English Language and Literature at Chapman University

Chapman University's English program stands out dramatically in a field often criticized for weak earnings outcomes. At $40,861 one year out, graduates earn 59% more than California's median for English majors and rank in the 95th percentile both statewide and nationally. That's rare territory for humanities degrees, placing Chapman graduates ahead of 68 other California programs offering the same major.

The debt picture reinforces this advantage. While Chapman's $22,750 median debt sits above the state median, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56 means graduates owe roughly half their first-year salary—manageable by most standards. Earnings also grow steadily to nearly $45,000 by year four, suggesting graduates find stable career paths rather than hitting dead ends. For context, the typical California English graduate earns just $25,749, making Chapman's premium substantial and persistent.

The main caveat: this data comes from a small sample, so individual outcomes may vary more than these medians suggest. But Chapman combines selective admissions (1353 average SAT) with what appears to be strong employer connections in Southern California's media and entertainment economy. If your child is committed to English as a major, this program delivers outcomes that make the investment defensible—a statement few English programs can claim.