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English at University of Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · English Language and Literature, General
30 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
31
Optimistic
30
Base Case
22
Pessimistic
Earnings $44,397/yr (46% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market Large (73,200 openings/yr)
ROI 2.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #235 of 493 English Language and Literature, General programs Top 50%

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 $528K $523K $482K
Earnings Multiple 2.0x 2.0x 1.8x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 41% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 31 30 22

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$267,756
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$75,868
72% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$54,643
23% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates of University of Chicago's English program earn $44,397/yr in their first year — 46% above the $30,427 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

An earnings multiple of 2.0x 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 9% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

Ranked #235 out of 493 programs, University of Chicago's English offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $44,397 to $54,643 shows 23% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About University of Chicago

University of Chicago admits 5% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, with a mid-sized student body of 7,540 in Chicago, IL. The average net cost of $75,868 over four years represents a 72% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Chicago →

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

Compare this program → View all 493 schools offering English →

English at Other Schools

Georgetown University ($52,122) University of Houston-Clear Lake ($50,876) Monmouth University ($50,737) Brown University ($50,437) Northeastern University ($49,639) Northeastern University Professional Programs ($49,639) Bowdoin College ($49,421) Williams College ($49,340)

Other Majors at University of Chicago

Computer Science ($117,578) Mathematics ($100,421) Economics ($92,075) Statistics ($82,681) Public Policy Analysis ($60,057) Political Science and Government ($56,022) History ($46,616) Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology ($39,808)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare English trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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

How does University of Chicago's English program score?
This program scores 30/100 — 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.
How affordable is English at University of Chicago after financial aid?
Sticker price is $267,756, but the average net cost is $75,868 — a 72% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →