Program Analysis
Barnard College Economics graduates command $85,860/yr out of the gate, well above the $53,966 national median. That 59% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.
An earnings multiple of 4.2x means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition, but not by a dramatic margin. Returns are positive but modest.
Some AI exposure exists in Economics's typical career paths, with 56% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 25% gap from the optimistic case.
Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $16,250 in median debt clears quickly against $85,860 in annual earnings.
At #47 of 351 nationally, this is a top-5% Economics program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.
Five-year earnings of $136,964 show a 60% jump from the $85,860 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.