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English at University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · English Language and Literature, General

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $34,116/yr (12% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)

Job Market Large (73,200 openings/yr)

ROI 11.2x earnings multiple (3.7x out-of-state)

Ranked #123 of 493 English Language and Literature, General programs Top 25%

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	$492K	$493K	$460K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.2x	11.2x	10.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.7x	3.7x	3.5x
Probability of Field Employment	48%	41%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	35	35	28

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$43,856

Out-of-state: $131,708 (3.7x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$85,592

-95% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,400

7.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$46,265

36% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $34,116 per year, English graduates from University of Iowa earn slightly above the $30,427 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

With a 11.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 6% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some English career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $20,400 against $34,116/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

University of Iowa ranks #123 among 493 English programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 36% earnings increase from $34,116 to $46,265 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Iowa

With 85% of applicants admitted, University of Iowa prioritizes broad access, with 21,691 students enrolled in Iowa City, IA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Iowa →

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 Iowa

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

What does a 35/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for English at University of Iowa?

At 35/100, 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 Iowa?

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 Iowa one of the best schools for English?

Among 493 English programs, University of Iowa's #123 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

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