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College comparison
Barnard vs NYU
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 |  NYU New York, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rateBarnard College is more selective | 9% | 9% |
| SAT (25–75) | 1470–1560 | 1480–1560 |
| ACT (25–75) | — | — |
| Undergrad enrollment | 3,264 | 28,663 |
| Avg net price | $28,800 | $37,050 |
| Median earnings (10 yr)NYU reports higher median earnings | $80,516 | $82,509 |
| Graduation rate | 93% | 88% |
| Median debt | $18,000 | $20,500 |
| Economic mobility | 3.5% | 3.6% |
| Test policy | — | — |
| Type | Private (nonprofit) | Private (nonprofit) |
Barnard vs NYU: how they compare
Barnard and NYU offer two distinct pathways to an education in New York City, with similar selectivity but different value propositions and campus cultures.
By the numbers Both schools are similarly selective, with a 9% acceptance rate and comparable SAT 25–75 percentile ranges (Barnard: 1470–1560, NYU: 1480–1560). Outcomes diverge: Barnard has a higher graduation rate (93% vs. 88%) and a better value ratio (2.8x vs. 2.2x earnings per dollar of net price), partly due to its lower average net price ($29k vs. $37k). Post-graduate 10-year median earnings are close ($81k vs. $83k). NYU shows a stronger economic mobility rate (363% vs. 345%) and a slightly higher DOE financial health score (2.7 vs. 2.5), but its admit-rate volatility is far greater (127% vs. 64%), indicating less predictable admissions year-to-year.
Where they overlap Both provide an urban educational experience in New York City, with access to cultural and professional opportunities. They attract high-achieving students seeking a city backdrop for their studies.
How they differ Culturally, they represent different models. Barnard is a small liberal arts college with a residential campus within the Columbia University consortium, fostering a close community. Descriptions note a social scene centered on exploring the city. NYU is a large, decentralized university integrated into the city, lacking a traditional enclosed campus, which promotes independence.
Who each suits Barnard suits a student who desires the community and faculty attention of a liberal arts college, but with access to New York City's resources. It may be ideal for those who want a defined campus within the metropolis. NYU is for the independent, self-motivated student who thrives in a less structured environment and wants to engage with the city as their campus. It fits those comfortable building their own path within a large university system.
Editorial overview — a qualitative summary of culture and fit, reviewed for accuracy. Not a ranking or a guarantee.
Quick answers
- Is Barnard College or New York University harder to get into?
- Barnard College is more selective: Barnard College's acceptance rate is approximately 9% and New York University's is approximately 9% (estimates from public and primary sources).
- What SAT score do you need for Barnard College vs New York University?
- The middle-50% SAT range is 1470–1560 at Barnard College and 1480–1560 at New York University. 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.