Barnard College is a prestigious private liberal arts college for women, located in New York City, New York. It is affiliated with Columbia University, a member of the Ivy League, and is considered one of the "Seven Sisters" colleges, which are historically women's colleges in the northeastern United States. Founded in 1889 by Annie Nathan Meyer, the college was named after Frederick A. P. Barnard, a former president of Columbia University who advocated for the education of women.
Key information about Barnard College:
1. Location: Barnard is situated in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City, adjacent to Columbia University's campus.
2. Affiliation with Columbia University: Although Barnard is legally and financially separate from Columbia, the two institutions have a close partnership. Barnard students can take classes at Columbia, and vice versa. Barnard students receive a diploma signed by both the Barnard and Columbia presidents and are conferred degrees from both institutions.
3. Academics: Barnard offers undergraduate degrees in the arts and sciences, with a strong emphasis on a liberal arts education. Students are required to complete the general education requirements, known as the "Nine Ways of Knowing." The college offers more than 50 majors, with popular choices including English, psychology, political science, and biology.
4. Size and Demographics: As of September 2021, Barnard had a student population of approximately 2,600, with a faculty of around 300. The college is known for its diverse student body, with students coming from all 50 states and over 60 countries.
5. Student Life: Barnard students have access to a wide range of extracurricular activities, including more than 100 student clubs and organizations. They can also participate in Columbia University's clubs and organizations. The college's location in New York City offers students numerous cultural, artistic, and professional opportunities.
6. Study Abroad: Barnard students can choose from over 150 study abroad programs in more than 50 countries. The college also offers exchange programs with other institutions, including the London School of Economics, Sciences Po, and the University of Edinburgh.
7. Financial Aid: Barnard is committed to meeting 100% of the demonstrated financial need for all admitted students. The college offers a combination of grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans to help students finance their education.
8. Notable Alumni: Barnard has a strong tradition of producing successful and influential women across various fields, including literature, politics, and entertainment. Some notable alumni include writer Zora Neale Hurston, anthropologist Margaret Mead, journalist and author Anna Quindlen, choreographer Twyla Tharp, and former U.S. Representative and chair of the Democratic National Committee, Debbie Wasserman Schultz.
9. Athletics: Barnard students can participate in NCAA Division I athletics through the Columbia-Barnard Athletic Consortium. The college is part of the Ivy League, and students can compete in a wide range of sports, including soccer, swimming, and tennis.
In summary, Barnard College is a distinguished women's liberal arts college in New York City with strong ties to Columbia University. It offers a rigorous academic experience in a diverse and supportive environment and has produced numerous influential women in various fields.
