English Language and Literature at Bowling Green State University-Main Campus

The limited data available raises immediate concerns: with fewer than 30 graduates tracked, these numbers could swing dramatically with just a few more data points. That said, the reported figures show graduates earning $21,825 one year out—roughly $7,500 below Ohio's median for English programs and about $8,000 below the national benchmark. Even among Ohio's 71 English programs, this ranks in just the 25th percentile, trailing schools like Wright State and UC by over $10,000 annually.

The debt load of $24,455 sits near both state and national medians, which means the real issue is the earnings side of the equation. While the 40% earnings growth to $30,573 by year four suggests things improve, that still lands below typical starting points for English grads elsewhere in Ohio. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.12 means graduates owe more than their first year's salary—manageable if income climbs steadily, but risky given the low starting point.

For an accessible state school with an 81% admission rate, families might expect better financial outcomes. The small sample size makes it hard to know if this reflects a temporary blip or a genuine pattern. If your child is set on BGSU's English program, understanding their specific career goals and having a plan for that low first-year income becomes critical.