<p>I'm thinking of applying to Columbia and I've heard mixed information about how expensive it is. I know Columbia says that they meet full need with no loans, but I've heard that they make you take out a federal loan to go there. I'm not rich (not sure if I'd qualify for 0 efc because of divorced parents), and I know that life in new york city is crazy expensive. How expensive is life for a student at Columbia? Can you go there and have a good time if you are not rich, or would you be constantly racking up debt and becoming frustrated by all of the expensive restaurants and clothing? Also, how does Columbia's aid compare to Barnard's? Thanks!</p>
<p>Columbia has much better aid than Barnard because it has a bigger endowment. Basically, if you make less than $60k annually, you pay nothing. Between $60k and about a $100k, you pay a significantly reduced price. The package doesn’t include any loans, although you are able to opt in to loans. I’m on FA, and I’ll probably take out loans this semester to cover food costs (most upperclassmen aren’t on the meal plan). You can have a good time and not be rich (I had a blast last year), but it definitely gets hard when your friends all want to go to expensive shows at Webster Hall or head out to Brooklyn every weekend. Jobs are also a little hard to come by because our dining halls are staffed by professionals, not students, but there are jobs out there. I’d apply and see what your FA package is if you’re interested in the school.</p>