Barnard College ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$264,984
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$25,411/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
10.4 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
92%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Barnard College's annual tuition is $66,246. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $48,946. Five years after graduation, median earnings rise to $60,411, and ten years after graduation, median earnings are $80,516. The median student loan debt is $18,000.
The debt-to-income ratio, comparing the median debt to the one-year earnings, is approximately 37%. This is calculated by dividing the debt of $18,000 by the earnings of $48,946.
To calculate the break-even point, we can estimate the time it takes for the cumulative earnings to surpass the total tuition cost. Given the initial tuition cost of $66,246 and the increasing earnings over time, the break-even point would be achieved sometime after the first year of employment.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$66,246
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$60,411
Graduation Rate
92%
Receive Financial Aid
38%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Economics | $103,309 | 416% |
| Research and Experimental Psychology | $0 | N/A |
| Political Science and Government | $0 | N/A |
| English Language and Literature, General | $63,564 | 116% |
| Urban Studies/Affairs | $62,064 | 104% |
| History | $0 | N/A |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $0 | N/A |
| Neurobiology and Neurosciences | $0 | N/A |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $0 | N/A |
| Area Studies | $0 | N/A |
| Sociology | $68,952 | 156% |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $0 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.