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College comparison
Barnard vs Colby
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 |  Colby Waterville, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateColby College is more selective | 9% | 7% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1470–1560 | 1460–1550 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 3,264 | 2,407 |
| Avg net price | $28,800 | $17,180 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)Barnard reports higher median earnings | $80,516 | $80,490 |
| Graduation rate | 93% | 89% |
| Median debt | $18,000 | $19,157 |
| Economic mobility | 3.5% | 0.9% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Barnard vs Colby: how they compare
For an affluent, data-driven family, the choice between Barnard and Colby is a contrast between an immersive college-town experience and a connected urban one.
By the numbers Colby offers stronger financial value and stability: its average net price is $17k versus Barnard's $29k, generating a 4.7x return on net price to 10-year earnings compared to Barnard's 2.8x. Colby also has a perfect 3.0/3 DOE financial-health score versus Barnard's 2.5/3, and lower admit-rate volatility (49% vs. 64%). Barnard, however, demonstrates significantly higher economic mobility for its students, with a rate of 345% compared to Colby's 90%. Outcomes are closely matched on median earnings ($81k vs. $80k) and graduation rates (93% vs. 89%). Selectivity is nearly identical, with Colby slightly more selective at a 7% acceptance rate (1460–1550 SAT) versus Barnard's 9% (1470–1560 SAT). Colby shows strength in producing future scholars, with a 6.3 yield for Science & Engineering PhDs.
Where they overlap Both are highly selective liberal arts colleges with strong graduation rates and early-career earnings. They share a commitment to undergraduate-focused education within a residential community.
How they differ The core divergence is environment and access. Barnard offers a women-centered liberal arts experience in New York City, integrated with Columbia University. Colby provides a traditional, immersive residential experience in a Maine college town, with a self-contained campus culture.
Who each suits Barnard suits the independently minded student who thrives on urban energy and seeks to leverage the opportunities of a global city and a partner university. Colby is ideal for the student who wants a classic, cohesive liberal arts experience in a focused setting, valuing deep campus engagement and the stability of a financially robust institution.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Barnard College or Colby College harder to get into?
- Colby College is more selective: Barnard College's acceptance rate is approximately 9% and Colby College's is approximately 7% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Barnard College vs Colby College?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1470–1560 at Barnard College and 1460–1550 at Colby 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.