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Barnard College: 2014 Barnard College Lehman Hall
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College · Catholic life on campus

Barnard College

  • LocationNew York, NY
  • Type and sizePrivate nonprofit · 4-year · 3,353 students

All-female

Official website
Campus Ministry Honor Roll badge

Barnard College is not a Catholic college. This rating measures Catholic life on campus: campus ministry, priests, Mass and confession, student groups, and nearby parishes.

Barnard students are served by Columbia Catholic Ministry, whose members include Barnard students. The ministry is based at the Thomas Merton Institute at 405 W. 114th Street, New York, NY, and lists Mass Monday through Friday at 12:10 PM and Sunday at 5:00 PM at Notre Dame Church, with weekly confession, weekday adoration, FOCUS Bible studies, and retreats.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 2

  • Monday–Friday12:10 PMNotre Dame Church, corner of W. 114th Street and Morningside Drive
  • Sunday5:00 PMNotre Dame Church, corner of W. 114th Street and Morningside Drive

Confession 2

  • Monday–Friday11:05 AM–12:00 PMNotre Dame Church, corner of W. 114th Street and Morningside Drive
  • Sunday4:15 PM–4:45 PMNotre Dame Church, corner of W. 114th Street and Morningside Drive

Adoration 1

  • Monday–Friday11:00 AM–12:00 PMNotre Dame Church, corner of W. 114th Street and Morningside Drive

Times come only from official parish, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 14, 2026.

Sources for these times (1)
  1. Worship | Thomas Merton Institutethomasmertoninstitute.org/worship · verified Oct. 14, 2026
    “Monday – Friday: 12:10 PM”
    Mass is listed Monday through Friday at 12:10 PM.
    “Sunday: 5:00 PM”
    Mass is listed on Sunday at 5:00 PM.
    “Monday – Friday: 11:05 AM - 12:00 PM”
    Confession is listed Monday through Friday from 11:05 AM to 12:00 PM.
    “Sunday: 4:15 PM - 4:45 PM”
    Confession is listed on Sunday from 4:15 PM to 4:45 PM.
    “Monday - Friday: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM”
    Adoration is listed Monday through Friday from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Plan a campus visit Mass times for your dates, questions to ask, and a calendar button.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Barnard College, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches0.25 mi0.5 mi1 miCorpus Christi Catholic Church: 0.1 mi1Church of Notre Dame: 0.4 mi2Saint Joseph of the Holy Family Catholic Church: 0.5 mi3Church of the Ascension: 0.6 mi4Saint Thomas the Apostle Roman Catholic Church (historical): 0.6 mi5Church of the Annunciation: 0.7 mi6Thomas Merton Institute for Catholic Life (Columbia Catholic Ministry): 0.4 miBarnard College (campus)N0.25 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Corpus Christi Catholic Church — 0.1 mi · 529 West 121st Street, Manhattan
  2. Church of Notre Dame — 0.4 mi · 405 West 114th Street, New York
  3. Saint Joseph of the Holy Family Catholic Church — 0.5 mi · 405 West 125th Street, New York
  4. Church of the Ascension — 0.6 mi
  5. Saint Thomas the Apostle Roman Catholic Church (historical) — 0.6 mi
  6. Church of the Annunciation — 0.7 mi · 88 Convent Avenue, New York

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the parish or diocese.

Catholic life scorecard

Each line is one thing we looked for. A check means yes, a half means partly, a dash means no. “Not enough information” means official sources did not say.

ACatholic life on campus: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Catholic life on campus

