English Language and Literature at Barnard College

Barnard's English program delivers something rare: humanities outcomes that actually justify the investment. While English majors nationally earn a median of $29,967 one year out, Barnard graduates start at $40,414—ranking in the 95th percentile nationally and 80th percentile among New York programs. That $19,000 debt load is nearly $5,000 below the national median for English degrees, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47 that most liberal arts programs can't match.

The trajectory matters here too. Four-year earnings jump 57% to $63,564, suggesting Barnard graduates are landing in fields with actual advancement potential rather than settling for retail or administrative roles. Among elite New York English programs, only Colgate produces notably higher earners—and Barnard's selective admissions (8% acceptance rate) and strong employment networks in publishing, media, and nonprofit sectors likely explain the gap between these outcomes and typical English degree returns.

For families worried about financing a humanities degree, this represents about as good as it gets. Your child gets the intellectual experience of studying literature at a prestigious institution without the typical penalty of crushing debt or dim career prospects. The moderate sample size means individual results will vary, but the pattern is clear: Barnard's combination of rigorous academics and New York City connections transforms what's usually a financially questionable major into a genuinely viable path.