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English at Princeton University

Princeton, NJ · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · English Language and Literature, General
28 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
28
Optimistic
28
Base Case
21
Pessimistic
Earnings $35,178/yr (16% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market Large (73,200 openings/yr)
ROI 1.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #291 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 graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $450K $456K $435K
Earnings Multiple 1.9x 1.9x 1.8x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 41% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 28 28 21

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$238,840
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$42,220
82% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $35,178 at Princeton University come in 16% above the national median of $30,427 for English programs.

At 1.9x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 3% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some English career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

A #291 ranking among 493 English programs places Princeton University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Princeton University

Princeton University's 4% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, serving 5,579 students in Princeton, NJ. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $42,220 — 82% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Princeton 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

Compare this program → View all 493 schools offering English →

English at Other Schools

Georgetown University ($52,122) University of Houston-Clear Lake ($50,876) Monmouth University ($50,737) Brown University ($50,437) Northeastern University ($49,639) Northeastern University Professional Programs ($49,639) Bowdoin College ($49,421) Williams College ($49,340)

Other Majors at Princeton University

Computer Science ($146,624) Economics ($103,041) Operations Research ($100,354) Mechanical Engineering ($85,328) Public Policy Analysis ($73,630) Political Science and Government ($63,317) Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology ($53,038) Research and Experimental Psychology ($47,050)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare English trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 does a 28/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for English at Princeton University?
At 28/100, 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 Princeton 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.
What do students actually pay for English at Princeton University?
The 82% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $238,840. At a net cost of $42,220, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →