Barnard College
Campus Visit
Date: September 19, 2025
Location: New York, NY – Morningside Heights
Undergraduates: Approximately 3,000
Type: Women’s Liberal Arts College, one of Columbia’s four undergraduate colleges
Photo by Jacqueline Leppla
1. First Impressions & Vibe
Barnard’s small, leafy campus sits directly across from Columbia University. The atmosphere balances community and empowerment with the opportunities of New York City. Students describe Barnard as welcoming, supportive, and full of tradition, yet with all the academic and social access Columbia provides. As a student guide put it, “You have your cake and eat Columbia’s too.”
2. Student Perspective
Students highlight the close-knit community, the flexibility of the Foundations curriculum, and the strength of Barnard advising. First-years and sophomores are paired with pre-major advisors, and later gain major advisors, often two if double-majoring.
Our guide highlighted excellent mentorship, both academic and personal. One student summed it up by saying the Barnard community was her deciding factor when choosing a college: every student she met was kind, the advising was strong, and the curriculum gave her both breadth and flexibility.
3. Uniquely Interesting
The Foundations curriculum is similar in spirit to Columbia’s Core but is described as more flexible. First-year requirements include writing, physical education, and “modes of thinking,” all in classes capped at 15 students. Distribution requirements guide the rest. Barnard also offers 4+1 pathways, letting students earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s in fields like public health, international affairs, engineering, statistics and more.
Distinctive resources include the Financial Well-Being Center, which teaches life skills such as tax filing and personal finance, and a personal librarian assigned to every student, making access to books seamless. Barnard traditions range from Midnight Breakfast, when professors cook for students before exams, to the quirky 700-foot subway sandwich that winds through campus.
4. Spaces You’d Love
The Milstein Center for Teaching and Learning serves as a hub with library services, study spaces, and academic support. Barnard students also use Columbia’s facilities, including dining halls and athletics. A new science building is under construction, reflecting Barnard’s increased investment in STEM. Barnard also has its own gym with free fitness classes, kitchens on every floor in residence halls, and safe, swipe-only access through campus gates.
5. Who Might Thrive Here?
Barnard is a great fit for students who want the support of a women’s college and the resources of an Ivy League partner. It appeals to independent, intellectually adventurous learners who value advising, mentorship, and community, but also want the energy and opportunity of New York City.
Other Barnard Notes
Housing & Dining: Four years of guaranteed housing for first-years; transfers not guaranteed but often accommodated. Required first-year meal plan covers three meals a day; students can also use Columbia dining halls.
Health & Safety: On-campus physician and mental health support, available 24/7; orientation program emphasizes safety. Columbia provides a night shuttle for travel between city destinations and campus.
Academics & Research: Summer Research Institute, strong humanities and STEM opportunities; students may also take classes at Juilliard or even NYU language programs.
Study Abroad: Beyond Barnard supports study abroad. There are more than150 study abroad programs available, with financial aid carrying over.
Career: Barnard provides career preparation and many internships are said to be available in New York City. Stipends are possible for those who pursue nonprofit internships.
Community & Alumni: Barnard students are part of Columbia’s larger community, including shared athletics and alumni networks.
