English Language and Literature, General at Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, NC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
24 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
25
Optimistic
24
Base Case
18
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,449/yr (3% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market Large (73,200 openings/yr)
ROI 2.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #383 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 $659K $637K $561K
Earnings Multiple 2.5x 2.5x 2.2x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 41% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 25 24 18

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$259,032
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$114,984
56% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
7.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$66,625
112% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $31,449 track close to the $30,427 national median for English Language and Literature, General programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

The financial case is thin at 2.5x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

Some AI exposure exists in English Language and Literature, General's typical career paths, with 61% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 15% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $19,500 represents roughly 7 months of the $31,449 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #383 of 493 English Language and Literature, General programs, Wake Forest University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $66,625 show a 112% jump from the $31,449 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Wake Forest University

Wake Forest University admits 22% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, enrolling 5,471 students in Winston-Salem, NC. After financial aid, the average student pays $114,984 over four years — 56% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Wake Forest University →

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

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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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for English Language and Literature, General at Wake Forest University?
A score of 24/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for English Language and Literature, General. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace English Language and Literature, General careers?
With 61% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $561,090 in decade earnings vs $659,342 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Is Wake Forest University a hidden gem for English Language and Literature, General?
After financial aid, the average student pays $114,984 over four years — 56% below the $259,032 sticker price. That gap makes the ROI significantly better than published tuition suggests.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →