Columbia University (also known as Columbia, and officially as Columbia University in the City of New York) is a private Ivy League research university in New York City. Established in 1754 on the grounds of Trinity Church in Manhattan, Columbia is the oldest institution of higher education in New York and the fifth-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. It is one of nine colonial colleges founded prior to the Declaration of Independence, seven of which belong to the Ivy League.[8]

Columbia University
Columbia University in the City of New York
Columbia Shield.png
Latin: Universitas Columbiae Neo Eboracensis[1]
Former names
King's College
(1754–1784)
Columbia College
(1784–1896)[2]:53–60
Motto
In lumine Tuo videbimus lumen (Latin)
Motto in English
In Thy light shall we see light[3] (Psalms 36:9)
Type
Royal (1754–1776)
Private (1776–present)
Established
May 25, 1754; 266 years ago
Academic...