86 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic campus ministry serving this campus (Catholic center, campus ministry, or chaplaincy)Yes (The ministry's own site states that Columbia Catholic Ministry includes students from Barnard College.)
    Sources (2)
    1. About Us | Thomas Merton Institutethomasmertoninstitute.org/about-us · verified Oct. 14, 2026
      “CCM is comprised of students from Columbia College, the School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS), Barnard College, the School of General Studies (GS), and the many different graduate programs.”
      Columbia Catholic Ministry includes students from Barnard College.
    2. University Apostolate | Archdiocese of New Yorkarchny.org/university-apostolate · verified Oct. 14, 2026
      “405 W. 114th St. New York, NY 10025-1710”
      The archdiocese's campus ministry directory lists the Thomas Merton Institute for Catholic Life, serving the Catholic community at Columbia University, at this address.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Dedicated Catholic center or chapel on or next to campusYes (The Thomas Merton Institute, at 405 W. 114th Street, is a dedicated Catholic center that houses the campus ministry.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Thomas Merton Institute for Catholic Life at Columbiathomasmertoninstitute.org · verified Oct. 14, 2026
      “Columbia Catholics now have a home in the former rectory of Notre Dame (405 W. 114th Street), which houses the Thomas Merton Institute”
      The Thomas Merton Institute at 405 W. 114th Street houses Columbia Catholic Ministry.
    2. University Apostolate | Archdiocese of New Yorkarchny.org/university-apostolate · verified Oct. 14, 2026
      “405 W. 114th St. New York, NY 10025-1710”
      The archdiocese's campus ministry directory lists the Thomas Merton Institute for Catholic Life, serving the Catholic community at Columbia University, at this address.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Priest chaplain assigned to campus ministryPart-time or shared priest (Father John Wilson is chaplain of Columbia Catholic Ministry and also serves as parochial vicar at the Parish of Corpus Christi and Notre Dame.)
    Sources (1)
    1. About Us | Thomas Merton Institutethomasmertoninstitute.org/about-us · verified Oct. 14, 2026
      “Father John Wilson has been the chaplain of Columbia Catholic Ministry since the summer of 2025”
      Father John Wilson is chaplain of Columbia Catholic Ministry.
      “He also serves as parochial vicar at the Parish of Corpus Christi and Notre Dame.”
      Father John Wilson also serves as parochial vicar at the Parish of Corpus Christi and Notre Dame.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Weekday Mass at the campus ministryEvery weekday (5 or more weekdays) (Mass is listed Monday through Friday at 12:10 PM at Notre Dame Church, per the ministry's worship page.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Worship | Thomas Merton Institutethomasmertoninstitute.org/worship · verified Oct. 14, 2026
      “Monday – Friday: 12:10 PM”
      Mass is listed Monday through Friday at 12:10 PM.
      “Unless otherwise noted, Mass, Confession, Adoration, and other liturgy and prayer opportunities take place at Notre Dame Church on the corner of W. 114th Street and Morningside Drive.”
      Mass, confession, and adoration on the ministry's schedule take place at Notre Dame Church unless otherwise noted.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Sunday Mass at the campus ministry or a campus chapelOne weekend Mass (One Sunday Mass at 5:00 PM is listed at Notre Dame Church.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Worship | Thomas Merton Institutethomasmertoninstitute.org/worship · verified Oct. 14, 2026
      “Sunday: 5:00 PM”
      Mass is listed on Sunday at 5:00 PM.
      “Unless otherwise noted, Mass, Confession, Adoration, and other liturgy and prayer opportunities take place at Notre Dame Church on the corner of W. 114th Street and Morningside Drive.”
      Mass, confession, and adoration on the ministry's schedule take place at Notre Dame Church unless otherwise noted.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Scheduled confession at the campus ministryWeekly or more often (Confession is scheduled Monday through Friday and on Sundays.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Worship | Thomas Merton Institutethomasmertoninstitute.org/worship · verified Oct. 14, 2026
      “Monday – Friday: 11:05 AM - 12:00 PM”
      Confession is listed Monday through Friday from 11:05 AM to 12:00 PM.
      “Sunday: 4:15 PM - 4:45 PM”
      Confession is listed on Sunday from 4:15 PM to 4:45 PM.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic student groups and missionary outreach (e.g., FOCUS, Saint Paul's Outreach, Knights of Columbus, Bible studies)Two or more (Columbia Catholic Ministry and the FOCUS missionaries with their Bible studies are both listed.)
    Sources (2)
    1. About Us | Thomas Merton Institutethomasmertoninstitute.org/about-us · verified Oct. 14, 2026
      “CCM is comprised of students from Columbia College, the School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS), Barnard College, the School of General Studies (GS), and the many different graduate programs.”
      Columbia Catholic Ministry includes students from Barnard College.
    2. FOCUS | Thomas Merton Institutethomasmertoninstitute.org/focus · verified Oct. 14, 2026
      “The Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) is a Catholic collegiate outreach”
      FOCUS is a Catholic collegiate outreach with missionaries on the Columbia Catholic Ministry team.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Formation programs (retreats, OCIA/RCIA, service, small groups)Two or more kinds (Retreats, Bible studies, and courses for those becoming Catholic are all listed.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Formation | Thomas Merton Institutethomasmertoninstitute.org/formation · verified Oct. 14, 2026
      “The retreat chair for Columbia Catholic Ministry organizes a retreat for students once a semester.”
      Columbia Catholic Ministry organizes a student retreat once a semester.
      “FOCUS Missionaries and students hold multiple Bible studies throughout the week.”
      FOCUS missionaries and students hold several Bible studies each week.
    2. Worship | Thomas Merton Institutethomasmertoninstitute.org/worship · verified Oct. 14, 2026
      “Each semester, the Thomas Merton Institute runs courses for those interested in becoming Catholic”
      The Institute runs OCIA courses each semester for those becoming Catholic.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic church within walking distance (computed from OpenStreetMap)Within 1 mile of campusComputed from OpenStreetMap church locations.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Published weekly schedule of Mass, confession, and adoration12 to 19 times a week (17 weekly times documented: 6 Mass, 6 confession, 5 adoration.)Computed from the verified Mass, confession, and adoration times listed on this page (each day a time is offered counts once).

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Strengths

  • Mass is listed Monday through Friday at 12:10 PM and on Sunday at 5:00 PM, at Notre Dame Church.
    Sources (1)
    1. Worship | Thomas Merton Institutethomasmertoninstitute.org/worship · verified Oct. 14, 2026
      “Monday – Friday: 12:10 PM”
      Mass is listed Monday through Friday at 12:10 PM.
      “Sunday: 5:00 PM”
      Mass is listed on Sunday at 5:00 PM.
      “Unless otherwise noted, Mass, Confession, Adoration, and other liturgy and prayer opportunities take place at Notre Dame Church on the corner of W. 114th Street and Morningside Drive.”
      Mass, confession, and adoration on the ministry's schedule take place at Notre Dame Church unless otherwise noted.
  • Confession is scheduled Monday through Friday and on Sunday, and adoration is scheduled on weekdays.
    Sources (1)
    1. Worship | Thomas Merton Institutethomasmertoninstitute.org/worship · verified Oct. 14, 2026
      “Monday – Friday: 11:05 AM - 12:00 PM”
      Confession is listed Monday through Friday from 11:05 AM to 12:00 PM.
      “Sunday: 4:15 PM - 4:45 PM”
      Confession is listed on Sunday from 4:15 PM to 4:45 PM.
      “Monday - Friday: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM”
      Adoration is listed Monday through Friday from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
  • Formation programs include OCIA courses, a semester retreat, and FOCUS Bible studies.
    Sources (2)
    1. Worship | Thomas Merton Institutethomasmertoninstitute.org/worship · verified Oct. 14, 2026
      “Each semester, the Thomas Merton Institute runs courses for those interested in becoming Catholic”
      The Institute runs OCIA courses each semester for those becoming Catholic.
    2. Formation | Thomas Merton Institutethomasmertoninstitute.org/formation · verified Oct. 14, 2026
      “The retreat chair for Columbia Catholic Ministry organizes a retreat for students once a semester.”
      Columbia Catholic Ministry organizes a student retreat once a semester.
      “FOCUS Missionaries and students hold multiple Bible studies throughout the week.”
      FOCUS missionaries and students hold several Bible studies each week.

Concerns

  • The chaplain also serves as parochial vicar of the Parish of Corpus Christi and Notre Dame, a second assignment.
    Sources (1)
    1. About Us | Thomas Merton Institutethomasmertoninstitute.org/about-us · verified Oct. 14, 2026
      “He also serves as parochial vicar at the Parish of Corpus Christi and Notre Dame.”
      Father John Wilson also serves as parochial vicar at the Parish of Corpus Christi and Notre Dame.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

The Catholic center

Thomas Merton Institute for Catholic Life (Columbia Catholic Ministry)

  • Address: 405 W. 114th Street, New York, NY 10025-1710
  • Distance from campus: 0.4 mi (straight line from the campus point in federal IPEDS data)
  • Facilities: student center, Notre Dame Church sanctuary

View on map ↗

Source: thomasmertoninstitute.org, verified Oct. 14, 2026, archny.org, verified Oct. 14, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

11 groups and regular activities · 0 on campus, 0 off campus, 11 location not published

Faith formation 6

  • FOCUS Bible studies
    FOCUS missionaries and students hold multiple Bible studies throughout the week.
    thomasmertoninstitute.org, thomasmertoninstitute.org
  • OCIA courses for those becoming Catholic
    Each semester; reception usually during Advent or Easter
    Courses for those interested in becoming Catholic, both non-Christians and baptized Christians.
    thomasmertoninstitute.org
  • Sacramental preparation
    Each semester
    Programs for baptized Catholic students who have not yet received all the sacraments of initiation.
    thomasmertoninstitute.org
  • Mini-courses on the faith
    Throughout the school year
    Short courses that teach specific aspects of the Catholic faith.
    thomasmertoninstitute.org
  • Lectures and seminars
    Throughout the school year
    Lectures and seminars by priests and invited speakers on the Catholic faith.
    thomasmertoninstitute.org
  • Spiritual direction
    Students can request a spiritual director through the Institute.
    thomasmertoninstitute.org

