English Language and Literature, General at University at Buffalo

Buffalo, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
25 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
26
Optimistic
25
Base Case
23
Pessimistic
Earnings $21,208/yr (-30% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market Large (73,200 openings/yr)
ROI 12.1x earnings multiple (4.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #359 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 Language and Literature, General graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $527K $522K $481K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.2x 12.1x 11.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.3x 4.3x 3.9x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 41% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 26 25 23

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$43,128
Out-of-state: $122,288 (4.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$81,880
-90% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,000
8.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$44,686
111% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $21,208/yr fall 30% below the $30,427 national median for English Language and Literature, General. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 12.1x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI English Language and Literature, General programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in English Language and Literature, General's typical career paths, with 61% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 9% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $15,000 represents roughly 8 months of the $21,208 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #359 of 493 English Language and Literature, General programs, University at Buffalo falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $44,686 show a 111% jump from the $21,208 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University at Buffalo

With a 69% acceptance rate, University at Buffalo is moderately selective, with 20,284 students enrolled in Buffalo, NY.

See all programs and financial aid at University at Buffalo →

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 Language and Literature, General at Other Schools

Other Majors at University at Buffalo

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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for English Language and Literature, General at University at Buffalo?
A score of 25/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for English Language and Literature, General. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace English Language and Literature, General careers?
With 61% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $481,028 in decade earnings vs $526,544 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with English Language and Literature, General from University at Buffalo?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →