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Barnard College vs Cornell University

What would these two cost your family?

Your family’s income

Pick one to see what families like yours paid at each. Source: College Scorecard.

Barnard College is a private college in New York, NY, and Cornell University is a private university in Ithaca, NY. Both admit about 9% of applicants. Cornell University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $28,690 a year against $28,800 at Barnard College. About 95% of students graduate at Cornell University, compared with 93% at Barnard College. Ten years after enrolling, Cornell University alumni earn a median of about $104,043, against $80,516 for Barnard College.

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Barnard College

New York, NY · Private

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
New York, NY
Ithaca, NY
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
3,264
15,995
Acceptance rate
9%
9%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.54–4
3.54–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1470–1560
1500–1570
ACT (middle 50%)
32–34
33–35
Test policy
Test optional
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$28,800
$28,690
Full cost / yr
$89,538
$88,140
In-state tuition
$69,888
$69,314
Out-of-state tuition
$69,888
$69,314
Application fee
$75
$80
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,600
$1,776
$30k - $48k
$15,374
$4,070
$48k - $75k
$19,094
$6,796
$75k - $110k
$24,753
$14,311
Over $110k
$51,378
$49,992
Outcomes
Graduation rate
93%
95%
Freshman retention
97%
98%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$60,411
$87,830
Median earnings (10 yr)
$80,516
$104,043
Median debt at graduation
$18,000
$14,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
16%
18%
First-generation students
16%
15%
International students
16%
10%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 1
Jan 2

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Barnard College or Cornell University harder to get into?
They are about equally selective: both admit around 9% of applicants. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Barnard College or Cornell University?
Cornell University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $28,690 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $28,800 at Barnard College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Barnard College and Cornell University?
Before aid, Cornell University costs about $88,140 a year and Barnard College about $89,538. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Barnard College or Cornell University?
Cornell University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $1,776 there, against about $11,600 at Barnard College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Barnard College or Cornell University?
Cornell University is the larger of the two, with about 15,995 undergraduates against 3,264 at Barnard College.
Does Barnard College or Cornell University have a better graduation rate?
Cornell University has the higher graduation rate, at about 95% against 93% at Barnard College.
Do graduates of Barnard College or Cornell University earn more?
Cornell University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $104,043 ten years after enrolling, against about $80,516 for Barnard College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Barnard College and Cornell University require SAT or ACT scores?
Barnard College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Cornell University requires SAT or ACT scores.
What SAT scores do Barnard College and Cornell University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1470–1560 at Barnard College and 1500–1570 at Cornell University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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