Political Science and Government at Barnard College

Barnard's Political Science program punches well above what families might expect from liberal arts political science degrees. At $57,298 after one year, graduates earn 61% more than the national median for this major and 63% more than the typical New York poli sci graduate. Among all New York programs—including Ivy League competitors—Barnard ranks in the 95th percentile, trailing only Columbia and Cornell while significantly outperforming NYU.

The $19,000 median debt sits comfortably below both national and state averages, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33 that signals manageable repayment. This is particularly notable given Barnard's highly selective profile and New York City location, where students gain access to exceptional internship networks in media, law, advocacy, and government. The combination of Columbia affiliation, Manhattan connections, and strong career outcomes justifies the investment.

For families weighing whether liberal arts political science can lead to financial stability, Barnard provides clear evidence that institutional network matters enormously. This program delivers top-tier earning potential with below-average debt—a rare combination for humanities majors that makes it a standout choice for students committed to this field.