“The first and largest graduate school of education in the United States, consistently ranked #1 by US News.”
Teachers College, Columbia University (TC) is the graduate school of education, health, and psychology affiliated with Columbia University, one of America's oldest and most prestigious research universities. Founded in 1887 and formally affiliated with Columbia since 1898, TC occupies a distinct campus in Morningside Heights, Manhattan, adjacent to the main Columbia campus. It is the first and largest graduate school of education in the United States, offering more than 100 graduate programs across nine academic departments and awarding Columbia University degrees upon completion. TC's uniquely broad interdisciplinary scope — spanning education, psychology, health, and leadership — makes it a singular institution in American higher education. Teachers College is consistently ranked as the top graduate school of education in the country by US News & World Report, a testament to its tradition of producing transformative research and outstanding practitioners. With approximately 4,400 students and more than 90,000 alumni in 30+ countries, TC has shaped educational policy and practice across generations. Its faculty are leaders in curriculum theory, educational psychology, bilingual education, health promotion, organizational leadership, and cognitive science. The college's Manhattan location places it at the center of one of the world's most dynamic educational and cultural ecosystems, with strong connections to New York City schools, nonprofits, hospitals, policy organizations, and global institutions. International students are an integral part of TC's community, drawn by the college's global reputation in education, its exceptional programs in International and Comparative Education and Applied Linguistics & TESOL, and its position within Columbia University's broader network. TC's Office of International Students and Scholars provides full visa, regulatory, and cultural support. With New York City as its campus extension, TC students benefit from extraordinary professional networking, fieldwork, and career development opportunities in one of the most educationally rich cities in the world.
Visa, OPT, H-1B alumni outcomes, and acceptance rates by country — sourced from FOIA, USCIS H-1B Hub, and DHS SEVIS.
National Universities
US News 2026
Graduate School of Education
US News Best Graduate Schools of Education (tied)
Test Optional — You can submit scores if they help your case, but they're not required.
Official SourceFall 2026 — International Priority
Priority deadline for international students requiring F-1 or J-1 visa
Spring 2026 — International Priority
Priority deadline for spring-entry international students requiring student visas
PhD Programs — Priority
Most doctoral programs have December priority deadlines; check individual program pages
The deep admissions playbook beyond the headline acceptance rate — round-by-round breakdowns, nationality data, requirements, and contact paths.
Domestic
$30,000 – $45,000
/yr
Out-of-State / Intl
$32,000 – $47,000
/yr
Beyond the sticker price — every named scholarship, the financial aid policy, need-aware notes, and a personalized net-cost estimate.
How life on campus actually feels — clubs, sports, traditions, housing realities, and how the school integrates with its city.
Programs in art education, English education, applied linguistics, TESOL, music education, and curriculum studies.
Highly selective doctoral and master's programs in clinical psychology, counseling psychology, and school counseling.
Programs preparing curriculum specialists and teachers across disciplines at the master's and doctoral level.
STEM-focused graduate programs in mathematics education, science education, cognitive science, and computing in education.
Programs in educational leadership, higher education, organizational psychology, and adult learning.
Globally focused programs in international education, multicultural education, and peace education.
Programs in nutrition education, health education, applied behavior analysis, and disability studies.
Interdisciplinary programs examining human growth, learning, and behavior across the lifespan.
Research-focused programs integrating neuroscience, speech-language pathology, and motor learning.
2 years
One of the most highly regarded programs in the world for teachers of English to speakers of other languages, combining linguistic theory with pedagogical practice in the heart of multilingual New York City.
5 years
A highly competitive APA-accredited doctoral program integrating research and clinical training, consistently ranked among the top clinical psychology programs nationally.
3 years
Designed for experienced educational and nonprofit leaders, this doctoral program blends organizational theory with practical leadership for systemic change.
Where alumni go after graduation — top industries, grad-school continuation, and the qualitative outcomes story.
