Analysis
Brandeis English graduates earn $39,867 in their first year—placing them in the 95th percentile nationally for the major but still trailing the state's top programs by $10,000 or more. For a selective school with a 1473 average SAT, these outcomes are solid but not exceptional in Massachusetts' competitive landscape. Among Bay State English programs, Brandeis lands squarely in the middle (60th percentile), behind fellow selective schools like Williams, Holy Cross, and Northeastern.
The $26,000 median debt is reasonable, translating to a 0.65 debt-to-earnings ratio that's manageable for a humanities degree. Earnings do grow to $45,290 by year four, a 14% increase that suggests graduates find their footing in careers where English degrees add value—whether that's communications, publishing, education, or professional roles requiring strong writing skills.
The critical caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes may vary considerably. Still, for families weighing an English degree at a respected institution, Brandeis offers a pathway that outperforms most programs nationally while carrying moderate debt. Just recognize you're paying for Brandeis' academic reputation and network rather than the premium earnings that Massachusetts' very top English programs deliver.
Where Brandeis University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all english language and literature bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Brandeis University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brandeis University | $39,867 | $45,290 | +14% |
| College of the Holy Cross | $43,362 | $69,556 | +60% |
| Boston College | $41,878 | $57,075 | +36% |
| Williams College | $49,340 | $56,571 | +15% |
| Wellesley College | $38,376 | $54,525 | +42% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
English Language and Literature bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (49 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Brandeis UniversityWaltham | $64,946 | $39,867 | $45,290 | $26,000 | 0.65 |
 Northeastern University Professional ProgramsBoston | — | $49,639 | $48,771 | $27,000 | 0.54 |
| Northeastern UniversityBoston | $63,141 | $49,639 | $48,771 | $27,000 | 0.54 |
 Williams CollegeWilliamstown | $64,860 | $49,340 | $56,571 | $13,125 | 0.27 |
 Stonehill CollegeEaston | $54,500 | $44,629 | $52,006 | $24,737 | 0.55 |
 College of the Holy CrossWorcester | $60,850 | $43,362 | $69,556 | $27,000 | 0.62 |
| National Median | — | $29,967 | — | $24,529 | 0.82 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with english language and literature graduates
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 Brandeis University, approximately 14% 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 20 graduates with reported earnings and 22 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.