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English at University of California-San Diego

La Jolla, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · English Language and Literature, General

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $24,523/yr (-19% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)

Job Market Large (73,200 openings/yr)

ROI 6.6x earnings multiple (2.2x out-of-state)

Ranked #391 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	$392K	$405K	$400K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	6.4x	6.6x	6.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	2.1x	2.2x	2.2x
Probability of Field Employment	48%	41%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	23	23	19

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$61,060

Out-of-state: $184,168 (2.2x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$47,000

23% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$13,555

6.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $24,523 place University of California-San Diego below the $30,427 national median for English — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

A 6.6x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The -2% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some English career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $13,555 against $24,523/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #391 ranking among 493 English programs places University of California-San Diego in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About University of California-San Diego

University of California-San Diego accepts 25% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, serving a student body of 33,787 in La Jolla, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-San Diego →

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 University of California-San Diego

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 does a 23/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for English at University of California-San Diego?

At 23/100, 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 University of California-San Diego?

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 University of California-San Diego a good choice for English despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If University of California-San Diego's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

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