Head-to-Head Analysis
This analysis was generated using Azimuth's proprietary framework. Our data model transforms federal education data into actionable insights. Learn about founder Daniel Rogers, explore our research methodology, or see how we think about this data.
Updated January 2026 • New York, NY & Loudonville, NY
When students choose between Barnard College and Siena College, they're comparing fundamentally different institutional philosophies. Barnard operates as a highly selective liberal arts college accepting just 8% of applicants, while Siena maintains broader access with a 71% acceptance rate.
Both schools deliver strong career outcomes — median earnings around $76,000-$80,000 — but serve different student populations through different pathways. The question becomes: does selectivity matter if outcomes are similar?
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$18,000
federal loans
$26,561
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$65,000
borrowed by parents
$40,800
borrowed by parents
Barnard is predominantly Social Sciences-focused, with 29% of graduates earning degrees in fields like Economics (80 graduates), Psychology (75), and Political Science (68). Siena emphasizes Business programs, with 39% of graduates in business fields including Marketing (116 graduates), Accounting (83), and Finance (63).
These program concentrations reflect different career preparation philosophies — Barnard's liberal arts approach versus Siena's pre-professional focus — yet both pathways lead to similar median earnings outcomes for graduates.
For students prioritizing prestige and selectivity, Barnard delivers an elite liberal arts experience with strong career outcomes — but at significant cost. Siena offers accessible admission, practical business preparation, and comparable earnings with lower family debt burden.
The data points to similar financial outcomes regardless of choice, making this decision about fit rather than financial advantage. If selectivity and the Barnard brand matter to you and cost isn't prohibitive, Barnard is worth considering.
If you want strong outcomes with broader access and lower debt, Siena provides excellent value. Individual results vary by major and career path, but both schools position graduates for successful careers.
Key Takeaway
The numbers are close, but the best school depends on your goals, values, and career aspirations.
This comparison was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
This comparison uses Azimuth's proprietary ROI model based on U.S. Dept. of Education data. View Full Methodology.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid.
