Cost of Attendance for the Columbia Climate School

Budget for Academic Year

The cost of attendance, also known as the "budget" or "COA," represents the student's maximum financial aid eligibility amount based on the academic year. For the Columbia Climate School, the academic year includes Fall Semester, Spring Semester and Summer Semester. The budget is determined by the school and consists of tuition and fees plus estimated expenses for food, housing, books, and transit.

In determining the budget, the school applies a conservative estimate of living expenses to all students. We recognize, however, that actual living expenses vary from person to person. If the student faces higher actual costs or has extenuating circumstances that warrant a higher cost of attendance, the student may request an evaluation for a budget increase. This process does not guarantee that a budget increase will be granted, merely that the student will be considered for one. 

Click through the accordions below to see the current year's estimated costs for MA in Climate & Society, MS in Climate, and MS in Climate Finance programs.

Climate School Tuition Rates

MA in Climate and Society Direct Cost to Attend

Indirect Cost to Attend

*Tuition and fees are estimates pending Columbia University Board of Trustee approval in June 2026

**Columbia University health insurance may be waived with proof of equivalent coverage

MS in Climate (Four Semesters) Development Direct Cost to Attend

Indirect Cost to Attend

*Estimated Tuition and subject to Columbia University Board of Trustee Approval

**All fees are estimates based upon historical increases

MS in Climate Finance Direct Cost to Attend

Indirect Cost to Attend

*Tuition and fees are estimates pending Columbia University Board of Trustee approval annually in June.

*Fees based on estimates provided by SFS for AY26-27 and historical increases

DO YOU NEED HELP WITH YOUR COST OF ATTENDANCE?

If you are a prospective student or parent with questions about cost of attendance at the Columbia Climate School and funding options, please contact the Columbia Climate School. 

If you are a current student with questions about charges to your account and payments, please contact the Student Service Center at [email protected].