English Language and Literature, General at Portland State University

Portland, OR · Public · Bachelor's Degree
30 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
30
Optimistic
30
Base Case
25
Pessimistic
Earnings $27,819/yr (-9% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market Large (73,200 openings/yr)
ROI 11.4x earnings multiple (4.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #246 of 493 English Language and Literature, General programs Top 50%

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 $515K $512K $474K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.5x 11.4x 10.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.3x 4.2x 3.9x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 41% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 30 30 25

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$44,952
Out-of-state: $120,552 (4.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$51,728
-15% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,513
8.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,120
69% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $27,819/yr, roughly in line with the $30,427 national median for English Language and Literature, General. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 11.4x 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 Language and Literature, General career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $19,513 against $27,819/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #246 ranking among 493 English Language and Literature, General programs places Portland State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $27,819-to-$47,120 earnings arc over five years reflects a 69% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Portland State University

Portland State University accepts 91% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 13,619 students in Portland, OR.

See all programs and financial aid at Portland State 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

Other Majors at Portland State 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 30/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for English Language and Literature, General at Portland State University?
At 30/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring English Language and Literature, General programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study English Language and Literature, General at Portland State 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 →