Wellesley vs Barnard: Which Top School Is Better?

Wellesley vs Barnard is one of the most common comparisons high-achieving female students ask about when choosing between top liberal arts colleges. Both schools are exceptional, but they offer very different experiences when it comes to academics, student life, and overall campus culture.

In this blog, you’ll find a side-by-side breakdown of everything that matters most: acceptance rates, rankings, academics, campus life, costs, and financial aid. If you’re trying to decide which one feels like the better fit, this guide will give you the facts, context, and clarity you need to make a smart and confident choice.

• Wellesley vs Barnard: Acceptance Rates
• Wellesley vs Barnard: Rankings
• Wellesley vs Barnard: Academics
• Wellesley vs Barnard: Campus Life
• Wellesley vs Barnard: Cost of Attendance
• Wellesley vs Barnard: Financial Aid and Scholarships
• Final Verdict
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

Wellesley vs Barnard: Acceptance Rates

One of the first factors you probably want to know when comparing Wellesley and Barnard is how hard it is to get in. While acceptance rates do not tell the full story, they do give you a solid idea of how competitive your application needs to be.

Here are the admissions numbers for the Class of 2028:

As you can see, Barnard is more selective than Wellesley. For the Class of 2028, Barnard received 11,836 applications and accepted 1,046 students, putting its acceptance rate at 8.8%. Wellesley had 8,714 applicants and accepted 1,224 students, with an acceptance rate of 14.1%.

Here is how acceptance rates have trended over the past three years:

• Wellesley’s acceptance rate was 13.6% for the Class of 2026, 13.9% for the Class of 2027, and 14.1% for the Class of 2028. The numbers show a slight increase each year as application volume stayed steady.
• Barnard’s acceptance rate was 8.8% for the Class of 2026, dropped to 8% for the Class of 2027, and returned to 8.8% for the Class of 2028. Application numbers stayed high, with only small changes each cycle.

The bottom line is that Barnard remains more selective based on acceptance rates, but both schools expect strong academic and personal qualifications.

Wellesley vs Barnard: Rankings

While rankings should not be the only reason you choose a college, they can help you compare two schools that offer different environments and opportunities. Rankings give you a general sense of each school’s academic reputation, teaching quality, and how they are viewed by employers and other universities.

Here is how Wellesley and Barnard compare across three major ranking systems:

U.S. News (National Rankings)

• Wellesley: #7 (National Liberal Arts Colleges)
• Barnard: #14 (National Liberal Arts Colleges)

Wellesley ranks higher than Barnard in the U.S. News rankings for liberal arts colleges. This reflects Wellesley’s strong focus on undergraduate teaching, student outcomes, and faculty support. Barnard is still highly respected, but Wellesley has a slight edge based on overall academic metrics.

Takeaway: If you want a school with one of the top-ranked liberal arts programs in the country, Wellesley performs better in this category.

Times Higher Education (World University Rankings)

• Wellesley: No data
• Barnard: No data

Neither school appears in the Times Higher Education global rankings. That is not unusual for liberal arts colleges, which tend to focus on teaching rather than global research output.

Takeaway: If you are thinking about studying internationally later, you might want to consider other rankings or look more closely at graduate outcomes.

QS World University Rankings

• Wellesley: #251–300
• Barnard: No data

Wellesley is included in the QS rankings, which measure academic reputation, employer perception, and international outlook. Barnard does not appear in this ranking, possibly because it shares many academic features with Columbia but is still considered a separate institution.

Takeaway: If having a school with some international recognition is important to you, Wellesley offers a modest advantage in this area.

Wellesley vs Barnard: Academics

Wellesley and Barnard both offer strong academics, but the structure and feel of your academic experience will be different depending on where you go. When thinking about which one fits you better, ask yourself how much flexibility you want, which subjects you are most interested in, and how important close faculty support is to your success.

Wellesley academics

Wellesley’s curriculum is designed to help you build both depth and breadth. You will follow a clear path toward a Bachelor of Arts degree, but you also get to explore different disciplines through a wide variety of courses. The goal is for you to graduate with broad knowledge across multiple fields and a deep understanding of your chosen major. 

Top majors at Wellesley include:

• Social sciences
• Biological and biomedical sciences
• Computer and information sciences
• Psychology
• Physical sciences

The student-to-faculty ratio at Wellesley is 7:1, and 66% of classes have fewer than 20 students. That means you can expect a lot of time with professors and more chances to speak up and be involved in class discussions.

Barnard academics

At Barnard, your academic path starts with the Foundations curriculum, which combines core requirements with open-ended exploration. You will sharpen your writing, build critical thinking skills, and learn to apply different Modes of Thinking across the arts and sciences. There is also a technology requirement that is unique to Barnard.

