English at Syracuse University

Syracuse, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · English Language and Literature, General
19 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
19
Optimistic
19
Base Case
15
Pessimistic
Earnings $25,860/yr (-15% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market Large (73,200 openings/yr)
ROI 2.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #448 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 $677K $653K $572K
Earnings Multiple 2.7x 2.6x 2.3x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 41% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 19 19 15

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$252,244
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$164,104
35% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,750
12.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$64,086
148% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Syracuse University's English graduates start at $25,860/yr, trailing the $30,427 national average by 15%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

An earnings multiple of 2.6x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 61% task exposure — and the 16% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $26,750 debt load exceeds a year of the $25,860 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #448 out of 493 programs, Syracuse University's financial outcomes for English trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $25,860 to $64,086 over five years (148% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University's 42% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, with a mid-sized student body of 15,245 in Syracuse, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $164,104 over four years — 35% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Syracuse 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 Syracuse University

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 Syracuse University's English program score?
This program scores 19/100 — on the lower end for English. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Syracuse University English graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.0x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
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.
Why are English earnings lower at Syracuse University?
Lower starting pay at Syracuse University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →