English Language and Literature at Coastal Carolina University

Coastal Carolina's English program graduates start at $25,310—below both the state median ($28,219) and national average ($29,967), ranking in just the 22nd percentile nationally. While that places this program at the 40th percentile among South Carolina schools (meaning it's roughly middle-of-the-pack in-state), it still lags $8,000 behind the state's top performers like Wofford and Clemson. The 19% earnings growth to $30,056 by year four is positive, but graduates are essentially spending their first four years catching up to where peers from stronger programs started.

The $26,000 debt load is slightly above both state and national medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio just over 1.0. That's manageable but hardly ideal when starting earnings barely clear $25,000. For context, nearby College of Charleston produces similar outcomes with $29,544 starting pay, while USC-Upstate offers meaningfully better prospects at $30,150.

If your student is committed to English and choosing among South Carolina schools, Coastal Carolina won't saddle them with crushing debt, but it's not positioning them for financial success either. The modest starting salary means those first few years after graduation will likely require financial support or significant budgeting discipline. Programs like USC-Upstate or College of Charleston deliver better value for similar or lower debt levels.