Computer and Information Sciences at Barnard College
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Barnard's computer science graduates command $107,434 their first year out—nearly double both the national and New York state medians for this degree. That places this program in the 95th percentile both nationally and statewide, trailing only Cornell among New York colleges and outpacing powerhouse tech programs at NYU and RPI by significant margins. With just $19,000 in median debt (below the state average of $24,720), graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.18, meaning they could theoretically pay off their loans in about two months of work.
The concerning caveat here is sample size: fewer than 30 graduates reported data, which makes these numbers less reliable than larger programs. Computer science remains a small major at this liberal arts college. But the pattern aligns with what you'd expect from an elite institution (8% admission rate, 1500 average SAT) with strong New York City recruiting connections. The relatively low debt suggests many families can afford to pay most costs out of pocket.
For families who can handle the sticker price and whose daughter gains admission to this highly selective college, the computer science program appears to deliver exceptional career outcomes. Just recognize you're looking at a limited data snapshot, not hundreds of graduates' track records.
Where Barnard College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer and information sciences bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Barnard College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Barnard College graduates earn $107k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all computer and information sciences bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in New York
Computer and Information Sciences bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New York (68 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barnard College | $107,434 | — | $19,000 | 0.18 |
| Cornell University | $103,650 | $118,342 | $15,500 | 0.15 |
| Stony Brook University | $90,673 | $121,708 | $16,868 | 0.19 |
| New York University | $87,608 | $129,248 | $19,734 | 0.23 |
| Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | $85,172 | — | $27,000 | 0.32 |
| Syracuse University | $82,378 | — | $27,000 | 0.33 |
| National Median | $61,322 | — | $25,000 | 0.41 |
Other Computer and Information Sciences Programs in New York
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New York schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cornell University Ithaca | $66,014 | $103,650 | $15,500 |
| Stony Brook University Stony Brook | $10,560 | $90,673 | $16,868 |
| New York University New York | $60,438 | $87,608 | $19,734 |
| Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Troy | $61,884 | $85,172 | $27,000 |
| Syracuse University Syracuse | $63,061 | $82,378 | $27,000 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Barnard College, approximately 15% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 24 graduates with reported earnings and 21 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.