English Language and Literature, General at East Tennessee State University

Johnson City, TN · Public · Bachelor's Degree
21 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
21
Optimistic
21
Base Case
18
Pessimistic
Earnings $21,836/yr (-28% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market Large (73,200 openings/yr)
ROI 11.1x earnings multiple (8.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #431 of 493 English Language and Literature, General programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $436K $443K $426K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.9x 11.1x 10.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.9x 8.0x 7.7x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 41% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 21 21 18

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$39,800
Out-of-state: $55,160 (8.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$63,176
-59% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,022
9.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$33,670
54% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $21,836 per year, English Language and Literature, General graduates from East Tennessee State University earn below the $30,427 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 11.1x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI English Language and Literature, General programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in English Language and Literature, General's typical career paths, with 61% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 2% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $17,022 represents roughly 9 months of the $21,836 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #431 of 493 English Language and Literature, General programs, East Tennessee State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $33,670 show a 54% jump from the $21,836 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About East Tennessee State University

With 87% of applicants admitted, East Tennessee State University prioritizes broad access, serving 9,807 students in Johnson City, TN.

See all programs and financial aid at East Tennessee State University →

Top Career Paths

English language and literature teachers, postsecondary $78,270/yr
Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education $64,580/yr
Proofreaders and copy markers $49,210/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

English Language and Literature, General at Other Schools

Other Majors at East Tennessee State University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for English Language and Literature, General at East Tennessee State University?
A score of 21/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for English Language and Literature, General. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace English Language and Literature, General careers?
With 61% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $426,253 in decade earnings vs $435,681 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with English Language and Literature, General from East Tennessee State University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →