Is Barnard College a Part of Columbia University?

I have a question about Barnard College. I see it often mentioned in conjunction with Columbia University. Is Barnard officially a part of Columbia or are they separate institutions? I'm just trying to understand their relationship as I consider my college options.

Barnard College and Columbia University are distinct institutions, but they maintain a unique and close partnership, referred to as an affiliation. They are legally and financially separate, with each having its own faculty, administration, and trustees.

However, Barnard students have access to many of the resources of Columbia and can take classes at Columbia University. Likewise, Columbia students can take classes at Barnard. Both institutions are based in Morningside Heights in New York City and they share a campus, although Barnard has its own separate portion.

Upon graduation, Barnard students receive a degree from both Barnard College and Columbia University, this is what makes Barnard unique. The degrees are signed by the Presidents of both Barnard and Columbia.

So, while Barnard is not "part of" Columbia University in the strictest sense, it has a very strong affiliation that significantly intertwines the two institutions academically, and offers students benefits and resources from both. It's a structure that appeals to some students seeking a smaller college environment with the opportunities of a large research university.