In this article, we will compare two prestigious institutions: Barnard College, an all-women’s liberal arts college, and the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business, one of the top business schools in the world. We will examine various aspects of each school, including their costs, tuition, academics, diversity, campus life, and outcomes. By the end of this analysis, you will have a better understanding of their differences, similarities, and which institution may be a better fit for your educational goals.
Barnard College Overview
Barnard College, founded in 1889, is a private women’s liberal arts college in New York City. It is one of the Seven Sisters colleges and is affiliated with Columbia University. This prestigious institution offers students a unique and empowering educational experience, combining the resources of a large research university with the intimate and supportive environment of a small college. Students have access to the extensive resources of Columbia University, including its libraries, research facilities, and extracurricular activities.
Barnard College Costs & Tuition
The cost of attending Barnard College for the 2021-2022 academic year is approximately $77,000, which includes tuition, room, board, fees, and other expenses. Financial aid is available to eligible students, with around 40% of students receiving need-based aid. Barnard College is committed to meeting 100% of the demonstrated financial need of admitted students.
Barnard College Admissions
Admissions to Barnard College are highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 11%. The middle 50% range of SAT scores for admitted students is between 1370 and 1530, and the ACT range is between 31 and 34. The application process includes submitting the Common Application, writing an essay, and providing letters of recommendation and a high school transcript.
Barnard College Degrees Offered
Barnard College offers more than 50 majors, including popular programs in English, psychology, economics, political science, and biology. Students can also take advantage of the interdisciplinary fields offered by the college, such as neuroscience, environmental science, and urban studies. Barnard students can also cross-register for courses at Columbia University and have access to joint-degree programs.
Barnard College Academics
Barnard College provides students with a rigorous academic environment, emphasizing critical thinking, creative expression, and intellectual curiosity. With a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students benefit from small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty members. Additionally, Barnard students have access to Columbia University’s academic resources, including research opportunities, internship programs, and study abroad options.
Barnard College Diversity
Barnard College is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community for all students. Around 61% of the student body identifies as students of color, and 13% are international students. The college offers various programs and resources to support diversity, including the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, affinity groups, and multicultural events.
Barnard College Students
Barnard College has a total enrollment of approximately 2,600 undergraduate students. The campus is known for its strong sense of community, with students engaging in various clubs, organizations, and activities. With access to Columbia University’s resources, students have numerous opportunities to participate in sports, arts, and cultural events, as well as networking and professional development activities.
Barnard College Campus
The Barnard College campus is located in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of New York City, covering four acres of urban space. The campus features a mix of modern and historic buildings, green spaces, and state-of-the-art facilities. Students have access to the resources of both Barnard and Columbia University, including libraries, dining options, and residential facilities.
Barnard College Alumni
Notable Barnard College alumni include writer Zora Neale Hurston, artist Yoko Ono, journalist and author Anna Quindlen, and actress Cynthia Nixon. Graduates can connect with the extensive alumni network, participating in events, and accessing career resources.
Barnard College Rankings
Barnard College consistently ranks among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Barnard College placed at #28 among National Liberal Arts Colleges.
Barnard College Outcomes
Graduates of Barnard College have a strong track record of success, with 93% of the Class of 2020 pursuing employment, graduate school, or other opportunities within six months of graduation. The median starting salary for recent graduates is around $55,000, and alumni work in various industries, including finance, healthcare, education, and non-profit organizations.
University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business Overview
The Wharton School of Business, founded in 1881, is the business school of the University of Pennsylvania, a private Ivy League research university in Philadelphia. Wharton is renowned for its undergraduate and graduate programs in business, economics, and finance. With an impressive faculty, rigorous coursework, and a strong emphasis on real-world applications, Wharton offers students a world-class business education that prepares them for success in their careers.
University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business Costs & Tuition
The cost of attending the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business for the 2021-2022 academic year is approximately $82,000, covering tuition, fees, room, and board. Financial aid is available, and Penn commits to meeting 100% of the demonstrated need for undergraduate students through a combination of grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans.
