Student Aid Initiative

In the spring of 2021, President Bollinger announced an extraordinary commitment to increase financial aid for Columbia University students, a four-year effort to raise $1.4 billion dollars across all the schools of the University. The College of Dental Medicine joins this ambitious university-wide initiative as we continue our progress toward reducing financial barriers to CDM’s distinctive dental education for our students.

Our focus is on making CDM more accessible and affordable to the next generation of oral health care professionals, especially those that are truly underrepresented in the field.  Clearly expanding financial aid is key to our ability to enable career choices, such as those that serve the public good.

A Columbia education is transformative for our students and financial need should not be a barrier for accessing it. We have long made financial aid a priority, but there is more to do. This campaign will begin a new era for Columbia.

 President Lee C. Bollinger

As we all know, the greatest hurdle facing young dental students today is the high cost of their education. More than half of CDM students receive some form of financial aid to help meet these costs. Yet dental students graduate with more debt than their professional school peers. We want to ensure that our graduates are unencumbered to pursue the work that is most meaningful to them and not guided by the necessity of paying off the costs of their education.

Historically, CDM has a long tradition of supporting our students. But now, the need is greater than ever before. It comes at a time that is critically important in light of the pandemic and related vulnerabilities, and increased awareness of disparities in access to education.

Dean Christian S. Stohler

Scholarship support through endowment and current use gifts can bring the dream of becoming an oral healthcare professional within reach for many of our students. Below are just a few students who have received financial support during their time with us. 

“I grew up in a community where basic preventative dental care is often inaccessible to immigrants. This inspired me to pursue dentistry because I understand the impact that oral care has on health and well-being. I was fortunate to receive The Dr. Alexander Dell Scholarship that helped make my Columbia education possible.”
—Josue Diaz Melendez ‘21

“When I applied, my family and I were worried about substantial student loan debt. The scholarship I received eased our burden and made me feel like someone out there was willing to take a chance on investing in me. My CDM scholarship changed the trajectory of my career and my life.”
—Elizabeth Fadoju ‘17, TC ‘17

“I cannot express enough how grateful I am to everyone at CDM for their understanding and willingness to make an important life event benefit my pursuit of education and training to become a good clinician. The Dr. Thomas and Arlene Connolly Family Scholarship is yet another testament that CDM values its students and their lives and welcomes anyone who has the will to persevere.”
— Renee Shin ‘20

“Columbia gave me all these wonderful opportunities that I wouldn’t have otherwise had in my lifetime. The timing was right to do something for students. I wanted to give something back—so that we can perpetuate the dental profession. It’s about making a difference now, and also investing in what people are going to do in the future.”
- Meryl Baurmash, DDS ’85, Ortho

“What do I expect of our students? I want them to be able to work their way through school, make a strong contribution and have a
successful life. We can’t predict what their future will be. We just want to support them and help get them there.”
– Ed Herzig, DDS ‘60

Learn more about how our alumni are making a difference in supporting CDM students. >>

Ways to Make an Impact >>

Thank you for supporting the College of Dental Medicine. Since its inception 100 years ago, the college has remained committed to educating the world's future leaders in dentistry. Your contributions are critical to our continued ability to stay at the forefront of advancing practice, education, and scientific research. 

To achieve our ambitious goals, we rely on the generosity of alumni, foundations, community and corporate partners, faculty, and friends. Your donations to our annual fund support a number of strategic priorities including increasing the financial aid for students, continually innovating the curriculum, and providing patient-centric care in state-of-the art facilities. 

Whether you are a graduate giving back to the school that helped you become the professional you are today, a grateful patient, or a friend who understands the importance of supporting scientific discovery, education, and care, your gift is truly an investment in our future. 

Make a Gift Online Now

For more information about giving to the College of Dental Medicine, please contact:

Geraldine Connors
Sr. Director of Development
212-342-5612
cdmdevelopment@cumc.columbia.edu