Barnard University's tuition: How do I manage this?

Hey you guys, I was wondering if any current or past students from Barnard University could give me an idea of what the tuition cost implies. It's a bit overwhelming. Are their scholarships and grants that I should know about? I really want to understand how to navigate this.

Sure, I'd be happy to share some insights on managing tuition costs at Barnard. Although the exact figures may vary from year to year, in 2024-2025 academic year, the tuition fee at Barnard is approximately $67,600, with the total cost of attendance (including room and board, books, travel, and personal expenses) reaching nearly $88,500.

It's crucial to remember that most students do not pay this full sticker price - approximately half of Barnard students receive some sort of financial aid. The college offers both merit-based scholarships and need-based grants. The average scholarship/grant awarded to first-year students is approximately $45,000.

Keep in mind, like many colleges and universities, Barnard practices a need-blind admission process for U.S. citizens, eligible non-citizens, and undocumented students, meaning your financial status should have no impact on your admission chance. Further, the college meets 100% of demonstrated need for those admitted students.

It is strongly advised to fill out and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for federal student aid. Barnard also requires the CSS Profile, which helps them to understand your family's financial circumstances more comprehensively.

Additionally, you can explore external scholarships that are not affiliated with Barnard. These can often be found through local businesses, non-profits, and national organizations.

As a word of advice, if you're admitted and find that your financial aid package isn't sufficient, you can also try appealing your financial aid decision. The financial aid office is usually willing to work with you to ensure that Barnard is financially accessible.

Finally, and importantly, be sure to use net price calculators available on the Barnard website to get a more precise estimation of what you might be expected to pay (https://barnard.edu/finaid/estimate-your-eligibility). These tools can give you a clear understanding of your financial commitment based on your family's financial status.

Remember that financial considerations are essential, but also consider the potential long-term return on your investment. Barnard graduates often find successful careers and opportunities, which can help offset the upfront costs of attending. Good luck!