Compare 7 Literature. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $41,916. Top programs: $58,051+.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Literature tells a different story. Across 7 programs, earnings range from $18,152 to $58,051—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation. A small public college in New York outranks well-known private institutions, and the data makes clear: prestige doesn't predict which Literature program will actually pay off.
Topping the list, Pace University's Literature program delivers $58,051 in median earnings—well above the $41,916 average across all 7 programs. American University follows at $54,436, and SUNY Purchase—a public college with a $11,835 net price—comes in third at $49,153. A public school beating private competitors on earnings is exactly why program-level data matters.
Debt burden separates the good deals from the costly ones. Pace University graduates carry $23,250 in student debt with a 9.0% payment burden, landing in the 'Good' affordability tier—manageable for most earners. SUNY Purchase offers a comparable 10.9% burden at a fraction of the net price. [Learn how to evaluate programs beyond school prestige →](https://collegeazimuth.com/blog/how-to-evaluate-programs)
Highest program earnings: $58,051
Strong outcomes ($58,051) with 76% acceptance rate
9.0% payment burden | Good (8–12% of discretionary)
29.1% family burden | Lowest among schools with GPS data
| 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 | — | — | — | — | |
| #7 | Bennington CollegePrivate | $18,152 | 20 | — | — | — | — |
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 May 2026 refresh for 2026 rankings, based on Department of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
