English Language and Literature at College of Charleston

College of Charleston's English program lands solidly in the middle of the pack—not a standout investment, but not alarming either. Graduates earn $29,544 in their first year, essentially matching the national median for English majors. More telling is the South Carolina comparison: this program ranks in the 60th percentile statewide, outperforming over half of the state's English programs despite trailing Wofford and Clemson by roughly $5,000. Given Charleston's 72% admission rate and moderate price point, that positioning makes sense.

The debt picture is reasonable at $25,000—slightly above the state median but still manageable with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.85. The 10% earnings bump from year one to year four suggests modest but steady career progression, typical for humanities graduates who often need time to translate their skills into higher-paying roles. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) means these numbers represent a reliable snapshot of outcomes.

For families prioritizing English literature and planning to stay in South Carolina, this program offers middle-tier value. You're not paying premium prices for Wofford-level outcomes, but you're also not scraping the bottom with sub-$28,000 starting salaries. If your child is committed to the humanities and Charleston's coastal location appeals, the numbers justify enrollment—just know they'll likely need strategic career planning to move beyond $33,000 four years out.