English at Lesley University

Cambridge, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · English Language and Literature, General
36 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
36
Optimistic
36
Base Case
28
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,442/yr (26% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market Large (73,200 openings/yr)
ROI 4.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #95 of 493 English Language and Literature, General programs Top 25%

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 $567K $557K $505K
Earnings Multiple 4.3x 4.2x 3.9x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 41% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 36 36 28

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$131,120
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$127,220
3% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
6.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$58,722
53% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Lesley University English graduates command $38,442/yr out of the gate, well above the $30,427 national median. That 26% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

The 4.2x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 61% task exposure — and the 11% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $21,500 debt-to-$38,442 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #95 out of 493 programs, Lesley University's English program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

Earnings growth from $38,442 to $58,722 over five years (53% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Lesley University

A 94% acceptance rate means Lesley University is accessible to most applicants, a compact campus enrolling 1,252 students in Cambridge, MA.

See all programs and financial aid at Lesley 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 Lesley University

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

How does Lesley University's English program score?
This program scores 36/100 — 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.
Why does Lesley University rank so high for English?
The #95 ranking out of 493 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →