English at Fairfield University

Fairfield, CT · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · English Language and Literature, General
22 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
22
Optimistic
22
Base Case
17
Pessimistic
Earnings $27,206/yr (-11% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market Large (73,200 openings/yr)
ROI 2.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #407 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 graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $664K $641K $564K
Earnings Multiple 2.9x 2.8x 2.5x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 41% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 22 22 17

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$225,440
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$185,096
18% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
11.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$63,905
135% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $27,206/yr, English graduates from Fairfield University land near the $30,427 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

An earnings multiple of 2.8x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 61% task exposure — and the 15% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $27,000 debt-to-$27,206 income ratio translates to about 12 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #407 out of 493 programs, Fairfield University's financial outcomes for English trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $27,206 to $63,905 over five years (135% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Fairfield University

Fairfield University accepts 45% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, a smaller institution with 4,938 students in Fairfield, CT.

See all programs and financial aid at Fairfield 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 at Other Schools

Other Majors at Fairfield 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

How does Fairfield University's English program score?
This program scores 22/100 — on the lower end for English. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is English to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' English careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 61% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →