English Language and Literature at Ashford University

Ashford's English degree graduates earn slightly above California's median for the program—ranking in the 60th percentile statewide—but that modest achievement comes with a steep price. At over $40,000 in debt, graduates carry more than double what students at other California schools typically borrow for the same credential. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.37 means graduates face nearly 17 months of gross income in student loans, a heavy burden when starting salaries barely crack $30,000.

The earnings trajectory offers some relief, with income climbing 16% to $34,235 by year four. That's respectable growth and puts graduates within range of national benchmarks. However, the debt load remains the central problem. Compare this to Cal State Sacramento, where English graduates earn similar amounts but carry roughly half the debt, or consider that this program's debt level ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally—meaning 95% of English programs saddle students with less debt.

For families weighing this option, the math is straightforward: you're paying premium financing for middle-of-the-pack outcomes. Unless your child has compelling reasons to attend Ashford specifically, they'd likely build a stronger financial foundation at a California State University campus or UC school, where lower debt levels would make those first post-graduation years substantially more manageable.