Economicsat Barnard College
Graduates earn $85,860/yr in their first year — about 59.0% above the national Economics average. Base-case 10-year earnings $1,115K; scenarios range from $891K to $1,186K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Barnard College
Your Barnard Economics degree opens doors in one of the world's most dynamic job markets. The program's rigorous analytical training, coupled with its prime New York City location, positions graduates for highly competitive roles across finance, consulting, tech, and policy. You'll find yourself recruited by top-tier firms on Wall Street, major consulting houses, and burgeoning tech companies, often leveraging the extensive Columbia University network. The versatility of an economics background allows for rapid advancement into management or specialized analytical roles, reflecting the strong demand for quantitatively skilled critical thinkers. However, the high AI risk underscores the need to develop advanced data analysis and strategic thinking skills, as routine analytical tasks become increasingly automated. To truly distinguish yourself, actively pursue internships and research opportunities that allow you to apply complex economic theory to real-world problems and develop your communication and leadership abilities.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Barnard College's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Economics
How Barnard College stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Barnard College
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Barnard College, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Economics offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Economics trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Economics at Barnard College
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Economics at Barnard College?
This program scores 74/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Economics nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.
Will AI replace Economics careers?
With 56% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $891,238 in decade earnings vs $1,186,110 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes Barnard College's Economics program stand out?
Ranked #47 of 351 programs nationally, Barnard College lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.