English Language and Literature at Columbia College

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.