Compare 654 English Language and Literature, General. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $39,208. Top programs: $69,556+.
English Language and Literature, General programs produce graduates earning between $39,208 and $69,556—a $30K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 654 ranked programs, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
College of the Holy Cross leads with English graduates earning $69,556, well above the $39,208 average. Southern Methodist University follows at $65,722, while Duke University hits $65,074. This variation shows that strong English programs exist beyond traditional literary powerhouses—program-level factors drive outcomes more than school brand.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | College Of The Holy CrossPrivate | $69,556 | 67 | $27,000 | Excellent | $39,032 | Challenging |
| #2 | $65,722 | 17 | $19,500 | Excellent | $40,025 | Challenging | |
| #3 | Duke UniversityPrivate | $65,074 | 41 | $13,000 | Excellent | $27,998 | Manageable |
| #4 | Villanova UniversityPrivate | $64,967 | 41 | $25,874 | Good | $40,000 | Challenging |
| #5 | Santa Clara UniversityPrivate | $64,019 | 34 | $19,162 | Excellent | $56,271 | High |
| #6 | Barnard CollegePrivate | $63,564 | 54 | $18,000 | Excellent | $65,000 | High |
| #7 | Yale UniversityPrivate | $60,462 | 59 | $12,975 | Excellent | $29,769 | Manageable |
| #8 | Bucknell UniversityPrivate | $60,450 | 27 | $27,000 | Good | $62,750 | High |
| #9 | University Of Notre DamePrivate | $60,383 | 50 | $19,000 | Excellent | $40,731 | Challenging |
| #10 | $59,857 | 11 | $22,996 | Good | $36,278 | Challenging | |
| #11 | Fairfield UniversityPrivate | $59,811 | 34 | $26,000 | Good | $50,500 | High |
| #12 | Bates CollegePrivate | $58,988 | 16 | $14,275 | Excellent | $70,222 | High |
| #13 | $58,459 | 101 | $21,500 | Good | $35,000 | Challenging | |
| #14 | University Of San FranciscoPrivate | $57,848 | 28 | $23,000 | Good | $44,413 | High |
| #15 | $57,710 | 22 | $19,500 | Excellent | $38,000 | Challenging | |
| #16 | Lafayette CollegePrivate | $57,474 | 17 | $16,000 | Excellent | $59,000 | High |
| #17 | Boston CollegePrivate | $57,075 | 142 | $19,000 | Excellent | $45,000 | High |
| #18 | Saint Anselm CollegePrivate | $57,001 | 14 | $27,000 | Good | $59,736 | High |
| #19 | Georgetown UniversityPrivate | $56,857 | 81 | $15,500 | Excellent | $33,944 | Challenging |
| #20 | Williams CollegePrivate | $56,571 | 47 | $12,761 | Excellent | $31,178 | Challenging |
| #21 | Wagner CollegePrivate | $56,311 | 6 | $25,000 | Good | $53,829 | High |
| #22 | Dickinson CollegePrivate | $56,242 | 23 | $19,000 | Excellent | $45,729 | High |
| #23 | Loyola Marymount UniversityPrivate | $56,111 | 61 | $19,500 | Excellent | $58,361 | High |
| #24 | $56,037 | 7 | $29,251 | Good | $16,237 | Challenging | |
| #25 | Syracuse UniversityPrivate | $55,862 | 58 | $26,000 | Good | $39,841 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
