Compare 151 English Language and Literature, General. programs in the Midwest. Average earnings: $37,117.
English Language and Literature programs produce graduates earning between $44,842 and $60,383—a $16K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 151 ranked programs in the Midwest, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
University of Notre Dame's English program leads with graduates earning $60,383, well above the $37,117 regional average. But the story isn't about Notre Dame alone—it's about variation. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign follows at $51,888, proving that public flagships compete directly with elite privates in this field.
Highest program earnings: $60,383
Strong outcomes ($49,689) with 87% acceptance
6.9% payment burden | Excellent
22.2% family burden | Challenging
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University Of Notre DamePrivate | $60,383 | 50 | $19,000 | Excellent | $40,731 | Challenging |
| #2 | $51,888 | 126 | $19,500 | Good | $34,511 | High | |
| #3 | Northwestern UniversityPrivate | $50,797 | 54 | $15,000 | Excellent | $26,966 | Challenging |
| #4 | Marquette UniversityPrivate | $49,689 | 11 | $23,940 | Manageable | $45,500 | High |
| #5 | Grinnell CollegePrivate | $49,405 | 29 | $17,500 | Good | $36,324 | High |
| #6 | Kalamazoo CollegePrivate | $49,257 | 23 | $26,077 | Manageable | $49,500 | High |
| #7 | Xavier UniversityPrivate | $48,723 | 21 | $23,250 | Manageable | $37,885 | High |
| #8 | $48,367 | 124 | $19,500 | Good | $30,250 | High | |
| #9 | Depaul UniversityPrivate | $47,156 | 58 | $23,168 | Manageable | $41,563 | High |
| #10 | $47,090 | 126 | $20,484 | Good | $28,364 | High | |
| #11 | Wheaton CollegePrivate | $46,689 | 42 | $23,250 | Manageable | $35,000 | High |
| #12 | Loyola University ChicagoPrivate | $46,679 | 55 | $24,157 | Manageable | $54,045 | High |
| #13 | University Of DaytonPrivate | $46,560 | 27 | $23,250 | Manageable | $43,810 | High |
| #14 | $46,379 | 15 | $26,847 | Manageable | $29,471 | High | |
| #15 | St Olaf CollegePrivate | $45,989 | 38 | $26,000 | Manageable | $40,568 | High |
| #16 | $45,480 | 17 | $21,000 | Manageable | $14,000 | Challenging | |
| #17 | $45,159 | 23 | $22,500 | Manageable | $16,132 | Challenging | |
| #18 | College Of Saint BenedictPrivate | $45,084 | 17 | $26,944 | Manageable | $15,778 | High |
| #19 | Elmhurst UniversityPrivate | $44,979 | 19 | $20,489 | Manageable | $27,470 | High |
| #20 | Augustana UniversityPrivate | $44,842 | 15 | $25,000 | Manageable | $23,546 | High |
| #21 | $44,717 | 20 | $18,618 | Good | $13,991 | Challenging | |
| #22 | $44,660 | 55 | $22,500 | Manageable | $16,958 | High | |
| #23 | Miami University-OxfordPublic | $44,638 | 31 | $23,000 | Manageable | $34,512 | High |
| #24 | $44,513 | 107 | $23,250 | Manageable | $37,401 | High | |
| #25 | $43,761 | 108 | $20,482 | Manageable | $28,767 | 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 →
