New Student Guide 2025-26: Frequently Asked Questions & Contacts

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FREQUENTLY ASKED NEW STUDENT QUESTIONS:

ENROLLMENT

Q: How and by when do I need to make my enrollment decision?
A: You need to complete and submit your Enrollment Response Form and fee by no later than May 1.

The Enrollment Response Form can be found on your Applicant Status page in the online application system or in your admissions letter.

The enrollment fee can be paid by credit card using a Visa or MasterCard by the deadline indicated in your admission letter. Our system does not accept Discover or American Express.

The Journalism School does not accept wire transfers. Students who fail to remit the enrollment fee by the deadline forfeit their place in the entering class. The enrollment fee is not refundable.

ACADEMIC TRANSCRIPTS

Q: I already submitted a transcript with the admissions application - do I need to resend one?
A: You will need to submit official academic transcripts of your previous academic work to CJS. An official transcript is one that comes directly from the university or through a credentials verification service. If you uploaded or emailed us the transcript yourself, it is not official. If you already had your university send us the final official transcript showing the conferral of your degree, you will not need to have a new one sent to us. If you had an official transcript sent to us before the completion of your degree, you will need to have a new official transcript sent that shows that you have received your degree.
Q: I had my official transcript from my bachelor's degree sent in. Do I need to send transcripts from other universities that I attended?
A: You must have official transcripts from every university you have attended (including undergraduate schools, community colleges, graduate schools, non-degree programs, and study abroad programs), without exception, sent to CJS by no later than July 1.
Q: What options do I have for sending my transcripts to the CJS admissions office?
A: We require electronic transcripts, but will accept others when electronic transcripts are not an option. There are different transcript submission guidelines for U.S-based and international institutions. Please click HERE for detailed instructions, including information about transcript evaluation by the World Education Services (WES).
Q: I sent my transcripts to Columbia University, so why are my transcripts not shown as being received?
A: Official transcripts must be sent directly to the Office of Admission and Financial Aid at Columbia Journalism School,  with the recipient email address as apply.journalism@columbia.edu. We do not have access to retrieve transcripts sent electronically or through the mail to other schools within Columbia University (such as the Columbia University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences). You will need to resend transcripts directly to Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. 
Q: If my transcripts are not in English, do I need to send a translation?
A: If the institution you attended does not provide an English translation with the official transcript, a certified verbatim English translation of the transcript and diploma must be sent directly from the translation service to CJS. Columbia has no preferred translating services. However, many of our applicants use World Education Services to assist in English translation and verification. Please note: WES charges a fee for this service.
Q: The final semester of my current academic program ends in the summer (after July 1st). What happens if my official transcripts arrive late?
A: Please contact the admissions office for guidance at apply.journalism@columbia.edu.
Q: How can I confirm that my official transcripts have been received?
A: Students will be notified directly over the summer if they are missing official transcripts.

FINANCIAL PLANNING

Q: When are bills due? 
A: Please review the billing schedule HERE. 2025-26 dates should be posted soon.
Q: Are any more institutional scholarships available?
A: All available institutional aid has already been awarded. No changes to institutional scholarships will take place at this time.
Q: Can I still request a loan? 
A: Yes, you may request a loan or a change to your loan for the 2025-26 academic year up until the first week of May 2026.
Q: How do I request loans?
A: Please review the 2025-26 Federal Student Loan Guide HERE.
Q: Where can I find more educational financing information?
A: Please review the 2025-26 Financial Aid Key HERE.
Q: When can I expect to receive my refund?
A: If your aid exceeds your University charges, then you will receive a refund 7-10 business days after your aid is credited to your account. Refunds are disbursed in August, but the exact date will vary by program.
Q: Can I schedule an educational financing appointment this summer? 
A: Yes, please email us at apply.journalism@columbia.edu.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: I-20 & VISAS

Q: Who should I contact about visa and international student questions? 
A: The Columbia University International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) works directly with students needing documentation to enter the U.S. They also provide guidance and resources for obtaining a visa, I-20 form and opening a U.S. bank account. All queries should be directed to ISSO.

REQUIRED IMMUNIZATION DOCUMENTATION

Q: Who should I contact with questions about required immunization documentation? 
A: You must complete the Columbia University Measles, Mumps and Rubella form and submit it to the Columbia Health Immunization Compliance Office no later than July 1. Please consult the New Student Checklist for more details.  All immunization queries should be directed to the Columbia Health Immunization Compliance Office. If you have questions, please email immunizationcompliance@columbia.edu.

HEALTH INSURANCE

Q: Who should I contact with health insurance questions?
A: Columbia University requires all registered full-time students to have health insurance.  International students are required to enroll in the Columbia University Student Health Insurance Plan. Please consult the New Student Checklist for more details. All health insurance queries should be directed to Columbia Health. If you have questions, please email studentinsurance@columbia.edu.

DISABILITY SERVICES

Q: Who should I contact about disability services at Columbia?
A. Please contact Columbia Health Disability Services, which provides accommodations and services to eligible students. If you have questions about disability services, please email disability@columbia.edu.

SCHOOL POLICIES AND ACADEMIC CALENDAR

Q: I sent in my photo for my student ID, when can I pick up my ID card?
A: Columbia student ID cards will be distributed during student orientation and will not be available prior to then.
Q: When can I access Columbia University libraries and buildings? 
A: You must have a Columbia student ID card to access libraries and buildings on campus. You will not have access until you receive your Columbia student ID at orientation.
Q: When can I pick up a student press pass?
A: Student press passes should be available starting on orientation week.
Q: Is student orientation mandatory?
A: Yes. Orientation is mandatory and required of all incoming students, with no exceptions. You must be on campus for the entire orientation period.
Q: What are the key dates (e.g., orientation, holidays, semester beginnings and endings) during the 2025-26 academic year?
A: Please review CJS's important student dates HERE.

COURSE REGISTRATION

Q: When do new students register for classes?
A: The registration process begins in the summer. The Student Affairs Office will contact you with more details. Please note that CJS students will not self-register for their classes. Please email questions about academic policies and course registration to Melanie Huff, Senior Associate Dean of Student Life, at mgh2@columbia.edu.

HOUSING

Q: What housing is available for new students? 
A: Columbia offers a number of different housing options. Please see the Housing Memo HERE for more details and contact information. If you have questions about housing, please email Chanel Roche, Associate Director of Student Life, at cjroche@columbia.edu.

DEFERRALS AND WITHDRAWALS

Q: What if I can no longer enroll? 
A: Deferrals are not commonly granted at CJS. No deferrals are granted due to a lack of financial resources, for example. Should you choose to withdraw, the enrollment fee is non-refundable. Please contact Brett Cione, Director of Admission and Financial Aid, at bc2515@columbia.edu to discuss your situation further.