Columbia University Cy N Y (commonly known Columbia University, simply Columbia) private university United States member Iy League. Columbia oldest institution higher learning state N York, 5 oldest United States making country's Colonial Colleges founded before American Revolution. Columbia's campus Morningside Heights neighborhood borough Manhattan N Y Cy. I founded 1754 King's College y royal charter George II Great Britain, y United States universities founded under authority. After American Revolutionary W, Columbia briefly chartered state entity 1784–1787. T university operates under 1787 charter places institution under private board trustees.