MA in Statistics Opportunity (OPP) Scholarship

The Statistics Department offers a limited number of competitive, need-based scholarships for newly admitted on-campus full-time or part-time students to the MA in Statistics program who are from groups underrepresented in the discipline. Contingent upon satisfactory academic performance in the program, awardees will also have priority placement in teaching assistant-type positions. This scholarship is for U.S citizens or permanent residents only. 

To apply, you must complete and submit the 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) [Columbia School Code: 002707]. The FAFSA result will be used to verify need-based eligibility.  Please refer to this document for guidance on completing the FAFSA. Applicants to the MA in Statistics program who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents must submit the GSAS application prior to applying for this award.

Students should submit their MA in Statistics Opportunity Scholarship Application promptly upon receiving their acceptance letter. Scholarship award notifications will be sent on a rolling basis as decisions are made. Please note that applications are only for Fall 2025 admissions at this time. 

Inquiries concerning this scholarship should be addressed to [email protected]  with the subject line “MA in Statistics Opportunity Scholarship”.

MA2PhD Merit Scholarship

The Statistics  Department awards a limited number of scholarships for highly qualified incoming students interested in pursuing PhD training after successfully completing our MA program.

The MA2PhD scholarship is to provide both financial and intellectual resources for students who have strong potential in pursuing a PhD degree after the MA. The scholarship does NOT carry any preferential consideration for future admission into the PhD program in Statistics at Columbia.  Students with adequate preparation will have priority in being approved to take PhD level courses.

As a MA2PhD scholarship recipient, you will receive additional mentorship from the MA2PhD Club directors. You will also be able to build your scholarly skills and personal research interests in a supportive learning environment through research opportunities, doctoral-level courses, as well as participate in the MA2PhD Club’s activities such as seminars, journal clubs, workshops and faculty meetups.

In addition, you will have the opportunity to apply for a student grader, TA or tutor position after the first semester in the program contingent upon maintaining good academic standing.

Candidates who qualify will be contacted directly via the Department at the time of receiving an offer of admission. Generally, the MA2PhD Merit Scholarship requires the recipient to:

  • Demonstrate a keen interest to pursue a Ph.D. program after graduating from the MA Statistics program.
  • Show evidence of success in a Ph.D. program.
Application for MA2PhD Merit Scholarship is by nomination only. Candidates nominated by the MA Statistics admissions committee will be contacted by the MA Statistics Program to submit the MA2PhD Merit Scholarship application. If contacted to apply, applicants should promptly submit their application. Scholarship award notifications will be sent on a rolling basis as decisions are made. Please note that scholarship applications are only for Fall 2025 admissions at this time.