Any of a series of annual prizes awarded by Columbia University for outstanding public service and achievement in American journalism, letters, and music.
Fellowships are also awarded. The prizes, originally endowed with a gift of $500,000 from Joseph Pulitzer , are highly esteemed and have been awarded each May since 1917 on the recommendation of the Pulitzer Prize Board, composed of judges appointed by the university. The numbers and categories of prizes have varied over the years. Today they include 14 awards in journalism, six in letters, one in music, and four fellowships.