English Language and Literature, General at University of North Carolina Asheville

Asheville, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
24 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
24
Optimistic
24
Base Case
21
Pessimistic
Earnings $19,136/yr (-37% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market Large (73,200 openings/yr)
ROI 15.6x earnings multiple (4.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #382 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 Language and Literature, General graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $463K $467K $442K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.5x 15.6x 14.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.7x 4.7x 4.5x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 41% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 24 24 21

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$29,844
Out-of-state: $99,236 (4.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$51,460
-72% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,250
14.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$35,906
88% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $19,136/yr fall 37% below the $30,427 national median for English Language and Literature, General. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 15.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 4% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some English Language and Literature, General career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.2x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #382 ranking among 493 English Language and Literature, General programs places University of North Carolina Asheville in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $19,136-to-$35,906 earnings arc over five years reflects a 88% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of North Carolina Asheville

University of North Carolina Asheville has a 94% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a smaller student body of 2,790 in Asheville, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at University of North Carolina Asheville →

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 Language and Literature, General at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of North Carolina Asheville

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 24/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for English Language and Literature, General at University of North Carolina Asheville?
At 24/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring English Language and Literature, General programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a English Language and Literature, General degree from University of North Carolina Asheville?
At $23,250 in median debt, graduates carry 15 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 Language and Literature, General at University of North Carolina Asheville?
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 North Carolina Asheville a good choice for English Language and Literature, General despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of North Carolina Asheville'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 →