Choosing between colleges can be a daunting task, especially when comparing prestigious schools such as Barnard College and Columbia University. Located in New York City, both institutions offer a wide range of academic opportunities, diverse student bodies, and unique campus atmospheres. This article will provide an overview of each school, comparing their costs, admissions, academics, and outcomes to help you make an informed decision.
Barnard College Overview
Barnard College, a private women’s liberal arts college affiliated with Columbia University, was founded in 1889. It offers a intimate, close-knit learning environment, with a small student body and a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1. Barnard provides a strong foundation in the liberal arts and sciences, with numerous opportunities for research, internships, and study abroad programs.
Barnard College Costs & Tuition
The estimated total cost of attendance at Barnard College for the 2021-2022 academic year is $78,352, which includes tuition, fees, room, and board. Financial aid is available for students who demonstrate need, with the average financial aid package totaling around $46,000.
Barnard College Admissions
Barnard College has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 11.8% for the class of 2025. The middle 50% of admitted students scored between 1420 and 1530 on the SAT and between 33 and 35 on the ACT. In addition to test scores, Barnard evaluates applicants based on their high school transcript, essays, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities.
Barnard College Degrees Offered
Barnard College offers over 50 majors and minors in a broad range of disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and interdisciplinary fields. Students can also choose to pursue a joint degree program with the Jewish Theological Seminary or a dual degree program in engineering with Columbia University.
Barnard College Academics
The academic environment at Barnard emphasizes critical thinking, writing, and problem-solving skills. Students must complete a core curriculum known as the Nine Ways of Knowing, which includes courses in fields such as history, literature, science, and foreign language. In addition, students have access to Columbia University’s resources and can take courses, conduct research, or join clubs and organizations on both campuses.
Barnard College Diversity
Barnard College is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion among its student body. Approximately 46% of students identify as people of color, and 13% are international students. Barnard also offers various resources and support services for students, including the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, which provides programming and advocacy for historically underrepresented groups.
Barnard College Students
The Barnard student body consists of approximately 2,500 undergraduate students who come from diverse backgrounds and interests. The close-knit community allows for strong relationships between students and faculty, and students are encouraged to participate in campus life through clubs, organizations, and various events.
Barnard College Campus
Barnard College’s campus is located in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, providing students with access to the cultural and professional opportunities of New York City. The campus itself features a mix of historic and modern buildings, green spaces, and state-of-the-art facilities, including the Diana Center and the Milstein Center for Teaching and Learning.
Barnard College Alumni
Notable Barnard College alumni include writer Zora Neale Hurston, journalist and author Anna Quindlen, and actress Cynthia Nixon. Barnard graduates have gone on to have successful careers in various fields, including academia, business, government, and the arts.
Barnard College Rankings
Barnard College is consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. In the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Barnard is ranked #28 among National Liberal Arts Colleges and #26 for Best Undergraduate Teaching.
Barnard College Outcomes
Graduates of Barnard College have a strong record of success, with a six-year graduation rate of 92% and an average starting salary of $61,000. Many alumni go on to pursue graduate studies or careers in a wide range of fields, including law, medicine, business, and the arts.
Columbia University Overview
Columbia University, a private Ivy League research university founded in 1754, is one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the United States. The university has a diverse student body of over 33,000 undergraduate and graduate students and offers a wide range of academic programs through its 20 schools and colleges.
Columbia University Costs & Tuition
The estimated total cost of attendance at Columbia University for the 2021-2022 academic year is $80,339, which includes tuition, fees, room, and board. Around 52% of undergraduate students receive financial aid, with the average financial aid package totaling approximately $52,073.
Columbia University Admissions
Columbia University has a highly competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 5.9% for the class of 2025. The middle 50% of admitted students scored between 1480 and 1560 on the SAT and between 33 and 35 on the ACT. In addition to test scores, Columbia evaluates applicants based on their high school transcript, essays, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities.
Columbia University Degrees Offered
Columbia University offers over 150 majors and minors across a wide range of disciplines, including arts and sciences, engineering, and professional studies. Students can also pursue joint degree programs with partner institutions such as the Jewish Theological Seminary, Sciences Po, and the London School of Economics.
Columbia University Academics
Columbia University’s undergraduate curriculum is centered around the Core Curriculum, a series of interdisciplinary courses designed to develop a strong foundation in liberal arts and critical thinking skills. Students also have access to a wide range of research opportunities, study abroad programs, and collaborations with other institutions, such as the New York Public Library and the American Museum of Natural History.
Columbia University Diversity
Columbia University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. Approximately 52% of undergraduate students identify as people of color, and 22% are international students. The university offers various resources and support services for students, including the Office of Multicultural Affairs, which provides programming and advocacy for historically underrepresented groups.
Columbia University Students
Columbia University’s student body is made up of approximately 9,500 undergraduate students and 24,000 graduate students. The campus atmosphere encourages intellectual curiosity, and students can participate in a wide range of clubs, organizations, and events to enhance their college experience.
Columbia University Campus
Located in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, Columbia University’s campus combines the energy of New York City with the charm of a traditional collegiate environment. The campus features a mix of historic and modern architecture, green spaces, and state-of-the-art facilities, including the Jerome L. Greene Science Center and the Lenfest Center for the Arts.
Columbia University Alumni
Columbia University boasts an impressive list of notable alumni, including U.S. presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Barack Obama, author J.D. Salinger, and composer Leonard Bernstein. Graduates have gone on to have successful careers in a wide range of fields, including business, government, academia, and the arts.
Columbia University Rankings
Columbia University is consistently ranked among the top universities in the United States and around the world. In the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Columbia is ranked #2 among National Universities and #8 for Best Undergraduate Teaching.
Columbia University Outcomes
Columbia University has a strong record of student success, with a six-year graduation rate of 95% and an average starting salary of $69,000. Many graduates go on to pursue advanced degrees or careers in various fields, including law, medicine, business, and the arts.
Barnard College vs Columbia University Cost Comparison
As previously mentioned, the estimated total cost of attendance at Barnard College for the 2021-2022 academic year is $78,352, while the total cost of attendance at Columbia University is $80,339. Both schools offer financial aid packages for those who demonstrate need, with the average financial aid package at Barnard totaling around $46,000 and the average package at Columbia totaling approximately $52,073.
Barnard College vs Columbia University Admissions Difficulty
Both Barnard College and Columbia University have highly competitive admissions processes. Barnard has an acceptance rate of 11.8% for the class of 2025, while Columbia’s acceptance rate is 5.9%. Both schools evaluate applicants based on their high school transcripts, standardized test scores, essays, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular activities.
Barnard College vs Columbia University Academic Difficulty
Both Barnard College and Columbia University provide rigorous academic environments for their students. Barnard’s small student-to-faculty ratio allows for personalized attention and close relationships with professors, while Columbia’s Core Curriculum encourages interdisciplinary learning and critical thinking. Both schools offer a wide range of majors, minors, and research opportunities for students to explore their interests and develop their skills.
Barnard College vs Columbia University Outcome Comparison
Graduates of both Barnard College and Columbia University have strong records of success. Barnard has a six-year graduation rate of 92% and an average starting salary of $61,000, while Columbia has a six-year graduation rate of 95% and an average starting salary of $69,000. Both schools’ alumni have gone on to pursue successful careers in a wide range of fields, including law, medicine, business, and the arts.
