Columbia University: Acceptance Rates and the Cost of Prestige

Columbia's Selling Out to China? Congress Sounds the Alarm (And Nobody's Surprised)

Alright, let's get one thing straight: Is anyone actually shocked that Congress is now breathing down Columbia's neck about its cozy relationship with China? Give me a break. It's like finding out Vegas has gambling.

Follow the Money (and the Propaganda)

So, Congress is "urging" Columbia to cut ties with CCP-backed entities. Big whoop. As if a strongly worded letter is gonna magically dismantle years of academic… let's call it "cultural exchange." Representative Moolenaar is worried about the CCP's "malign influence campaigns." Malign influence? That's rich coming from Congress.

The Greater China Initiative trip to Beijing for Columbia students is the supposed trigger. Sponsored by Columbia's own Weatherhead East Asian Institute and the China United States Exchange Foundation. Sounds legit, right? What could possibly go wrong when you let the CCP cosponsor a trip for impressionable Ivy League kids?

But here's the real kicker: Columbia relies on international students' tuition for a hefty chunk – like 13% – of its operating costs. And guess who sends a boatload of students? Yep, China. So, are they gonna bite the hand that feeds them? Don't hold your breath. It's always about the columbia university cost.

I mean, let's be real, what's more important to these universities: academic integrity or keeping the lights on?

The Trump Card (Again)

Of course, this all comes after years of Trump-era shenanigans. Remember when Trump's admin canceled $400 million in grants to Columbia over supposed antisemitism issues? They settled for $221 million later, and "almost 99 percent" of the grants were restored. But the damage was done. The message was sent: toe the line, or else.

And now, with the drop in international student applications – thanks, in part, to Trump's visa crackdowns – Columbia's feeling the pinch. Acting University President Claire Shipman is "concerned" about the drop in applications. You think? It's hard out here for a pimp... I mean, a president. As Shipman says, Columbia sees drop in international student applications for upcoming admissions cycle.

We're talking about a potential $7 billion loss nationwide due to declining international student enrollment. Columbia's operating surplus already took a nosedive, dropping 63.1% to a measly $112.6 million. Oh, the horror.

And get this: expenses are up, revenue's down, and private gifts are shrinking. Even Giving Day 2024 saw a massive decline in donations. Is it because people are finally waking up to the fact that these institutions are more interested in lining their pockets than educating minds? Maybe.

Speaking of tuition, it's up 4% but they're giving out more financial aid. Good PR move.

Offcourse this ain't just Columbia. Other universities are facing the same pressures. Chuck Ambrose, some consultant guy, says everyone's feeling the "dynamic challenges." Dynamic challenges? That's one way to put it. I'd call it a slow-motion train wreck.

Brain Drain or Brainwash?

So, what's the real threat here? Is it the CCP's "malign influence," or is it the universities' insatiable hunger for cash? Are these exchange programs genuine attempts at cross-cultural understanding, or are they just thinly veiled propaganda mills?

And here's a question nobody seems to be asking: If Columbia's so worried about federal funding cuts, why are they so eager to cozy up to a regime that's actively trying to undermine American interests? Are they betting that Chinese money is a safer bet than Uncle Sam's? Smart move?

The article mentions Columbia received $1.3 billion in federal grants and contracts in fiscal year 2025. That's a lotta cheddar. And they're risking that for… what, exactly? A few extra yuan?

The whole thing feels like a Faustian bargain. Columbia sells its soul for a few semesters of full tuition.

Just Another Brick in the Wall

Here's the thing: I'm not saying all international students are spies or that every exchange program is a communist plot. But let's not pretend that these universities are acting out of pure altruism. They're businesses, plain and simple. And right now, business is booming with China. So, expect more "cultural exchanges," more CCP-sponsored trips, and more carefully worded statements from university presidents who are desperately trying to have it both ways.

And Congress can huff and puff all they want, but until they actually start cutting off the money supply, nothing's gonna change.

This Ain't a School, It's a Business