English Language and Literature, General at Barnard College

New York, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
32 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
32
Optimistic
32
Base Case
24
Pessimistic
Earnings $40,414/yr (33% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market Large (73,200 openings/yr)
ROI 2.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #205 of 493 English Language and Literature, General programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to English Language and Literature, General graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $620K $603K $537K
Earnings Multiple 2.3x 2.3x 2.0x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 41% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 32 32 24

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$264,984
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$157,012
41% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,558
5.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$66,870
65% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Barnard College English Language and Literature, General graduates command $40,414/yr out of the gate, well above the $30,427 national median. That 33% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

At 2.3x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 13% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some English Language and Literature, General career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $18,558 in median debt clears quickly against $40,414 in annual earnings.

A #205 ranking among 493 English Language and Literature, General programs places Barnard College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $40,414-to-$66,870 earnings arc over five years reflects a 65% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Barnard College

Only 8% of applicants gain admission to Barnard College, reflecting elite selectivity, a compact campus enrolling 3,219 students in New York, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $157,012 over four years — 41% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Barnard College →

Top Career Paths

English language and literature teachers, postsecondary $78,270/yr
Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education $64,580/yr
Proofreaders and copy markers $49,210/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

English Language and Literature, General at Other Schools

Other Majors at Barnard College

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 32/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for English Language and Literature, General at Barnard College?
At 32/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring English Language and Literature, General programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study English Language and Literature, General at Barnard College?
The 61% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →