English Language and Literature at Bates College
Bachelor's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How Bates College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Bates College graduates earn $40k, placing them in the 95th 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 Maine
English Language and Literature bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maine (13 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bates College | $40,233 | $58,988 | — | — |
| Bowdoin College | $49,421 | — | — | — |
| University of Southern Maine | $33,014 | $41,643 | $25,000 | 0.76 |
| University of Maine | $28,727 | $43,716 | $23,250 | 0.81 |
| National Median | $29,967 | — | $24,529 | 0.82 |
Other English Language and Literature Programs in Maine
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Maine schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bowdoin College Brunswick | $64,910 | $49,421 | — |
| University of Southern Maine Portland | $10,920 | $33,014 | $25,000 |
| University of Maine Orono | $12,606 | $28,727 | $23,250 |
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 Bates College, approximately 10% 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 16 graduates with reported earnings and 17 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.