Campus Vibe
Among the most selective in the Northeast — top graduate earnings
Barnard College is a private institution in New York with particular strength in biology and psychology. With an average SAT of 1500, the school attracts a competitive applicant pool.
A mid-sized campus of 3.2K undergraduates with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
93% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $80,516 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $39,253.
Campus Visits
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
Barnard College Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1500
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Financial Aid
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
62.5%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$15,750
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
24
Peer Average
37
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Academics
Programs (48)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
97%
- •97% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
History & Fun Facts
- •Barnard College was founded in 1889 as a response to Columbia's refusal to admit women.
- •He advocated for coeducational settings and proposed in 1879 that Columbia admit women.
- •Columbia's Board of Trustees repeatedly rejected Barnard's suggestion, but in 1883 agreed to create a syllabus that would allow the college's students to receive degrees.
- •The first such graduate received her bachelor's degree in 1887.
- •A former student of the program, Annie Meyer, and other prominent New York women persuaded the board in 1889 to create a women's college connected to Columbia.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average