Clubs and groups 1

  • Columbia Catholic Ministry
    Student fellowship of Catholic undergraduate and graduate students from Columbia College, SEAS, Barnard College, the School of General Studies, and graduate programs.
    thomasmertoninstitute.org

Other 1

  • Pilgrimages
    Past trips during Spring Break
    Pilgrimages to historic Catholic sites. In the past, students have traveled to the Holy Land during Spring Break.
    thomasmertoninstitute.org

Retreats 2

  • Student retreat
    Once a semester
    The retreat chair for Columbia Catholic Ministry organizes a retreat for students once a semester.
    thomasmertoninstitute.org
  • FOCUS SEEK conference
    Each January
    Many students attend the FOCUS SEEK conference each January.
    thomasmertoninstitute.org

Social life 1

  • Weekly student dinners
    Sunday after Mass; Wednesday at 6:30 PM
    Two free weekly dinners for students hosted by the Institute.
    thomasmertoninstitute.org

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the parish. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Catholic campus ministry

Sources (4)
  1. About Us | Thomas Merton Institutethomasmertoninstitute.org/about-us · verified Oct. 14, 2026
    “CCM is comprised of students from Columbia College, the School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS), Barnard College, the School of General Studies (GS), and the many different graduate programs.”
    Columbia Catholic Ministry includes students from Barnard College.
  2. University Apostolate | Archdiocese of New Yorkarchny.org/university-apostolate · verified Oct. 14, 2026
    “405 W. 114th St. New York, NY 10025-1710”
    The archdiocese's campus ministry directory lists the Thomas Merton Institute for Catholic Life, serving the Catholic community at Columbia University, at this address.
    “405 W. 114th St. New York, NY 10025-1710”
    The archdiocese's campus ministry directory lists the Thomas Merton Institute for Catholic Life, serving the Catholic community at Columbia University, at this address.
  3. FOCUS | Thomas Merton Institutethomasmertoninstitute.org/focus · verified Oct. 14, 2026
    “The Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) is a Catholic collegiate outreach”
    FOCUS is a Catholic collegiate outreach with missionaries on the Columbia Catholic Ministry team.
  4. Thomas Merton Institute for Catholic Life at Columbiathomasmertoninstitute.org · verified Oct. 14, 2026
    “Columbia Catholics now have a home in the former rectory of Notre Dame (405 W. 114th Street), which houses the Thomas Merton Institute”
    The Thomas Merton Institute at 405 W. 114th Street houses Columbia Catholic Ministry.

Reach out

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Academic Excellence

AAcademic Excellence: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
99 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduation rate 35% of scoreThis measure counts for 35% of the Academic Excellence score.93%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.97%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.SAT 1,520 · ACT 33
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.10 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$32,573

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed.

Source: College Scorecard (College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026))

Campus facts

SportsNCAA Division I · Ivy Group
SettingCity
ROTCArmy · Navy · Air Force
Study abroadOffered
Students per faculty member10 to 1

Federal data (IPEDS). None of this changes the faith grades.

Cost and value

Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.

Undergraduate students
Fall enrollment (IPEDS)
3,353
Total students3,353
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$28,800
Cost of attendance (per year)$89,538
Median federal debt at graduation$18,000
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
93%
First-year retention97%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$80,516
Admission rate9%
Students receiving Pell grants16%
Admitted students’ middle range:SAT 1470–1560ACT 32–34
Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT1520
SAT reading & writing730–770
SAT math740–790
ACT composite32–34
Test policyConsidered but not required

Value index: 69 / 100 (how it’s computed)

Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.

Local Church

Archdiocese of New York

The Most Reverend Ronald A. Hicks, Archbishop of New York

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

Cathedral: St. Patrick's Cathedral

Source: archny.org, archny.org, verified Oct. 7, 2026.

Diocese determined from the county, using the diocese’s county list (Wikipedia). Confirm with the diocese.

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is Barnard College a Catholic college?
No. Barnard College is not a Catholic college. Catholic School Compass rates the Catholic life on its campus instead. Catholic students are served by Columbia Catholic Ministry.
What is Barnard College’s Catholic Life Score?
89 out of 100 (grade A). It measures Catholic life on campus: campus ministry, priests, Mass and confession, student groups, and nearby parishes, together with academics.
Where is Mass celebrated at Barnard College?
Mass is listed at Notre Dame Church and corner of W. 114th Street and Morningside Drive. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.
Is Barnard College Compass Recommended?
Yes. Barnard College meets the Compass Recommended standard for Catholic life on campus.

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