Columbia University has long been synonymous with intellectual prowess, producing some of the world’s most influential minds in fields ranging from politics and literature to business and the arts. Located in the heart of New York City, Columbia’s alumni network is as diverse as it is impressive, and its graduates have made lasting impacts on the world stage. Let’s look at a few Columbia alumni who took their education from the Ivy League to international acclaim.

Well Known Columbia University Alums

1. Maggie Gyllenhaal

Maggie Gyllenhaal didn’t just inherit acting chops from her famous family — she also gained a strong intellectual background at Columbia. Before she made us cry with her performances in The Dark Knight and The Secretary, Maggie studied literature and East Asian studies at Columbia, showing that she had both the brains and the acting talent. The actress has a unique ability to bring complex characters to life on screen, and we’re pretty sure those long hours spent analyzing texts at Columbia helped sharpen her intellect and acting skills.

2. Neil deGrasse Tyson

What happens when a brilliant astrophysicist gets his education at one of the world’s most prestigious universities? Well, you get Neil deGrasse Tyson, the man who made us all fascinated by the universe again. Tyson earned his undergraduate degree in physics from Harvard, but it was at Columbia where he completed his Ph.D. in astrophysics. Since then, he’s been delighting us with his charismatic explanations of everything from black holes to the multiverse. Whether he’s making appearances on The Daily Show or hosting Cosmos, Tyson’s blend of scientific genius and his knack for explaining complex topics in simple terms has made him a household name.

3. Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Ruth Bader Ginsburg is one of the most significant figures in U.S. legal history, and she studied at Columbia Law School, where she was in the top 4% of her class. But RBG didn’t stop there — she went on to become the second woman to ever serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. Her time at Columbia sparked her lifelong passion for fighting gender discrimination and advocating for justice. Ginsburg became an icon for social justice, inspiring countless people around the world, and her incredible work ethic was likely put to the test during her Columbia days. 

4. Barack Obama

You didn’t think we’d leave out the most famous Columbia alum, did you? President Barack Obama may have earned his law degree from Harvard, but at Columbia, he laid the intellectual foundations that would shape his future political career. Before becoming President of the United States, Obama was a transfer student in Columbia’s undergraduate political science program, perfecting his ability to inspire crowds and move mountains. Is Columbia to thank for this groundbreaking political career? It certainly didn’t hurt!

5. Allen Ginsberg

Columbia has long been known for nurturing intellectual minds, and Allen Ginsberg was no exception. The beat poet, famous for his poem Howl, was a proud Columbia alum. Columbia was where he met future literary giants like Jack Kerouac. Ginsberg was part of the “Beat Generation,” a group of writers who challenged the establishment with their open, often controversial ideas. If you’ve ever read Howl and wondered, “What exactly is this guy talking about?” just remember: Ginsberg was probably channeling his time at Columbia into a creative explosion of rebellion, philosophy, and some of the most unforgettable poetry of the 20th century.

Ivy Coach’s Assistance with Columbia University Admission

Proud Columbia alum and former Columbia admissions officer Jen Duran has been helping Ivy Coach’s students get into Columbia at a rate of 100%. That’s right: in the last five years, not a single one of Ivy Coach’s package clients had to face rejection from the home of the Lions. And we don’t plan on making any changes to this perfect batting average.

If you’re ready to take the first step towards securing your child’s admission to Columbia University, fill out our complimentary consultation form and we’ll be in touch. Let’s work together to optimize their odds of success.