Home › Stony Brook University › English

English at Stony Brook University

Stony Brook, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree · English Language and Literature, General

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $29,480/yr (-3% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)

Job Market Large (73,200 openings/yr)

ROI 13.1x earnings multiple (4.5x out-of-state)

Ranked #102 of 493 English Language and Literature, General programs Top 25%

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	$561K	$552K	$502K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	13.3x	13.1x	11.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.6x	4.5x	4.1x
Probability of Field Employment	48%	41%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	37	36	31

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$42,240

Out-of-state: $121,400 (4.5x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$73,720

-75% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$18,000

7.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$53,808

83% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $29,480/yr, roughly in line with the $30,427 national median for English. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 13.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 11% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some English career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $18,000 against $29,480/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Stony Brook University ranks #102 among 493 English programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $29,480-to-$53,808 earnings arc over five years reflects a 83% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Stony Brook University

A 49% admission rate makes Stony Brook University accessible to a wide range of qualified students, enrolling 17,420 students in Stony Brook, NY.

See all programs and financial aid at Stony Brook 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 Stony Brook University

Explore the Trade Alternative

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 36/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for English at Stony Brook University?

At 36/100, 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 Stony Brook 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.

Is Stony Brook University one of the best schools for English?

Among 493 English programs, Stony Brook University's #102 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

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