Barnard College SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Barnard is test-optional, but students who submit scores are typically bringing very strong numbers: the middle SAT range is 1480 to 1540, with SATs submitted more often than ACTs. Aim for the upper half of that SAT band if you want your score to strengthen an already rigorous academic profile.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Barnard College facts and stats
Barnard College enrolls 3,269 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. Barnard has a 97% freshman retention rate, well above the national average of roughly 70%. The college reports a 93% 6-year graduation rate, with a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
New York, NY
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Key Barnard College application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
Offered
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
November 1
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
January 15
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores to test-optional Barnard, plan to take your first test by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and fall of senior year for retakes. For the November 1 Early Decision deadline, an October retake is typically the last one likely to arrive in time, and retakes can give you a superscoring opportunity if your section scores improve.
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What you'll actually pay
Barnard’s tuition and fees are $69,888, and 35% of students receive aid. The FAFSA priority deadline is January 15, so plan to submit financial aid materials by then.
Barnard's listed cost of attendance is about $91,602, including $69,888 in tuition and fees and $21,714 for room and board. About 35% of students receive financial aid, with an average aid package of $69,370, which can substantially reduce the amount families pay. For context, Barnard graduates leave with an average debt of $13,156.
Student life at Barnard College
73% of undergrads live on campus
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
Similar schools
Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology
Flushing, NYAcceptance rate: 85%
SAT: 909–1293
ACT: 16–25
Adelphi University
Garden City, NYAcceptance rate: 65.9%
SAT: 1120–1330
ACT: 24–30
Acceptance rate: 77.5%
Acceptance rate: 100%
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