About Barnard College
The sticker price reaches $87,978 annually, but most families pay far less after financial aid kicks in. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of $14,486 per year, while those from higher-income households earning over $110,000 typically pay $58,447. Graduates earn a median salary of $80,516 ten years after graduation, making the investment worthwhile for most. The median debt load of $18,000 translates to manageable monthly payments of $191.
The student body brings impressive diversity, with 20.41% Asian students and 15.59% Hispanic students contributing to campus conversations. Nearly 97% of first-year students return for sophomore year, reflecting strong satisfaction with the Barnard experience. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in this intellectually demanding environment.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 92.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 92.9%
- Retention Rate
- 96.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $80,516
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Economics. | Bachelor | $70,456 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $50,856 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $49,646 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $48,432 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $47,846 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $41,937 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $41,789 |
| Area Studies. | Bachelor | $39,648 |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences. | Bachelor | $37,568 |
| Anthropology. | Bachelor | $30,771 |
Campus Life
New York winters demand heavy coats and boots for navigating snowy streets, while summers call for lighter layers in the humid heat. Weekend plans span from studying in Butler Library at Columbia to exploring Brooklyn's art scene or catching Broadway shows. The student body draws from across the country, with only 23% from New York state. Barnard's partnership with Columbia means access to co-ed classes and dining halls while maintaining the tight-knit community of a women's college. Late-night conversations in residence halls often center on internships, thesis research, and navigating opportunities that come with studying in America's cultural capital.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 2,425 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1889
Campus Safety (2023)
18 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Robbery | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 27°–39°F
- July Avg
- 70°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 49.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 29.8"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 0.0%
- Women
- 100.0%
- White
- 34.5%
- Black
- 5.6%
- Hispanic
- 15.6%
- Asian
- 20.4%
- In-State Students
- 22.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 15.4%
Location
- Address
- New York, New York 10027-6598
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $80,516
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $79,860
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $52,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 87.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $191/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $18,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Barnard College?
Barnard accepts just 8.79% of applicants, making it one of the most selective women's colleges in the country. Admitted students typically score around 1495 on the SAT, with middle 50% ranges between 1440-1550.
How much does Barnard College cost after financial aid?
The sticker price reaches $87,978 including room and board, but the average net price drops to $39,253 after aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $14,486 on average, while the college meets demonstrated need for qualified applicants.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Barnard College?
Barnard maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio across its 3,219 students, ensuring small class sizes typical of top liberal arts education. The college combines intimate seminar-style learning with access to Columbia University's vast research resources through its unique partnership.
What do Barnard College graduates earn after graduation?
Barnard graduates earn a median of $80,516 ten years after graduation, reflecting the college's strong alumni network in fields like media, finance, and law. The 92.9% employment rate and $18,000 median debt load demonstrate solid return on investment for this strong women's college.
Where is Barnard College located and what is campus life like?
Barnard sits in Manhattan's Morningside Heights neighborhood, offering the ultimate urban college experience in New York City. With housing capacity for 2,425 students and a 96.7% retention rate, the campus creates a tight-knit community despite being in one of the world's largest cities.
Is Barnard College really connected to Columbia University?
Barnard students receive Columbia University degrees and can take classes across both campuses, while maintaining their own distinct institutional identity as a women's college. This partnership, dating back to 1889, gives students access to Columbia's resources while preserving Barnard's mission of helping women through education.
