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College comparison
Barnard vs Bowdoin
A side-by-side of acceptance rate, test scores, and cost — source-cited estimates, not guarantees. Want the number that actually matters for your student? Model your admit odds at each.
| Metric |  Barnard New York, NY |  Bowdoin Brunswick, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateBowdoin College is more selective | 9% | 7% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1470–1560 | 1470–1550 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 3,264 | 1,873 |
| Avg net price | $28,800 | $14,398 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Bowdoin reports higher median earnings | $80,516 | $82,735 |
| Graduation rate | 93% | 95% |
| Median debt | $18,000 | $18,500 |
| Economic mobility | 3.5% | 1.1% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Barnard vs Bowdoin: how they compare
Barnard and Bowdoin are both selective liberal arts colleges, but they offer different environments and financial propositions.
By the numbers Bowdoin presents a stronger financial value. Its average net price is $14k versus Barnard’s $29k, and it delivers a higher return per dollar, with a value multiplier of 5.7× versus Barnard’s -2.8×. Their 10-year median earnings are comparable ($83k vs. $81k). Bowdoin is slightly more selective (7% vs. 9% acceptance) and has marginally higher graduation rates (95% vs. 93%). Financially, Bowdoin is more stable, with a DOE health score of 2.9/3 and very low admit-rate volatility (17%), compared to Barnard’s 2.5/3 score and high volatility (64%). Barnard excels in economic mobility, with a rate of 345% dwarfing Bowdoin’s 109%. Bowdoin is a notable feeder for future scholars, with a 6.7% yield of Science & Engineering PhDs.
Where they overlap Both are highly selective, small liberal arts colleges with similar SAT midranges and a shared commitment to rigorous undergraduate education. They foster tight-knit, residential communities where students are closely supported.
How they differ The core differences are location and student body. Barnard is a women’s college embedded in New York City, offering an intimate community within the vast resources of an urban metropolis. Bowdoin is a coeducational college in a classic New England college town, promoting a more traditional, contained, and residential campus life.
Who each suits Barnard suits an independently minded, adventurous student who thrives in an urban setting and values the unique empowerment of a women’s college with access to a major research university. Bowdoin is ideal for a student seeking a quintessential, close-knit liberal arts experience in a quieter, self-contained campus community, with particular strengths in the sciences and stronger institutional financial health.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Barnard College or Bowdoin College harder to get into?
- Bowdoin College is more selective: Barnard College's acceptance rate is approximately 9% and Bowdoin College's is approximately 7% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Barnard College vs Bowdoin College?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1470–1560 at Barnard College and 1470–1550 at Bowdoin College. Scores outside these bands are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
Figures are estimates compiled from public datasets (College Scorecard / IPEDS) and primary sources; verify with each institution before relying on them.
These outputs are estimates from a baseline model — not guarantees of admission, cost, or outcome.