Program Analysis
Starting salaries of $22,318/yr fall 27% below the $30,427 national median for English. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.
With a 15.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 4% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some English career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.
At a 1.1x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.
A #366 ranking among 493 English programs places Kent State University at Salem in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.
The $22,318-to-$36,870 earnings arc over five years reflects a 65% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.