Home › Bard College › English Language and Literature/Letters

English Language and Literature/Letters at Bard College

Annandale-On-Hudson, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · English Language and Literature/Letters, Other

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $17,237/yr (-41% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)

Job Market Small (5,100 openings/yr)

ROI 1.4x earnings multiple

Ranked #15 of 16 English Language and Literature/Letters programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to English Language and Literature/Letters graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$349K	$365K	$366K
Earnings Multiple	1.4x	1.4x	1.4x
Probability of Field Employment	49%	43%	32%
DegreeOutlook Score	18	18	16

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$254,448

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$127,084

50% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$26,000

18.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $17,237/yr fall 41% below the $29,011 national median for English Language and Literature/Letters. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

An earnings multiple of 1.4x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 53% task exposure — and the -5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $26,000 debt load exceeds a year of the $17,237 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #15 out of 16 programs, Bard College's financial outcomes for English Language and Literature/Letters trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Bard College

With a 52% acceptance rate, Bard College is moderately selective, a compact campus enrolling 2,280 students in Annandale-On-Hudson, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $127,084 over four years — 50% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Bard College →

Top Career Paths

English language and literature teachers, postsecondary $78,270/yr

View all 1 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

English Language and Literature/Letters at Other Schools

Other Majors at Bard College

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Bard College's English Language and Literature/Letters program score?

This program scores 18/100 — on the lower end for English Language and Literature/Letters. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

Do Bard College English Language and Literature/Letters graduates earn enough to justify the loans?

The debt-to-income ratio of 1.5x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.

How vulnerable is English Language and Literature/Letters to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' English Language and Literature/Letters careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 53% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

Why are English Language and Literature/Letters earnings lower at Bard College?

Lower starting pay at Bard College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.

How affordable is English Language and Literature/Letters at Bard College after financial aid?

Sticker price is $254,448, but the average net cost is $127,084 — a 50% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →