English Language and Literature at East Carolina University

East Carolina's English program lands squarely in the middle of the pack—40th percentile among North Carolina schools and 45th nationally—with first-year earnings of $29,133 that trail the state median by about $800. The program's debt load of $25,400 sits slightly above the state average, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.87 that's manageable but not particularly competitive. You'll find stronger outcomes at NC State ($32,694) or UNC Charlotte ($32,021) for likely lower in-state costs, both of which offer similar accessibility but better graduate earnings.

The 11% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates find their footing, though the $32,229 they're making four years out still lags behind what top state programs deliver in year one. For a family comfortable with the tradeoff between a smaller-city campus experience and modest financial returns, this program won't derail anyone's future—the debt is reasonable and the earnings follow typical English major patterns. But if maximizing early career earnings matters, particularly given that many English majors pursue graduate degrees that add more debt, the stronger in-state alternatives deserve serious consideration.

The bottom line: This is an average program producing average outcomes at slightly above-average cost. It's neither a red flag nor a standout value.