English at Yale University

New Haven, CT · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · English Language and Literature, General
31 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
31
Optimistic
31
Base Case
23
Pessimistic
Earnings $41,045/yr (35% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market Large (73,200 openings/yr)
ROI 2.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #215 of 493 English Language and Literature, General programs Top 50%

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 $589K $576K $519K
Earnings Multiple 2.3x 2.2x 2.0x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 41% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 31 31 23

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$258,800
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$111,272
57% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$62,925
53% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $41,045 per year, English graduates from Yale University significantly outpace the $30,427 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

An earnings multiple of 2.2x 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 12% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

Ranked #215 out of 493 programs, Yale University's English offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth from $41,045 to $62,925 over five years (53% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Yale University

With just 4% of applicants admitted, Yale University ranks among the nation's most selective schools, with a mid-sized student body of 6,811 in New Haven, CT. After financial aid, the average student pays $111,272 over four years — 57% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Yale 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 Yale 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 Yale University's English program score?
This program scores 31/100 — 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 Yale University after financial aid?
Sticker price is $258,800, but the average net cost is $111,272 — a 57% 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 →