English at St. Mary's University

San Antonio, TX · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · English Language and Literature, General
29 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
30
Optimistic
29
Base Case
21
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,752/yr (31% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market Large (73,200 openings/yr)
ROI 3.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #278 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 $476K $478K $450K
Earnings Multiple 3.3x 3.3x 3.1x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 41% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 30 29 21

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$144,968
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$85,408
41% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
7.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$44,831
13% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $39,752 per year, English graduates from St. Mary's University significantly outpace the $30,427 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

The 3.3x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 61% task exposure — and the 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $26,000 debt-to-$39,752 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #278 out of 493 programs, St. Mary's University's financial outcomes for English trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth is modest: $39,752 to $44,831 over five years (13% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

About St. Mary's University

With 89% of applicants admitted, St. Mary's University prioritizes broad access, a smaller institution with 1,911 students in San Antonio, TX. 42% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity. The average net cost of $85,408 over four years represents a 41% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at St. Mary's 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 St. Mary's 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

How does St. Mary's University's English program score?
This program scores 29/100 — 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 →