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Barnard College vs Hamilton College

Barnard College is a private college in New York, NY, and Hamilton College is a private college in Clinton, NY. Barnard College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 9% of applicants against 14% at Hamilton College. Barnard College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $28,800 a year against $28,985 at Hamilton College. About 93% of students graduate at Barnard College, compared with 91% at Hamilton College. Ten years after enrolling, Barnard College alumni earn a median of about $80,516, against $78,411 for Hamilton College.

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Barnard College

New York, NY · Private

Hamilton College

Clinton, NY · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
New York, NY
Clinton, NY
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
3,264
2,030
Acceptance rate
9%
14%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.54–4
3.53–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1470–1560
1450–1550
ACT (middle 50%)
32–34
33–35
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$28,800
$28,985
Full cost / yr
$89,538
$84,230
In-state tuition
$69,888
$68,960
Out-of-state tuition
$69,888
$68,960
Application fee
$75
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,600
$8,028
$30k - $48k
$15,374
$9,489
$48k - $75k
$19,094
$10,863
$75k - $110k
$24,753
$20,614
Over $110k
$51,378
$46,907
Outcomes
Graduation rate
93%
91%
Freshman retention
97%
95%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$60,411
$60,082
Median earnings (10 yr)
$80,516
$78,411
Median debt at graduation
$18,000
$17,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
16%
18%
First-generation students
16%
13%
International students
16%
8%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 15
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 1
Jan 4

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 Hamilton College harder to get into?
Barnard College is harder to get into. It admits about 9% of applicants, compared with 14% at Hamilton College. 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 Hamilton College?
Barnard College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $28,800 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $28,985 at Hamilton 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 Hamilton College?
Before aid, Hamilton College costs about $84,230 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 Hamilton College?
Hamilton College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $8,028 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 Hamilton College?
Barnard College is the larger of the two, with about 3,264 undergraduates against 2,030 at Hamilton College.
Does Barnard College or Hamilton College have a better graduation rate?
Barnard College has the higher graduation rate, at about 93% against 91% at Hamilton College.
Do graduates of Barnard College or Hamilton College earn more?
Barnard College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $80,516 ten years after enrolling, against about $78,411 for Hamilton College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Barnard College and Hamilton College require SAT or ACT scores?
Barnard College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Hamilton College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Barnard College and Hamilton College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1470–1560 at Barnard College and 1450–1550 at Hamilton College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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