English Language and Literature at Boise State University

Boise State's English program places graduates near the bottom nationally for earnings, but there's an important caveat: the first-year figure of $24,861 likely reflects temporary jobs or continued schooling rather than career outcomes. By year four, earnings reach $30,714—a solid 24% jump that suggests graduates eventually find their footing. Still, this trails both the national median for English majors ($29,967) and falls below Idaho State's stronger $31,441 outcome for the same degree.

The debt picture is fairly standard at $26,000, roughly in line with what English majors carry nationwide. The 1.05 debt-to-earnings ratio looks manageable once graduates move past entry-level positions, though that challenging first year means prioritizing programs with quick employment pipelines or minimal additional costs. Among Idaho's seven English programs, this one ranks in the middle—adequate but not standout.

For parents, the key question is what their student plans to do with this degree. If graduate school is the goal, these numbers make sense as a stepping stone. If immediate employment is the priority, understand that year one will likely be financially tight, and even by year four, earnings remain modest compared to technical or business degrees. This works best for students with clear career plans and realistic expectations about liberal arts economics.