University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business Admissions
Admission to the Wharton School of Business is highly selective, with an overall acceptance rate of around 8% for the University of Pennsylvania. The middle 50% range of SAT scores for admitted students is between 1460 and 1550, and the ACT range is between 33 and 35. Applicants must submit the Common Application or Coalition Application, along with supplemental essays, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and standardized test scores.
University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business Degrees Offered
The Wharton School of Business offers a Bachelor of Science in Economics with 20 different concentrations, including finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, and real estate. Students can also pursue dual-degree programs, combining their business education with studies in engineering, international studies, or nursing.
University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business Academics
Wharton’s curriculum emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical application, providing students with a comprehensive business education. With a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, students have access to a personalized educational experience and can engage in research, internships, and study abroad opportunities. The school also offers extensive resources for career development and networking, including a dedicated career services center, alumni connections, and on-campus recruiting events.
University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business Diversity
Wharton is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community, with 55% of the undergraduate student body identifying as students of color and 20% as international students. The school offers various resources and programs to support diversity, including the Office of Student Life, affinity clubs, and mentoring programs.
University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business Students
The University of Pennsylvania has a total undergraduate enrollment of approximately 10,000 students, with around 2,500 students in the Wharton School of Business. Students are actively involved in campus life, participating in clubs, organizations, and events that cater to a wide range of interests.
University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business Campus
The Wharton School of Business is located on the University of Pennsylvania’s campus in West Philadelphia. The campus features state-of-the-art classrooms, research facilities, and study spaces, as well as recreational and residential options for students.
University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business Alumni
Notable Wharton alumni include President Donald Trump, investor Warren Buffett, and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. The Wharton alumni network is extensive and influential, offering graduates access to resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business Rankings
The Wharton School of Business consistently ranks among the top business schools globally. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report rankings, Wharton tied for the #1 spot among Best Business Programs and #6 among National Universities.
University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business Outcomes
Graduates of the Wharton School of Business have impressive post-graduation outcomes, with 95% of the Class of 2020 securing employment, graduate school, or other opportunities within six months of graduation. The median starting salary for recent graduates is around $78,000, and alumni work in various industries, including finance, consulting, technology, and healthcare.
Barnard College vs University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business Cost Comparision
While both Barnard College and the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business are private, prestigious institutions, there are differences in their costs and tuition. Barnard’s estimated cost for the 2021-2022 academic year is approximately $77,000, while Wharton’s is around $82,000. Both schools are committed to meeting 100% of the demonstrated financial need for eligible students, offering various forms of financial aid, including grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans.
Barnard College vs University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business Admissions Difficulty
Both Barnard College and the Wharton School of Business are highly selective institutions with competitive admissions processes. Barnard has an acceptance rate of around 11%, while the University of Pennsylvania has an overall acceptance rate of around 8%. Applicants to both schools must submit the Common Application or Coalition Application, along with essays, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and standardized test scores. The middle 50% range of SAT scores for admitted students is slightly higher at Wharton (1460-1550) than at Barnard (1370-1530).
Barnard College vs University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business Academic Difficulty
Barnard College and the Wharton School of Business both offer rigorous academic programs, with an emphasis on critical thinking, creative expression, and intellectual curiosity. Both schools have low student-faculty ratios (9:1 at Barnard and 7:1 at Wharton) and small class sizes, allowing students to receive personalized attention from faculty members. However, the primary difference lies in their areas of focus: Barnard is a liberal arts college offering a wide range of majors, while Wharton is a business school with a strong emphasis on economics, finance, and related fields.
Barnard College vs University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business Outcome Comparision
Both Barnard College and the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business have strong post-graduation outcomes for their students. At Barnard, 93% of the Class of 2020 pursued employment, graduate school, or other opportunities within six months of graduation, with a median starting salary of around $55,000. In comparison, 95% of the Wharton Class of 2020 secured post-graduation opportunities within six months, with a median starting salary of around $78,000. While both schools have strong alumni networks and resources for career development, Wharton graduates tend to have slightly higher starting salaries and employment rates.
