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UNITED STATES · NEW YORK

Barnard College

private · Founded 1889 · Languages: en

In short

Barnard College is a highly selective women's liberal arts college in New York City, affiliated with Columbia University. It offers a rigorous education with extensive research and internship opportunities, and is committed to meeting the demonstrated financial need of all admitted students.

Key facts

Type: Private
Founded: 1889
Students: 3,000
International students: 480
Acceptance rate: 9%
Tuition (intl): €63–63k/yr
Languages: EN
Location: New York, United States

Barnard College is a highly selective women's liberal arts college located in Morningside Heights, New York City, founded in 1889. As an affiliate of Columbia University, Barnard offers students a unique blend of a close-knit college community with access to the resources of a major research university. With approximately 3,000 students, Barnard's flexible curriculum encourages broad exploration and deep specialization. The college is committed to empowering women, fostering critical thinking and providing extensive faculty-mentored research opportunities.

Why study here

Benefit from a rigorous liberal arts education at a women's college with the expanded resources of Columbia University.
Engage in advanced research with direct faculty mentorship across virtually every discipline.
Experience a flexible curriculum that combines breadth requirements with deep specialization.
Study in New York City, offering unrivalled internship, cultural, and professional opportunities.
Join a powerful alumnae network of 40,000+ accomplished graduates in every sector worldwide.

Student life

Barnard College offers a vibrant student life on its compact Morningside Heights campus in New York City. Students engage in over 100 clubs and organizations, cross-register at Columbia for additional courses and activities, and benefit from the Dodge Physical Fitness Center, Lerner Hall, and extensive library resources. Barnard's residential community fosters close bonds among students, while the city itself is an ever-present classroom. The Barnard Center for Research on Women hosts public events, research assistantships, and collaborations focused on feminist scholarship and social justice.

Fees

InternationalFor the 2026-2027 academic year, the estimated total cost of attendance for a resident student is $103,000 USD. This includes Tuition ($73,120), Fees ($2,472), Housing ($14,054), Meals ($9,204), Books/Supplies ($1,200), Miscellaneous ($1,830), Transportation ($1,070), and Direct Loan Fees ($50).

Home—

LivingLiving expenses are estimated for a 9-month period. Housing costs reflect the average room in a college residence hall. Food costs are based on Barnard's Platinum Plan for first-year and upper-class residents. Estimates are provided for books/supplies, miscellaneous expenses, and transportation, with adjustments for non-NY/NJ residents for travel.

These amounts are estimates and subject to change annually. Students should refer to the Financial Aid Office website for the most current and detailed cost of attendance information.

Admissions

TranscriptsOfficial high school transcripts and national exam results required; certified English translations if not in English.

Standardized TestingTest-optional for SAT/ACT through 2027 admissions cycles.

Essays & RecommendationsCommon App essay plus Barnard supplemental essay; two academic teacher recommendations and counselor report.

TOEFL100 iBT (recommended)

IELTS7.0

Duolingo120

Rankings

US News Best Liberal Arts Colleges16

Forbes Best CollegesTop 50

University scholarships

Barnard Merit ScholarshipUp to $25,000/year

Fulbright ProgramVaries by country

Accreditation

Middle States Commission on Higher Education

For international students

United States

Student visa & funds

International students primarily enter on the F-1 visa, which requires enrolment at a SEVP-certified institution. Before the visa interview the school issues a Form I-20 — a certificate of eligibility — for which a Designated School Official must verify documented funds covering tuition, living expenses and travel for the first year, plus a reliable source for subsequent years. The financial evidence must be specific and from an identified source.

Working while you study

F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and full-time during official breaks, with no separate authorization needed. Off-campus work is generally not permitted in the first academic year. After one academic year in good standing, students may use Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for paid work that is an integral part of the curriculum, authorized by the school; other off-campus work requires an approved Employment Authorization Document from USCIS.

After you graduate

After completing a degree, F-1 students may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) — up to 12 months of work authorization in a related field — by filing Form I-765 and receiving an EAD before starting work. Graduates of a degree on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, for up to 36 months total. The extension requires an E-Verify employer and a qualifying STEM degree earned within the previous ten years.

English tests

IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; top-tier programs 7.0–7.5
TOEFL iBTUG 80–100; PG 90–110; selective research universities 100+
PTE AcademicUG 50–60; PG 55–70; highly selective programs 65+

Main intakes

AugustJanuary

Typical living cost

€1,420/month

Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.

