English programs produce graduates with median earnings ranging from $38,289 to $124,080, with program selection driving significant career trajectory differences. Across 479 programs, graduates achieve median earnings of $63,221—$7,404 higher than the national average, demonstrating the enduring value of strong writing skills and liberal arts foundations in today's economy.
Leading the rankings is Carnegie Mellon University, achieving the highest program earnings at $76,444, followed by College Of The Holy Cross at $69,556 and Duke University at $65,074. These top-performing programs demonstrate how rigorous humanities education translates into exceptional career outcomes and median earnings that exceed typical liberal arts expectations.
Compare net price, debt, and earnings scenarios
| Rank | School | Location | Earnings | Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #681 | Bennington CollegePrivate | Bennington, VT | $19,942 Median English Earnings | $18,950 | 48.0% | 66.7% |
| #682 | Roanoke CollegePrivate | Salem, VA | $19,925 Median English Earnings | $20,269 | 80.1% | 65.9% |
| #683 | Harding UniversityPrivate | Searcy, AR | $19,588 Median English Earnings | $16,473 | 100.0% | 70.9% |
| #684 | Virginia Wesleyan UniversityPrivate | Virginia Beach, VA | $19,227 Median English Earnings | $18,365 | 71.3% | 49.0% |
| #685 | Whitman CollegePrivate | Walla Walla, WA | $18,868 Median English Earnings | $19,307 | 50.0% | 81.0% |
| #686 | John Brown UniversityPrivate | Siloam Springs, AR | $18,771 Median English Earnings | $17,732 | 67.6% | 66.8% |
| #687 | Berea CollegePrivate | Berea, KY | $18,315 Median English Earnings | $4,070 | 32.7% | 62.0% |
| #688 | Cornell CollegePrivate | Mount Vernon, IA | $18,241 Median English Earnings | $18,285 | 80.7% | 71.7% |
| #689 | University Of EvansvillePrivate | Evansville, IN | $17,717 Median English Earnings | $14,270 | 77.6% | 71.3% |
| #690 | Oberlin CollegePrivate | Oberlin, OH | $17,418 Median English Earnings | $19,257 | 33.0% | 79.5% |
| #691 | Bard CollegePrivate | Annandale-On-Hudson, NY | $17,237 Median English Earnings | $13,609 | 52.3% | 72.7% |
| #692 | St. Francis CollegePrivate | Brooklyn, NY | $15,922 Median English Earnings | $17,889 | — | 52.3% |
