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English at Willamette University

Salem, OR · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · English Language and Literature, General

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $32,863/yr (8% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)

Job Market Large (73,200 openings/yr)

ROI 2.3x earnings multiple

Ranked #338 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	$438K	$445K	$427K
Earnings Multiple	2.3x	2.3x	2.2x
Probability of Field Employment	48%	41%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	26	26	20

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$193,072

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$94,652

51% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,250

7.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Willamette University's English graduates start at $32,863/yr — above the $30,427 national average, though not by a wide margin.

An earnings multiple of 2.3x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 61% task exposure — and the 2% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $20,250 debt-to-$32,863 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #338 out of 493 programs, Willamette University's financial outcomes for English trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Willamette University

A 79% acceptance rate means Willamette University is accessible to most applicants, with a smaller student body of 1,525 in Salem, OR. The average net cost of $94,652 over four years represents a 51% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Willamette 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 at Other Schools

Other Majors at Willamette University

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

How does Willamette University's English program score?

This program scores 26/100 — on the lower end for English. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

How vulnerable is English to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' English careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 61% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

How affordable is English at Willamette University after financial aid?

Sticker price is $193,072, but the average net cost is $94,652 — a 51% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.

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