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English at University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Lafayette, LA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · English Language and Literature, General

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $25,271/yr (-17% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)

Job Market Large (73,200 openings/yr)

ROI 12.6x earnings multiple (5.4x out-of-state)

Ranked #261 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	$530K	$525K	$483K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	12.7x	12.6x	11.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.5x	5.4x	5.0x
Probability of Field Employment	48%	41%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	30	29	26

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$41,672

Out-of-state: $96,584 (5.4x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$56,472

-36% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,509

12.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$47,658

89% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Louisiana at Lafayette's English graduates start at $25,271/yr, trailing the $30,427 national average by 17%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

With a 12.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some English career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.0x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #261 ranking among 493 English programs places University of Louisiana at Lafayette in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $25,271-to-$47,658 earnings arc over five years reflects a 89% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Louisiana at Lafayette

A 89% acceptance rate means University of Louisiana at Lafayette is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 12,269 students in Lafayette, LA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Louisiana at Lafayette →

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 Louisiana at Lafayette

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 29/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for English at University of Louisiana at Lafayette?

At 29/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring English programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

What's the payoff timeline for a English degree from University of Louisiana at Lafayette?

At $25,509 in median debt, graduates carry 12 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.

Should I worry about AI if I study English at University of Louisiana at Lafayette?

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 Louisiana at Lafayette a good choice for English despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If University of Louisiana at Lafayette'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 →