Compare 7 Literature. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $41,916. Top programs: $58,051+.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Literature programs tell a different story. Across 7 programs, earnings range from $18,152 to $50,823—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
Pace University's Literature program leads with graduates earning $50,823, significantly above the $35,051 average. The University of Pittsburgh follows at $43,091, while The New School rounds out the top three at $42,021. This demonstrates how program-specific factors drive outcomes more than institutional prestige.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Pace University graduates borrow $23,250 and face just an 11.3% payment burden, landing in the 'Good' category. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46, students can manage payments comfortably while building their literary careers.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Pace UniversityPrivate | $58,051 | 26 | $23,250 | Good | $46,275 | High |
| #2 | American UniversityPrivate | $54,436 | 17 | $22,750 | Good | $39,169 | High |
| #3 | Suny At Purchase CollegePublic | $49,153 | 26 | $21,067 | Good | $30,798 | High |
| #4 | $45,749 | 34 | $24,250 | Manageable | $35,031 | High | |
| #5 | The New SchoolPrivate | $42,674 | 49 | $22,266 | Manageable | $57,040 | High |
| #6 | $25,194 | 28 | $14,000 | High | $26,176 | High | |
| #7 | Bennington CollegePrivate | $18,152 | 20 | $26,000 | High | $24,023 | 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 →
