Acceptance Rate
9%
Avg. SAT
1560
75th percentile
“Barnard's fierce, all-women undergrad haven in NYC lets you earn a Columbia degree while forging unapologetic leadership in a city that never sleeps.”
New York, NY
Location
Large City
Campus Setting
You step into Barnard's world in Morningside Heights, where Frederick A.P. Barnard founded the college in 1889 to crack open Columbia's male-only gates—women first earned Columbia degrees here in 1893, a full 94 years before coeducation hit the Ivy. This legacy shapes a personality that's intellectually bold, feminist-rooted, and defiantly collaborative with its powerhouse neighbor, giving you full access to Columbia's classes, libraries, and labs without dissolving your identity. The students who thrive here are self-starters—driven women who juggle big-city temptations with rigorous academics, embracing NYC's chaos as fuel for ambition. But tradeoffs hit hard: the urban pulse means constant distractions from sirens to spontaneous adventures, and the women-only undergrad vibe demands comfort with single-gender intensity that might chafe if you crave broader undergrad mixing from day one.
Photo Gallery
+33
+25
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
Test-optional schools still weigh strong scores. Submitting can help.
Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
In Barnard's intimate seminars (that golden 10:1 ratio means professors know your name), you dive into humanities powerhouses like English and anthropology, or emerging strengths in neuroscience and urban studies, all while cherry-picking Columbia's elite offerings—think quantum physics or film theory without leaving the neighborhood. Faculty push you to interrogate power structures, especially through gender and Africana studies, fostering a classroom vibe where debates rage passionately but civilly, often spilling into late-night Athena Center workshops on leadership. Research kicks in early via funded summer projects at Columbia's labs, but honestly, the scale tilts toward teaching over massive undergrad research machines; if you crave solo lab glory, Columbia's resources help, yet Barnard's smaller size means fewer spots in hyper-competitive spots.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
3,487 undergrad • 0 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
33%
Black / African American
7%
Hispanic / Latino
17%
Asian
20%
Other / Multi-racial
23%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
New York, NY
Varsity Athletics
Your week pulses with Barnard-to-Columbia treks for classes, Athena talks with trailblazing speakers, and nights unwinding in one of seven quirky residence halls—from the gothic Hewitt to the modern Suite dorms—where hall governments plan everything from movie marathons to protest organizing. The social scene buzzes with 100+ clubs like the Barnard Column (your satirical newspaper) or WBAR radio, blending intellectual mixers with NYC escapes to rooftop bars or Harlem soul food spots; traditions like the Blue Pencil gala honor seniors amid drag shows and poetry slams. Vibe-wise, expect empowered sisterhood amid diversity (half students of color), but challenges include the city's relentless pace—subway crushes, sky-high living costs—and a competitive edge that can feel cutthroat if you're not wired for hustle.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
NCAA
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
Yes
Air Force
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
Net Annual Cost by Household Income
Household Income
Avg. Net Cost
$0 – $30K
$17,166
$30K – $48K
$14,441
$48K – $75K
$20,962
$75K – $110K
$30,311
$110K+
$57,739
Apply for Financial Aid
Complete the FAFSA to unlock grants, scholarships, and federal loans.
Costs shown are before financial aid. Most students receive some form of aid. Complete the FAFSA to see what you qualify for.
Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
97%
4 Years Graduation Rate
87%
6 Years Graduation Rate
93%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$80,516
97% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Barnard College and return in the fall. 87% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 93% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
87%
4-6 years
6%
Non-grad
7%
Let’s find your perfect tutor
Answer a few quick questions. We’ll recommend the right plan and match you with a top 5% tutor.
Key Statistics
Type
Private
Tuition
$60,478
Acceptance
9%
Undergrads
3,487
4-Year Grad Rate
87%
Endowment
$554M
New York, NY 10027-6598
Explore More