Barnard College
Since its founding in 1889, Barnard has been a distinguished leader in higher education, offering a rigorous liberal arts foundation to young women whose curiosity, drive, and exuberance set them apart. Ours is a diverse intellectual community in a unique learning environment that provides the best of all worlds: small, intimate classes in a collaborative liberal arts setting dedicated to the advancement of women with the vast resources of Columbia University just steps away-in the heart of vibrant and electric New York City.
Accepts first-year applicationsMid-AtlanticPrivateUrbanMedium (2,001 to 14,999)Women's College
Academic programs
- Engineering
- Research
- Science
- Liberal Arts
- Education
- Music
- Art & Design
- Economics
- Government/Political Science
- Performing Arts
- Social Science
- Visual Arts
- Psychology
- Computer Science
- Architecture
Student experience
- Athletics
- Disability Services
- Greek Life
- Intramural/Club Sports
- LGBTQIA Services
- On-Campus Housing
- ROTC Program
- Study Abroad
- Undergraduate Research
Application information
First-year
Barnard's application process is contextual and holistic. Most competitive applicants have taken four years of each of the five core subject areas: English, math, science, foreign language, and social science. Barnard offers a binding Early Decision plan, intended for students who passionately believe that Barnard is their first choice college, and regular decision.
Transfer
Transfers find Barnard to be a welcoming and supportive community and are drawn to the flexible general education requirements, personal academic and career advising, access to New York City, and benefit from the many advantages of the partnership with Columbia University. A student who has completed 24-60 transferable credits following high school is considered a transfer applicant. Students with fewer than 24 credits must apply as a first-year student. We do not admit second-semester first-year students. A maximum of 60 points can be transferred into Barnard.
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Additional information
Barnard is need-blind for US citizens and permanent residents. The College is need-aware for students who are not US citizens and permanent residents. We are also need-aware for transfer students. Barnard does not offer any merit scholarships. The College makes every effort to meet full demonstrated need, working closely with each family to answer your questions and help you make the best financial choices.
Visit us
Barnard offers several opportunities to connect with us – virtually and in-person. For those that would like an in-person experience, we offer student-led campus tours generally on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and select Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year. The one-hour tour is led by a current Barnard student and covers academics, campus life, student services, and residential living. In addition, our Admissions Visitor Center is open Mon-Fri from 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. Feel free to drop by when you visit our campus. *Please check our website as registration and ID are required to enter campus. Barnard Student Admissions Representatives are available to answer any of your questions. The Barnard Store is located in the Diana Center and maintains an online presence as well. If you would like to connect with us virtually, sign up to attend a virtual Information session or a virtual live tour. Dates and times can be found on our website.
Your application to Barnard is more than a list of your accomplishments. For us, it is a window into who you are — your values, your interests, your whole self.