Analysis
East Texas A&M's English program shows unusually strong first-year outcomes—graduates earn $43,470 initially, placing them in the 80th percentile among Texas English programs and 95th percentile nationally. That's $10,000 more than the typical Texas English graduate and nearly $14,000 above the national median. Even better, students carry just $13,407 in debt, less than half the national average for this degree. For an accessible regional university (93% admission rate, serving many Pell-eligible students), these numbers stand out.
The challenge is sustainability. Earnings drop to $37,497 by year four—a 14% decline that's concerning even if the four-year figure still outpaces state and national medians. This could reflect graduates taking teaching positions with back-loaded salary schedules, career pivots, or simply the volatility you'd expect from a small sample (under 30 graduates in the dataset). The debt-to-earnings ratio remains healthy at 0.31, meaning debt stays manageable even with the earnings dip.
For parents of students set on English, this program delivers strong launch outcomes at minimal cost. Just understand that the earnings trajectory isn't guaranteed given the small sample, and be prepared for income that may not follow a traditional upward path. The low debt provides cushioning if career adjustments become necessary.
Where East Texas A&M University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all english language and literature bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How East Texas A&M University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Texas A&M University | $43,470 | $37,497 | -14% |
| Southern Methodist University | $47,019 | $65,722 | +40% |
| University of Houston-Clear Lake | $50,876 | $49,368 | -3% |
| Texas Tech University | $26,518 | $49,332 | +86% |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $34,739 | $48,118 | +39% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
English Language and Literature bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (69 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 East Texas A&M UniversityCommerce | $10,026 | $43,470 | $37,497 | $13,407 | 0.31 |
 University of Houston-Clear LakeHouston | $7,746 | $50,876 | $49,368 | $15,875 | 0.31 |
 Southern Methodist UniversityDallas | $64,460 | $47,019 | $65,722 | $19,500 | 0.41 |
 The University of Texas at ArlingtonArlington | $11,728 | $40,718 | $45,154 | $23,613 | 0.58 |
 St. Mary's UniversitySan Antonio | $36,242 | $39,752 | $47,033 | $26,000 | 0.65 |
 Texas A&M University-San AntonioSan Antonio | $9,548 | $39,152 | — | $19,000 | 0.49 |
| National Median | — | $29,967 | — | $24,529 | 0.82 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with english language and literature graduates
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 East Texas A&M University, approximately 41% 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 22 graduates with reported earnings and 22 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.