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English at Reed College

Portland, OR · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · English Language and Literature, General

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $15,790/yr (-48% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)

Job Market Large (73,200 openings/yr)

ROI 1.7x earnings multiple

Ranked #493 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	$436K	$444K	$426K
Earnings Multiple	1.6x	1.7x	1.6x
Probability of Field Employment	48%	41%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	12	11	9

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$268,080

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$159,804

40% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$19,500

14.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$30,743

95% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $15,790/yr fall 48% below the $30,427 national median for English. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

At 1.7x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 2% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some English career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.2x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

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

The $15,790-to-$30,743 earnings arc over five years reflects a 95% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Reed College

Reed College admits 27% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, a smaller institution with 1,407 students in Portland, OR. The average net cost of $159,804 over four years represents a 40% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Reed College →

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 Reed College

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 11/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for English at Reed College?

At 11/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring English programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

What's the payoff timeline for a English degree from Reed College?

At $19,500 in median debt, graduates carry 15 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.

Should I worry about AI if I study English at Reed College?

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.

Is Reed College a good choice for English despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Reed College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

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