York, and Academic Jobs in New York.
Columbia University's history is marked by pivotal moments, including its role in the development of the atomic bomb during World War II through the Manhattan Project and its leadership in civil rights, with alumni like Barack Obama and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Today, it continues to drive innovation, with over $1 billion in annual research funding. For academics interested in higher education jobs Columbia University, the institution offers a dynamic environment blending urban energy with scholarly pursuit.
Discover professor ratings through Rate My Professor and explore careers via Higher Ed Jobs filtered for Columbia University.
Faculty Job Opportunities at Columbia University
Faculty job opportunities at Columbia University are abundant, reflecting its status as a top-tier research institution. High-demand roles include Assistant Professor positions in departments like Computer Science, where AI and machine learning are booming, and Lecturer roles in the Humanities. Based on 2025 job trends, there's significant growth in interdisciplinary fields such as climate change research and public health, driven by Columbia's Earth Institute and Mailman School of Public Health. Research jobs Columbia University often focus on cutting-edge projects, with over 200 research centers and institutes.
Salary ranges for these positions vary: Assistant Professors typically earn $110,000 to $160,000 annually, while Associate Professors range from $150,000 to $220,000, and Full Professors can exceed $250,000, especially in high-demand areas like Medicine or Business. These figures are informed by recent data from sources like the Chronicle of Higher Education and Columbia's own reports, factoring in New York City's cost of living. Professor positions Columbia University emphasize tenure-track paths with robust support for research funding.
For example, faculty in the Engineering department at Columbia University might work on sustainable technologies, while those in the Law School contribute to policy research. Lecturer roles Columbia University provide teaching-focused opportunities with competitive pay starting at $90,000. To explore these, visit Higher Ed Jobs or Professor Jobs filtered by Columbia University. Academic careers at Columbia University also include administrative roles in higher education jobs Columbia University, such as department chairs.
Job trends for 2025 indicate a rise in remote higher ed jobs Columbia University, particularly in data science. Rate professors Columbia University on Rate My Professor to gauge departmental culture. With New York's vibrant academic scene, positions here offer networking in Academic Jobs in New York.
Assistant Professor in Computer Science 💼
Focus on AI research, salary $120k-$150k.
Lecturer in Humanities 🎓
Teaching roles, salary $90k-$120k.
Research Fellow in Public Health 🔬
Grant-funded, salary $100k-$140k.
Associate Professor in Business 📊
Tenure-track, salary $160k-$200k.
Why Work at Columbia University
Working at Columbia University offers unparalleled opportunities for academic careers Columbia University, with access to world-class resources and a collaborative environment. Faculty benefit from generous research funding, averaging $1.2 billion annually, and partnerships with institutions like NASA and the UN. Unique benefits include comprehensive health plans, tuition remission for family, and proximity to New York's cultural hubs. Career prospects are strong, with many advancing to leadership roles in academia or industry.
The university's emphasis on diversity and inclusion fosters innovative thinking, making it ideal for professor positions Columbia University. Explore why via Higher Ed Career Advice.
Salary Guide for Faculty at Columbia University
The salary guide for faculty at Columbia University reflects its competitive positioning in higher education. Based on 2025 data from AAUP and university reports, average faculty salaries Columbia University are around $183,000, higher than national averages due to location and prestige. Factors include experience, department (e.g., Medicine offers higher pay), and tenure status. Entry-level Assistant Professors earn $110,000-$160,000, influenced by grants and publications.
In comparison, salaries Columbia University academia outpace many peers; for instance, Full Professors in Engineering can reach $300,000 with bonuses. Location in Academic Jobs in New York adds cost-of-living adjustments. Visit Professor Salaries for more.
Additional perks like housing subsidies enhance total compensation. For detailed breakdowns, consider department-specific trends: Business faculty average $220,000, while Arts and Sciences range $140,000-$200,000.
| Role | Salary Range 📊 |
|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $110k-$160k |
| Associate Professor | $150k-$220k |
| Full Professor | $200k+ |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at Columbia University
Discover top educators at Columbia University through Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com, where student ratings help identify excellence in teaching and research.
Joseph Stiglitz (Economics)
Rating: 4.8/5 ⭐ - Known for insightful lectures on global economics.
Brian Greene (Physics)
Rating: 4.9/5 ⭐ - Engaging on string theory and cosmology.
Eric Kandel (Neuroscience)
Rating: 4.7/5 ⭐ - Nobel laureate with profound insights.
Rashida Jones (Journalism)
Rating: 4.6/5 ⭐ - Practical media training.
Simon Schama (History)
Rating: 4.8/5 ⭐ - Dynamic storytelling in art history.
Career Progression at Columbia University
Career progression at Columbia University follows a structured path, from postdoctoral roles to tenured professorships. Tenure-track positions emphasize research output, with average time to tenure around 7 years. Salaries increase by rank: Assistants at $120k, rising to $250k for Full Professors. Professional development includes workshops and funding. Learn more at Higher Ed Career Advice.
Research and Innovation at Columbia University
Research at Columbia University spans AI, biomedicine, and sustainability, with major centers like the Data Science Institute. 2025 trends highlight quantum computing and global health. Explore Research Jobs.
Resources for Columbia University Academics
- Professional development via Columbia's Center for Teaching and Learning 🎓
- Faculty unions and benefits including retirement plans
- Research funding opportunities through grants
Student Life and Perspectives at Columbia University
Student life at Columbia University is vibrant, with access to NYC's resources. Choose programs using Rate My Professor for professor ratings Columbia University.

