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Barnard College

New York, NY·Private nonprofit·3,219 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for high-achieving applicants seeking a top-tier program and students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. solid earnings of $69,700 within 10 years; exceptional 93% graduation rate.

8%
Accept
3,219
Students
$39,253
Net Price
93%
Grad Rate
$69,700
Earnings
10 yr
$15,750
Debt

About This School

Barnard College is a private nonprofit institution located in New York, New York with approximately 3,219 undergraduate students enrolled. Admissions are highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 8%. The average net price after financial aid is $39,253 per year. The graduation rate is 93%, and the typical graduate earns $69,700 within 10 years of enrollment.

Barnard College is a private women's liberal arts college in New York City, New York, United States. It is affiliated with Columbia University and was founded in 1889 by a group of women led by young student activist Annie Nathan Meyer, who petitioned Columbia University's trustees to create an affiliated college named after university president Frederick A. P. Barnard. The college is one of the original Seven Sisters—seven liberal arts colleges in the Northeastern United States that were historically women's colleges.

This is a strong option for women seeking a small, selective liberal arts experience in New York City — the 97% freshman retention rate signals that students who get in tend to love it and stay, and a 93% graduation rate confirms strong follow-through. At $39,253/year after aid, the cost is real but manageable, especially given median debt at graduation of just $15,750, which is notably low. The $69,700 median earnings at 10 years is solid but not exceptional for a school this selective, so if maximizing salary is the primary goal, the value is more in the experience and network than a dramatic earnings premium.

Founded
1889
Setting
Large city

Popular Programs

Social Sciences29%
Biological Sciences14%
Psychology9%
English7%
Visual & Performing Arts7%
Computer Science6%
Mathematics5%
Physical Sciences2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Margaret MeadJoan RiversKeshaJhumpa LahiriGreta GerwigZora Neale HurstonErica JongPatricia HighsmithMartha StewartLee RemickLauren GrahamCynthia Nixon

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1500
Reading 75th %ile770
Math 75th %ile780

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite33

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$66,246
Out-of-State Tuition
$66,246
Avg Net Price
$39,253
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants15%
Median debt at graduation$15,750

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
93%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
97%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$69,700
after enrollment
Median Debt
$15,750
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$15,750
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$52,800
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$69,700
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 4.4x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White35%
Black6%
Hispanic/Latino16%
Asian20%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (3,219 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Barnard College

3009 Broadway

New York, NY 10027-6598

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in New York

Browse all New York schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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