Costs & Aid

Need-Blind Admissions

Barnard practices need-blind admissions for domestic first-year applications and does not consider a student's financial need when evaluating the admissions application. This means a family's financial circumstances do not impact the student's admission decision for first-year US citizens and permanent residents.

Barnard has limited funding for International first-year applicants and Fall domestic transfer applicants and students admitted off of the waiting list. Therefore, Barnard is need-aware and does consider financial need as a factor when reviewing these applications.

Financial Aid Based on Need

Barnard's financial aid process is designed to foster equity, access, and diversity. Our policies reflect our commitment to making Barnard a realistic option for families, regardless of finances, and ensuring qualified applicants are able to afford to attend. All financial aid at Barnard is awarded based solely on demonstrated need. We do not offer any merit awards.

The Financial Aid Office determines a family's need using income and asset information, as well as household information, as reported on the CSS Profile and FAFSA. Barnard meets 100% of a family's demonstrated need in the form of grants, loans, and job opportunities. 

Applying for Financial Aid

The Financial Aid Office is committed to making a Barnard education affordable and is here to support families as they plan to finance their education at Barnard. Students who wish to apply for aid must do so at the same time they apply for admission, and all required financial aid materials must be received by the financial aid deadline. Review instructions to apply for financial aid.

Helpful Resources for the Financial Aid Process

• Barnard is committed to helping families clearly understand cost and access the resources needed to afford a transformative education.  Use the MyinTuition Quick College Cost Estimator or the Net Price Calculator to get a personalized estimate of your family's expected contribution and financial aid eligibility. These tools can help students in the United States estimate eligibility for need-based financial aid at Barnard and how much your family might expect to contribute. Note that the calculators are not intended for international students. If you’d like to have a conversation about your estimated aid eligibility, please contact us.

• Our Apply for Aid page lists detailed instructions for all applicants as well as a full list of documents required to apply for financial aid. First year applicants will need to submit all required documents through the Barnard applicant portal. 

  • Note that Barnard does not participate in The College Board's Institutional Documentation Service (IDOC).

• Visit the Financial Aid Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to common questions associated with the financial aid application process.