English Language and Literature at Columbia College
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
The small sample size here demands caution, but the numbers suggest Columbia College's English program struggles to launch graduates into sustainable careers. At $24,240 in first-year earnings, graduates earn roughly $5,000 less than their peers at Mizzou and fall well below both the state median ($27,529) and national median ($29,967). More concerning, they're carrying above-median debt ($30,251) to get there—more than any other English program in Missouri—creating a debt-to-earnings ratio that means graduates owe 15 months of gross income.
Within Missouri, this program sits at the 40th percentile, meaning six out of ten English programs in the state deliver better initial earnings. The gap between Columbia College and top Missouri programs like Saint Louis University (where graduates earn $33,893) is nearly $10,000—a substantial difference when starting salaries are already modest. For a family paying private college tuition at Columbia College, the return doesn't match what's available at nearby public universities.
If your child is set on an English degree in Missouri, the flagship campus in Columbia offers better earnings at similar debt levels. Unless this specific college environment offers unique value that justifies the financial trade-off, the numbers point toward stronger alternatives in the state.
Where Columbia College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all english language and literature bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Columbia College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Columbia College graduates earn $24k, placing them in the 17th percentile of all english language and literature bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri
English Language and Literature bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (37 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia College | $24,240 | — | $30,251 | 1.25 |
| Saint Louis University | $33,893 | $38,558 | $26,546 | 0.78 |
| University of Missouri-Kansas City | $32,054 | $34,783 | $24,125 | 0.75 |
| University of Missouri-Columbia | $30,488 | $36,695 | $23,182 | 0.76 |
| Truman State University | $29,001 | $38,232 | $22,844 | 0.79 |
| Drury University | $26,057 | $33,493 | $26,215 | 1.01 |
| National Median | $29,967 | — | $24,529 | 0.82 |
Other English Language and Literature Programs in Missouri
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Missouri schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Louis University Saint Louis | $53,244 | $33,893 | $26,546 |
| University of Missouri-Kansas City Kansas City | $11,988 | $32,054 | $24,125 |
| University of Missouri-Columbia Columbia | $14,130 | $30,488 | $23,182 |
| Truman State University Kirksville | $9,470 | $29,001 | $22,844 |
| Drury University Springfield | $35,235 | $26,057 | $26,215 |
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 Columbia College, approximately 44% 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 19 graduates with reported earnings and 31 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.