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English at Old Dominion University

Norfolk, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · English Language and Literature, General

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $36,054/yr (18% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)

Job Market Large (73,200 openings/yr)

ROI 10.6x earnings multiple (4.0x out-of-state)

Ranked #51 of 493 English Language and Literature, General programs Top 10%

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	$524K	$520K	$479K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.7x	10.6x	9.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.0x	4.0x	3.7x
Probability of Field Employment	48%	41%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	39	39	32

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$49,048

Out-of-state: $130,648 (4.0x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$56,680

-16% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$26,000

8.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$51,643

43% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $36,054 per year, English graduates from Old Dominion University earn slightly above the $30,427 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

With a 10.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some English career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $26,000 against $36,054/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

At #51 of 493 programs, this English program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

A 43% earnings increase from $36,054 to $51,643 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Old Dominion University

With 91% of applicants admitted, Old Dominion University prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 17,521 in Norfolk, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at Old Dominion 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 Old Dominion 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 does a 39/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for English at Old Dominion University?

At 39/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring English programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study English at Old Dominion University?

The 61% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →