English Language and Literature at Dartmouth College

Dartmouth's English program produces graduates earning $45,157 their first year—about $10,000 more than New Hampshire's median for English majors and roughly 50% above the national figure. That's impressive for a liberal arts degree, though the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift significantly year to year. The program ranks in the 95th percentile nationally and 80th percentile statewide, outperforming even traditionally stronger English programs like Keene State.

The debt picture is manageable at $20,407, which is actually lower than both state and national medians for English majors. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45, graduates owe less than half their first-year salary—a comfortable position for a humanities degree. Earnings growth to $55,730 by year four shows these graduates are finding their footing professionally, whether in publishing, education, communications, or graduate school preparation.

The caveat here is real: with such a small cohort tracked, a few high earners heading to consulting or finance (common at Dartmouth) could be inflating these numbers. But even accounting for that uncertainty, the combination of Dartmouth's selective environment, relatively low debt, and strong alumni network suggests English majors here have better economic prospects than at most institutions. For families who can afford Dartmouth's price tag—or who qualify for its need-based aid—this program delivers measurably better outcomes than typical English degrees.