SourcesStudy in the States — Students and the Form I-20 · Study in the States — Financial ability · USCIS — Students and employment · USCIS — Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students · USCIS — STEM OPT extension · LeapScholar — Minimum IELTS scores for USA universities · Mastersportal — Student living costs in the USA (2025–2026)

Programs

a selection

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Barnard College · United States

Science and Public Policy Minor

The Science and Public Policy (SCPP) minor at Barnard College allows students to explore the complex moral and ethical issues that arise where science, public policy, and societal concerns intersect. The program is designed to equip students with the ability to critically analyze various issues, from medicine and public health to genomics, technology, and environmental science, considering both their scientific basis and broader societal implications. This minor prepares students to become informed citizens, scientists, and policymakers ready to address future scientific challenges. Students pursuing the SCPP minor will develop a holistic understanding of how scientific advancements impact society and how policy decisions shape scientific development. The curriculum encourages critical thinking and interdisciplinary learning, drawing courses from various departments. Graduates will be prepared to engage with and contribute to discussions and solutions at the cutting edge of science and policy.

Barnard College · United States

Theatre (BA)

The Theatre major at Barnard College, open to students from Barnard, Columbia College, and General Studies, offers a distinctive approach to drama, theatre, and performance. This program combines foundational coursework in Western and non-Western performance traditions with practical training in acting, directing, design, dramaturgy, playwriting, and management. Students will then specialize in a particular area, culminating in advanced thesis work, which can be an original research essay or an artistic project. The department fosters an environment of imaginative engagement with the past, present, and future through intellectual and embodied inquiry. It views theatre as both an artistic and social practice, essential for developing critical thinking, creative expression, and collaborative skills necessary for a sustainable and equitable future. Students will learn to critically assess theatrical performances, create with proficiency in a chosen area of practice, and understand the historical, cultural, and social contexts of performance.

Scholarships

for United States

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

Duke University

Karsh International Scholarship Program

Open to international (non-U.S. citizen, non-permanent-resident) high school students applying for first-year undergraduate admission to Duke University. Candidates must demonstrate financial need through Duke's need-based aid process, show interdisciplinary academic curiosity, and have a record of community engagement. There is no separate scholarship form; international applicants who indicate they are applying for financial aid are automatically considered for the Karsh award.

University of Miami (with the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation)

University of Miami Stamps Scholarship

Open to high school seniors, both domestic (U.S.) and international, applying for first-year undergraduate admission to the University of Miami through Early Decision I or Early Action. Applicants are automatically considered with no separate scholarship form; they must submit all first-year admission requirements and demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. Semi-finalists complete a Zoom interview.

QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship

Open to high-achieving US high school seniors from low-income backgrounds who are US citizens, permanent residents, or students studying in the US regardless of citizenship. Competitive applicants typically earn mostly A's in challenging courses, rank in the top 5-10% of their class, and have strong standardised test results (SAT/PSAT above 1310 or ACT above 28), though each application is read in context. Applicants must demonstrate strong writing, intellectual curiosity and determination through essays and recommendations. Matched students must attend a partner college as a binding-early-decision commitment.

Argonne National Laboratory

Maria Goeppert Mayer Fellowship at Argonne National Laboratory

Open to early-career scientists and engineers of all nationalities who hold a PhD awarded within the last three years at the time of application, or who will complete the PhD before the fellowship start date. Research interests must align with Argonne's mission areas. U.S. citizenship is required for national-security-related projects (Detection of Imaging Signatures).

Boustany Foundation / Harvard Business School

Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship

Open to candidates of any nationality (priority to those of Lebanese descent) who have received an offer of admission to the Harvard MBA programme and have a strong academic background.

Knight-Hennessy Scholars

Open to citizens of any country who earned their first/bachelor's degree within the last ~7 years (or will by the Stanford start) and who apply for and gain admission to a full-time Stanford graduate program. Selection seeks independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset.

Frequently asked questions

What are the estimated costs for international students at Barnard College?

For the 2026-2027 academic year, the estimated total cost of attendance for a resident student is $103,000 USD. This figure includes tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, miscellaneous expenses, and transportation. These are estimates and subject to change annually.

Does Barnard College offer English proficiency waivers for international students?

English proficiency requirements may be waived if your first language is English or if you attended a secondary school where instruction was in English. Please check with the admissions office for specific details.

What are the English proficiency test score requirements for international applicants?

Barnard College recommends a TOEFL score of 100 iBT, an IELTS score of 7.0, or a Duolingo score of 120. These are recommended scores, and other factors are considered in the admissions process.

How does Barnard College support international students financially?

Barnard College is need-aware for non-US citizens but is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students. They also offer scholarships, such as the Barnard Merit Scholarship, which can provide up to $25,000 per year.

What academic and extracurricular benefits does Barnard College offer?

Barnard offers a rigorous liberal arts education at a women's college with the expanded resources of Columbia University. Students benefit from faculty-mentored research, a flexible curriculum, and unparalleled internship and cultural opportunities in New York City.

Last updated 3 July 2026