At $39,253/yr net price, Barnard College graduates earn $80,516/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $46,516/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $39,253 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $157,012 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $80,516/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$46,516/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 92.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,486/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,011/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,279/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,152/yr |
| $110,001+ | $58,447/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
92.9% of students at Barnard College graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Barnard College delivers solid returns despite its steep price tag, with graduates earning a median of $80,516 ten years out. The high graduation rate of 93% and strong retention of 97% suggest you'll likely finish your degree, which matters when you're paying nearly $40,000 annually after aid.
Economics majors see the strongest financial outcomes at $70,456, making this program worth the investment. However, most other popular majors fall well below the school's overall median earnings. Psychology graduates earn $48,432, while political science majors make $47,846 despite carrying higher debt loads of $18,250. These humanities-heavy programs may struggle to justify Barnard's premium pricing.
The school's biggest financial advantage is its surprisingly low debt burden. With a median of just $18,000, Barnard keeps borrowing manageable even for expensive liberal arts education. Only 15% of students receive federal aid, signaling that most families pay close to full price without significant need-based assistance.
Barnard works financially for students from wealthy families who can afford the high net price without heavy borrowing, particularly those planning graduate school where the Ivy-adjacent network provides value beyond immediate earnings. If you need substantial financial aid or plan to enter lower-paying fields like social work or education, less expensive options will serve you better. The school's location in Manhattan offers internship access but also increases living costs beyond the already high tuition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Barnard College worth the high tuition cost?
Barnard's $39,253 annual net price is steep, but graduates earn $80,516 after 10 years, which is solid for a liberal arts college. The 93% graduation rate and relatively low $18,000 median debt help justify costs for students who can afford it.
Which majors at Barnard College have the best ROI?
Economics majors at Barnard earn around $70,456 after graduation, making it the highest-paying program. Sociology and interdisciplinary studies majors earn significantly less at around $50,000, while psychology and political science graduates start near $48,000.
How much debt do Barnard College students typically graduate with?
Barnard students graduate with a median debt of $18,000, which is lower than many private colleges. However, this figure only reflects students who borrow, and many Barnard families pay full price without loans.
Does Barnard College provide good financial aid to make it affordable?
Barnard's $39,253 net price suggests decent financial aid for qualifying families, though it remains expensive for middle-class students who don't qualify for need-based aid. The school meets demonstrated need but uses institutional methodology that may not align with family expectations.