About
Barnard College, a premier women’s liberal arts institution in Manhattan’s Morningside Heights, offers an intimate, empowering academic environment alongside the vast resources of Columbia University through a unique historical partnership. Renowned for top-tier programs in English, political science, psychology, and the performing arts, Barnard utilizes a general education curriculum called "Foundations" that prioritizes interdisciplinary inquiry, technological literacy, and quantitative reasoning. The campus culture is intellectually rigorous, politically engaged, and deeply collaborative, attracting ambitious students who thrive in a supportive, female-centric community. Distinctively, undergraduates enjoy full access to Columbia’s courses, libraries, and campus life while benefiting from Barnard's independent faculty, personalized mentorship, and direct integration with New York City as a professional launchpad.
Wikipedia: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.
Location
Cost & aid
Outcomes
Admissions
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Essay prompts
At Barnard, inquiry starts with asking bold questions about the world. What is one bold question on your mind and what about it piques your curiosity?
50 words maxBarnard College is shaped by trailblazing women with a multitude of perspectives. Think of a woman - historical, fictional, contemporary, or personally significant - whose views or approach to problem-solving differ from your own, but who excels at bringing people together. What lesson from her approach would shape how you show up at Barnard both inside and outside of the classroom?
200–250 words
Quoted from Barnard College's own page; answered in the Common Application. The application itself is the final word.
The personal essay is separate: see the Common App essay prompts.
Student Body
Varsity sports
No data. This school isn't in the U.S. Department of Education's athletics (EADA) file, so we can't list its teams. That doesn't mean it has none.
Programs & Earnings
Institutional
Wondering if Barnard College is the right fit for you?
SchoolScout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.