Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

Barnard College vs Columbia University

New York, NY · New York, NY · Source: IPEDS federal database

Barnard CollegeColumbia University
Acceptance Rate8.0%4.2%
In-State Tuition$66,246$69,045
Out-of-State Tuition$66,246$69,045
Average Net Price$16,313$16,526
Graduation Rate93.0%95.0%

GradFax Analysis

Barnard College accepts 8.0% of applicants. Columbia University accepts 4.2%. Barnard College's tuition is $66,246. Columbia University's is $69,045. Barnard College is cheaper. Six-year graduation rates are close: 93% at Barnard College, 95% at Columbia University.

Bottom Line

Both are solid options. Get the actual aid estimates from each school and compare them side by side. The averages above won't tell your specific story.

Source: IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Full interactive comparison →Barnard College profileColumbia University profile

Common Questions

Which is harder to get into, Barnard College or Columbia University?

Columbia University. It accepts 4.2% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is Barnard College or Columbia University more affordable?

Barnard College has lower published tuition: $66,246 versus $69,045. Financial aid can flip this, so compare your actual award letters.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

Columbia University: 95% of students finish in 6 years. Barnard College is at 93%.

Source: IPEDS

Data from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), a federal database maintained by the U.S. Department of Education. Figures represent the most recent available academic year.

Barnard College vs Columbia University: Acceptance Rate, Tuition & Outcomes (2026) | GradFax