English Language and Literature, General at James Madison University

Harrisonburg, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
28 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
28
Optimistic
28
Base Case
24
Pessimistic
Earnings $26,049/yr (-14% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market Large (73,200 openings/yr)
ROI 9.8x earnings multiple (4.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #300 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 $538K $532K $488K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.9x 9.8x 9.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.4x 4.3x 4.0x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 41% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 28 28 24

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$54,304
Out-of-state: $123,160 (4.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$87,264
-61% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,000
9.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$49,084
88% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

James Madison University's English Language and Literature, General program produces graduates earning $26,049/yr — within striking distance of the $30,427 national average for this field.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 9.8x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

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 9% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $21,000 represents roughly 10 months of the $26,049 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #300 of 493 English Language and Literature, General programs, James Madison University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $49,084 show a 88% jump from the $26,049 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About James Madison University

A 76% acceptance rate means James Madison University is accessible to most applicants, one of the larger campuses at 20,497 students in Harrisonburg, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at James Madison 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

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Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for English Language and Literature, General at James Madison University?
A score of 28/100 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 $487,977 in decade earnings vs $538,068 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →