Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 92.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 92.9%
- Retention Rate
- 96.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $80,516
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $18,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 87.2%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $191/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economics. | Bachelor | $70,456 | $16,250 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $50,856 | $14,899 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $49,646 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $48,432 | |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $47,846 | $18,250 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $41,937 | $18,558 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $41,789 | $18,750 |
| Area Studies. | Bachelor | $39,648 | $19,000 |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences. | Bachelor | $37,568 | $17,491 |
| Anthropology. | Bachelor | $30,771 |
Outcomes Overview
Barnard graduates earn a median salary of $80,516 ten years after graduation, creating a favorable debt-to-earnings ratio of just 22% with typical debt loads of $18,000. Monthly loan payments of $191 represent only 2.8% of median income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The 92.9% employment rate reflects the college's strong alumni network and Columbia University connection in Manhattan's job market. Graduates commonly enter finance, media, law, and nonprofit sectors, leveraging both Barnard's liberal arts foundation and New York City opportunities. Many pursue graduate school before entering high-earning professions. With low debt burdens and strong earning potential, Barnard offers a strong return on investment.