English Language and Literature at Dordt University

A $26,000 debt load for an English degree represents a manageable starting point, particularly when similar Iowa programs suggest first-year earnings around $38,400. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.68 falls well below the danger zone, meaning graduates could theoretically pay off loans within a year or two of focused repayment—a far cry from the crushing burden many liberal arts graduates face. The estimated earnings align closely with actual outcomes at comparable Iowa institutions like Luther College and Iowa State, where English majors earn in the high $30,000s to low $40,000s their first year out.

The limitation here is that we're working with estimates derived from peer programs rather than Dordt's own track record, so there's inherent uncertainty about whether this specific program delivers the same results. English degrees notoriously vary in value based on what students do with them—some graduates pivot quickly into marketing, communications, or technical writing roles that pay significantly better than entry-level nonprofit or retail positions. Dordt's Christian liberal arts mission and relatively selective student body (SAT average of 1175) may shape career paths differently than state universities.

For a family comfortable with modest debt and realistic about the income trajectory of humanities graduates, this looks defensible. Just recognize you're betting on your child being among those who leverage the degree strategically rather than drifting into lower-paying work that characterizes the bottom half of English major outcomes.