English at Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud, MN · Public · Bachelor's Degree · English Language and Literature, General
26 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
26
Optimistic
26
Base Case
21
Pessimistic
Earnings $28,145/yr (-7% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market Large (73,200 openings/yr)
ROI 11.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #332 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 $452K $457K $436K
Earnings Multiple 11.2x 11.3x 10.8x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 41% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 26 26 21

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$40,468
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$57,940
-43% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,325
7.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$38,235
36% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $28,145 track close to the $30,427 national median for English programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

The 11.3x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 61% task exposure — and the 4% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $16,325 debt-to-$28,145 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #332 out of 493 programs, Saint Cloud State University's financial outcomes for English trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $28,145 to $38,235 shows 36% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud State University has a 95% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 5,181 students in Saint Cloud, MN.

See all programs and financial aid at Saint Cloud 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 at Other Schools

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Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Saint Cloud State University's English program score?
This program scores 26/100 — 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →