English Language and Literature at Athens State University

Athens State's English program produces graduates earning $40,917 in their first year—a figure that significantly outpaces the national median of $29,967 and ranks in the 95th percentile nationally. Among Alabama's 25 English programs, it clusters near the top, trailing only University of South Alabama by a few hundred dollars. The debt load of $26,833 is manageable, with graduates owing less than eight months of income—reasonable by English major standards.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could swing considerably with just a few data points, so don't treat them as iron-clad guarantees. More concerning is the earnings trajectory: graduates see their pay dip to $39,139 by year four, a 4% decline that's unusual for any bachelor's degree. This could reflect the realities of Alabama's job market for humanities graduates, or it might be a statistical artifact of the limited data.

For families weighing this program, the first-year outcomes look strong, particularly given that 42% of Athens State students receive Pell grants, suggesting the school serves students who might not otherwise access higher education. If your child is committed to English and plans to stay in Alabama, this appears competitive with in-state alternatives. Just understand you're betting on early earnings rather than steady salary growth, and recognize the data here is too thin to promise consistency.