Top majors at Barnard include:

• Social sciences
• Biological and biomedical sciences
• Psychology
• English
• Visual and performing arts

Barnard has a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, and 71% of classes have fewer than 20 students. You will also complete a senior thesis or project in your major, which could be research, a creative work, or a deep written analysis.

Still unsure whether Wellesley or Barnard is the better academic fit for you? Our Academic and Extracurricular Profile Evaluation & Roadmap can help you make a smart and strategic decision. During your 1.5–2 hour consultation, you’ll receive a customized plan tailored to your academic strengths, interests, and long-term goals. 

Wellesley vs Barnard: Campus Life

Campus life shapes how you spend your days, who you spend them with, and what kind of support and energy surround you outside the classroom. Whether you are looking for a small community with lots of traditions or a vibrant urban environment with endless clubs and opportunities, Wellesley and Barnard offer two very different but equally engaging college experiences.

Wellesley campus life

Life at Wellesley feels like joining a supportive, curious, and deeply thoughtful community. You will live on campus all four years, surrounded by people who love to learn, have late-night conversations, and support each other through everything from exams to spontaneous jam sessions.

Here is what to expect at Wellesley:

• You will live in one of several residence halls, each with its own feel. Most students share rooms, and you will find that people hang out in lounges, share meals, and genuinely look out for each other. Living on campus helps build strong connections from day one.
• Dining is flexible. You can eat as much as you want at any of the main dining halls, whether you are in the mood for halal meals at Tower, kosher and plant-based options at Stone-Davis, or brick oven pizza and international stations at Lulu.
• Health and wellness are a priority. Wellesley offers full health services, mental health counseling, and wellness resources like fitness classes and mindfulness workshops. There is also support for students with disabilities and chronic conditions.
• For fun and recreation, you can hike around Lake Waban, play one of 13 varsity sports, or take a group fitness class at the Keohane Sports Center. You can even golf for free on campus.
• Getting off campus is easy, too. Boston is just a short shuttle or train ride away, so if you want to explore the city, grab a latte in Cambridge, or see a concert, you have plenty of options.

Barnard campus life

Campus life at Barnard is all about having the best of both worlds: a small community within the buzz and energy of New York City. You will live right in Morningside Heights, steps away from Columbia and the rest of Manhattan, with endless ways to get involved, meet new people, and try new things.

Here is what to expect at Barnard:

• First-years live in one of the designated residence halls, which are social, supportive, and full of activity. You can stay on campus all four years if you choose, and there is a range of options for upperclass students too, including suite-style living and themed housing.
• You will have access to both Barnard and Columbia’s clubs, almost 600 in total. Whether you want to join a cultural group, pre-professional society, environmental organization, or student government, you will find your people and your passion.
• Barnard supports your mental and physical health through its Primary Care Health Services and the Rosemary Furman Counseling Center. You can get free therapy, attend wellness workshops, or drop by the LeFrak Center for holistic well-being resources.
• Living in New York means you can spend your weekends visiting art museums, trying out new food spots, or just walking through Central Park with friends. The city becomes part of your campus, and you will quickly learn how to make it feel like home.

Wellesley vs Barnard: Cost of Attendance

Paying for college is a major part of your decision, especially when you’re looking at two top liberal arts schools like Wellesley and Barnard. Both are private institutions with high price tags, but their costs break down a little differently, so it’s worth looking closely at what you might be expected to pay.

Here is what one year at each school might cost you:

Let’s take a closer look at Wellesley’s costs ($99,741 total):

• $69,800 for tuition
• $11,520 for housing
• $10,776 for meals
• $344 for student activity fee
• $800 for books
• $1,250 for personal expenses
• $2,000 for transportation
• $4,051 for health insurance (waivable, but commonly billed)

Now here is how Barnard’s total of $99,874 adds up:

• $70,644 for tuition
• $2,389 for fees
• $13,712 for housing
• $8,979 for meals
• $1,200 for books and supplies
• $1,830 for miscellaneous expenses
• $1,070 for transportation
• $50 for loan fees

Both schools are nearly identical in total cost, with just over a $133 difference. But when you dig into the details, Barnard charges more for housing and fees, while Wellesley’s health insurance and travel estimates can push your costs up if you’re coming from farther away.

Wellesley vs Barnard: Financial Aid and Scholarships

If you are comparing Wellesley and Barnard, understanding how each school handles financial aid can help you figure out which one is the better financial fit. Both offer strong support, but the details of how they award aid and how much students typically receive are worth looking at closely.

Wellesley financial aid and scholarships

Wellesley meets 100% of your calculated financial need. If you qualify, you will get a package that covers everything from tuition and housing to books and personal expenses.

