English Language and Literature at Assumption University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Assumption's English program shows exactly what you want from a humanities degree: manageable debt paired with meaningful earnings growth. At $27,000 in debt, graduates here borrow substantially less than the national average for English majors ($24,529) and finish in the 5th percentile nationally for debt burden—meaning 95% of comparable programs leave students with more loans. That first-year salary of $34,206 might look modest, but it jumps to $47,515 by year four, a 39% increase that suggests graduates are building marketable skills and finding career traction.
The Massachusetts context matters here. While Assumption graduates earn slightly below the state median for English programs initially, they're still performing in the 73rd percentile nationally—well above what most English majors earn elsewhere. Yes, elite schools like Northeastern and Williams push starting salaries near $50,000, but they also typically come with higher price tags. For a school with an 87% admission rate serving a broader student population, these outcomes represent solid execution.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.79 means graduates owe less than one year's starting salary—a manageable position that gives them flexibility in their early career choices. If your child is committed to studying English, this program delivers what matters most: low debt and earnings that grow substantially as graduates establish themselves professionally.
Where Assumption University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all english language and literature bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Assumption University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Assumption University graduates earn $34k, placing them in the 73th percentile of all english language and literature bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
English Language and Literature bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (49 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assumption University | $34,206 | $47,515 | $27,000 | 0.79 |
| Northeastern University Professional Programs | $49,639 | $48,771 | $27,000 | 0.54 |
| Northeastern University | $49,639 | $48,771 | $27,000 | 0.54 |
| Williams College | $49,340 | $56,571 | $13,125 | 0.27 |
| Stonehill College | $44,629 | $52,006 | $24,737 | 0.55 |
| College of the Holy Cross | $43,362 | $69,556 | $27,000 | 0.62 |
| National Median | $29,967 | — | $24,529 | 0.82 |
Other English Language and Literature Programs in Massachusetts
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Massachusetts schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern University Professional Programs Boston | — | $49,639 | $27,000 |
| Northeastern University Boston | $63,141 | $49,639 | $27,000 |
| Williams College Williamstown | $64,860 | $49,340 | $13,125 |
| Stonehill College Easton | $54,500 | $44,629 | $24,737 |
| College of the Holy Cross Worcester | $60,850 | $43,362 | $27,000 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Assumption University, approximately 19% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 40 graduates with reported earnings and 61 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.