English Language and Literature at Brandeis University

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.