Barnard College, a highly selective liberal arts college for women in New York City, has a long history of providing its graduates with a strong foundation for future success. The career earning potential of Barnard graduates is a topic of interest for prospective students, parents, and employers. According to various sources, including the National Science Foundation's National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, Barnard graduates tend to have strong career outcomes and earning potential.
Early Career Salaries
Based on data from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), the median starting salary for Barnard graduates is around 60,000. However, salaries can vary widely depending on the major, industry, and location. For example, Barnard graduates in fields such as computer science, engineering, and finance tend to have higher starting salaries, often ranging from 80,000 to over 100,000. In contrast, graduates in fields such as humanities, social sciences, and education may have lower starting salaries, typically ranging from 40,000 to $60,000.
Mid-Career Salaries
As Barnard graduates gain more experience and advance in their careers, their salaries tend to increase significantly. According to data from PayScale, a website that tracks salary data, the median mid-career salary (defined as 10-19 years of experience) for Barnard graduates is around 120,000. However, salaries can range from around 80,000 to over 200,000, depending on the field and industry. For example, Barnard graduates in fields such as law, medicine, and business tend to have higher mid-career salaries, often ranging from 150,000 to over $250,000.
| Major | Starting Salary | Mid-Career Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $90,000 | $180,000 |
| Engineering | $80,000 | $160,000 |
| Finance | $100,000 | $200,000 |
| Humanities | $45,000 | $80,000 |
| Social Sciences | $50,000 | $90,000 |
| Education | $40,000 | $70,000 |
Industry Trends
Barnard graduates can be found in a wide range of industries, including finance, technology, healthcare, education, and non-profit. According to data from the Barnard College Career Development office, the top industries for Barnard graduates are:
- Finance and banking (23%)
- Technology and software (17%)
- Healthcare and biotechnology (14%)
- Education and non-profit (12%)
- Media and communications (10%)
Job Satisfaction
While salary is an important consideration, job satisfaction is also a critical factor in determining overall career success. According to data from the Barnard College Alumni Association, Barnard graduates tend to be highly satisfied with their careers, with over 90% reporting that they are satisfied or very satisfied with their job. This is likely due to the strong foundation in liberal arts and sciences that Barnard provides, as well as the college’s emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
What is the average starting salary for Barnard graduates?
+The average starting salary for Barnard graduates is around $60,000, although salaries can vary widely depending on the major, industry, and location.
What are the top industries for Barnard graduates?
+The top industries for Barnard graduates are finance and banking, technology and software, healthcare and biotechnology, education and non-profit, and media and communications.
How satisfied are Barnard graduates with their careers?
+Over 90% of Barnard graduates report that they are satisfied or very satisfied with their job, likely due to the strong foundation in liberal arts and sciences that Barnard provides, as well as the college's emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
In conclusion, the career earning potential of Barnard graduates is strong, with median starting salaries ranging from 60,000 to over 100,000 and mid-career salaries ranging from 80,000 to over 200,000. While salary is an important consideration, job satisfaction is also a critical factor, and Barnard graduates tend to be highly satisfied with their careers. As the job market continues to evolve, it’s likely that Barnard graduates will remain in high demand, thanks to their strong foundation in liberal arts and sciences and their emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
