Englishat Barnard College
Graduates earn $40,414/yr in their first year — about 33.0% above the national English average. Base-case 10-year earnings $603K; scenarios range from $537K to $620K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Barnard College
Your Barnard English degree isn't just about literary analysis; it's a rigorous training in critical thinking, persuasive communication, and complex problem-solving. These highly transferable skills, honed within an elite liberal arts environment, are deeply valued by employers across diverse New York City industries – from publishing and media to tech, finance, and non-profits. The strong alumni network and internship opportunities unique to a top-tier institution in a global hub like NYC significantly boost post-graduation outcomes, helping graduates secure roles that leverage their intellectual agility beyond traditional English-specific careers. While some roles face high AI risk, your ability to think creatively, craft nuanced narratives, and engage in high-level strategic communication will differentiate you. Focus on internships and projects that apply your analytical skills to real-world business or communication challenges, ensuring you build a portfolio that showcases your strategic value.
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 English
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 English offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare English trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about English at Barnard College
What does a 32/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for English at Barnard College?
At 32/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring English programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study English at Barnard College?
The 61% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.