Here’s what financial aid looks like at Wellesley:

• Wellesley awarded more than $83 million in financial aid in 2023–2024. That funding is distributed entirely based on demonstrated need, not merit.
• The average student grant package is over $67,000 per year. This is money you don’t need to repay, which significantly reduces out-of-pocket costs.
• Aid is calculated using a holistic review of your family’s income, assets, and the number of dependents. Wellesley also requires financial information from both parents, even if they are divorced or separated.
• Students are expected to contribute around $1,950 per year through savings or work. If your financial situation changes, Wellesley allows you to submit a request for reconsideration.

To apply, you’ll need the FAFSA, CSS Profile, and supporting tax documents. Renewal is required each year, but awards typically stay consistent unless your circumstances change.

Barnard financial aid and scholarships

Barnard is need-blind for U.S. first-year applicants, which means your financial situation will not affect your admission decision. Once admitted, Barnard meets 100% of your demonstrated financial need through grants, loans, and work opportunities.

Here’s what you can expect at Barnard:

• In 2024–2025, 33% of Barnard students received need-based financial aid. That includes students across a range of family incomes.
• The average total grant was $66,445, and it does not need to be repaid. This amount typically covers a large portion of tuition and living costs.
• Your expected family contribution is based on income, assets, and household details. The financial aid office may suggest loans and work-study as part of your package.
• Outside scholarships can reduce or replace your loan and job expectations. Barnard also offers emergency grants and flexible payment options for families who need extra support.

To get started, submit the FAFSA, CSS Profile, and required tax documents. You must reapply annually so Barnard can reassess your eligibility.

Final Verdict

Wellesley and Barnard are two of the best women’s colleges in the country, but the right choice really depends on who you are and what kind of college experience you want. Both offer top academics, strong financial aid, and supportive communities, but the feel of daily life and how you learn are pretty different.

• Choose Wellesley if you want a classic liberal arts experience in a peaceful, suburban setting with lots of tradition and a strong sense of sisterhood. You’ll live on a beautiful campus just outside Boston, take small classes where your voice matters, and have time and space to focus deeply on your studies. The academic structure provides a clear path to a Bachelor of Arts degree, allowing you to explore a wide range of subjects. 
• Choose Barnard if you’re excited about life in a big city and want a college that blends small-school support with big-university opportunities. You’ll live in Manhattan, take classes at both Barnard and Columbia, and have access to nearly 600 clubs and organizations. The Foundations curriculum offers flexibility, incorporating a tech requirement, writing-intensive courses, and a senior capstone. 

In the end, think about what kind of environment helps you thrive, whether that’s quiet and focused or active and dynamic, and which school’s structure matches how you like to learn. Both Wellesley and Barnard will challenge and support you, but one of them will feel more like home.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which school is harder to get into: Wellesley or Barnard?

If you’re thinking about selectivity, Barnard is harder to get into right now. For the Class of 2028, Barnard had an acceptance rate of 8.8% compared to 14.1% at Wellesley. You’ll need an especially strong academic record and a well-rounded application to stand out at either school, but Barnard is definitely more competitive.

2. Which school is more affordable: Wellesley or Barnard?

Wellesley is slightly more affordable than Barnard, with a total cost of attendance of $99,741 compared to $99,874 at Barnard. That’s a difference of $133, which might not seem like much, but costs can add up depending on where you live and what kind of aid you receive. Both schools meet 100% of demonstrated financial need, so your actual cost could end up being a lot lower.

3. Which school is better overall: Wellesley or Barnard?

If you want a peaceful campus just outside Boston with a tight academic focus and deep traditions, Wellesley might be your better fit. If you’re looking for a city experience with access to Columbia classes and hundreds of clubs, Barnard might be the move for you. Both are excellent, so the real question is what kind of daily life and learning environment you want for the next four years.

Takeaways

• Barnard’s acceptance rate was 8.8% for the Class of 2028, while Wellesley’s was 14.1%, so Barnard is significantly more selective and requires an especially competitive application.
• Wellesley ranks #7 and Barnard ranks #11 on the U.S. News 2024 list of Best National Liberal Arts Colleges, so both are top-tier, but Wellesley edges ahead in this category.
• Barnard puts you right in the heart of NYC with access to Columbia classes and nearly 600 clubs, while Wellesley gives you a quieter campus life just outside Boston with strong traditions and a tight academic vibe.
• The total cost of attendance is $99,816 at Wellesley and $99,832 at Barnard for 2024–25. 
• Connect with a college admissions expert who can guide you through the nuances of applying to selective women’s colleges and help you present your strongest application.