New York, NY · Private University
Is Barnard College Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$80,516
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$66,246
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$66,246
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$264,984
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.22x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
5.8 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
92.9%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$18,000
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$39,253
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Barnard College graduates earn $35,516 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Barnard College ranked by graduate earnings
24 graduates
46 graduates
21 graduates
37 graduates
27 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Barnard College
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings — your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Barnard College, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer and Information Sciences, General: $107,434) and the lowest (Neurobiology and Neurosciences: $24,569) is $82,865/yr — bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, GeneralBest ROI(1yr data) | $107,434 | 1.6x |
| Economics | $103,309 | 1.6x |
| Political Science and Government | $95,608 | 1.4x |
| Sociology | $68,952 | 1.0x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $63,564 | 1.0x |
| Urban Studies/Affairs | $62,064 | 0.9x |
| History(1yr data) | $48,092 | 0.7x |
| Biology, General(1yr data) | $47,329 | 0.7x |
| Research and Experimental Psychology(1yr data) | $44,055 | 0.7x |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research(1yr data) | $42,622 | 0.6x |
| Fine and Studio Arts(1yr data) | $39,947 | 0.6x |
| Area Studies(1yr data) | $34,142 | 0.5x |
| Neurobiology and NeurosciencesLowest(1yr data) | $24,569 | 0.4x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
How It Compares
ROI at similar schools
| School | ROI Ratio | Earnings | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barnard College | 1.22x | $80,516 | Average ROI |
| Tufts University | 1.23x | $83,214 | Average ROI |
| Colgate University | 1.27x | $85,139 | Average ROI |
| Hamilton College | 1.19x | $78,411 | Average ROI |
| Amherst College | 1.15x | $77,644 | Average ROI |
| Swarthmore College | 1.29x | $80,257 | Average ROI |
The Bottom Line
Barnard College delivers returns in line with the national college average. Graduates earn $80,516 10 years after starting — $35,516 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 5.8 years — faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.