Founded in 1754, Columbia University in the City of New York is a non-profit private higher-education institution located in the urban setting of the large metropolis of New York City (population range of over 5,000,000 inhabitants), New York. Officially accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Columbia University in the City of New York is a very large coeducational US higher education institution. Columbia University in the City of New York offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 268 years old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic record and grades. The admission rate range is 0-10% making this US higher education organization a most selective institution. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. Columbia University in the City of New York also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.