Program Analysis
Graduates earn $31,066/yr, roughly in line with the $30,427 national median for English. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
The earnings-to-cost ratio of 9.2x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.
Some AI exposure exists in English'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 $17,500 represents roughly 7 months of the $31,066 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
At #195 of 493 English programs, University of Illinois Chicago scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
Five-year earnings of $50,974 show a 64% jump from the $31,066 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.