Physics at Barnard College

Physics programs in New York show substantial earnings variation, and Barnard's estimated outcomes land squarely in the middle of the pack. Based on comparable programs across the state, graduates likely earn around $48,600 in their first year—nearly identical to the national median for physics majors and close to what CUNY City College and RIT physics grads report. The estimated debt of $20,270 sits comfortably below the national average, yielding a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 that suggests manageable repayment within a year or two.

What you're really evaluating here is whether Barnard's distinctive environment—an elite women's college with Columbia University resources and an 8% admission rate—justifies potentially similar financial outcomes to larger research universities in the state. The physics degree itself appears to hold its value competitively, but you won't see the premium that Rensselaer grads command ($60,000+) based on these estimates. For families paying full freight at a highly selective liberal arts college, the first-year earnings picture suggests the investment centers more on Barnard's unique community and academic experience than on measurably higher starting salaries in physics specifically. If your student is drawn to that environment and plans to pursue graduate school—common for physics majors—the moderate debt load won't become an obstacle.