Columbia points

Columbia points are the university's unit of college credit. The average class is three points, although a single course can be anywhere from 0.5－9.0 points. For the typical student, a point of credit is earned by a minimum of two-and-one-half hours per week total time in lecture, laboratory, library, and outside work. A typical student with a 16 point program works a total of forty hours per week in classes and in outside preparation. These are averages; however, some students find it necessary to devote more time to preparation.

Different degrees require different numbers of points from different parts of the university, and some students have to pay tuition per point. This has the odd effect of providing an economic disincentive to study more.

By contrast, Columbia College and SEAS undergraduate students pay tuition per semester, irrespective of the number of credits taken in the semester. Some overachieving undergraduates will petition to go over the maximum number of allowed points, which is 22 per semester for Columbia College and 21 for SEAS. A petition must pass through the Center for Student Advising. Students with semester courseloads in the low thirties, while ridiculous, are not unheard of.

It is also possible to petition to go under the minimum courseload for various reasons, but the definition of this threshold varies by program.