English at Wheaton College

Wheaton, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · English Language and Literature, General
25 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
25
Optimistic
25
Base Case
19
Pessimistic
Earnings $32,723/yr (8% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market Large (73,200 openings/yr)
ROI 3.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #347 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 $551K $544K $496K
Earnings Multiple 3.1x 3.1x 2.8x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 41% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 25 25 19

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$175,720
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$107,936
39% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,101
7.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$54,198
66% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Wheaton College's English graduates start at $32,723/yr — above the $30,427 national average, though not by a wide margin.

At 3.1x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 10% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some English career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $21,101 against $32,723/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #347 ranking among 493 English programs places Wheaton College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $32,723-to-$54,198 earnings arc over five years reflects a 66% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Wheaton College

A 90% acceptance rate means Wheaton College is accessible to most applicants, with a smaller student body of 2,087 in Wheaton, IL. The average net cost of $107,936 over four years represents a 39% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Wheaton College →

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

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Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 25/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for English at Wheaton College?
At 25/100, 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 Wheaton College?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →