English Language and Literature at Eastern Washington University

Eastern Washington University's English program sits exactly at Washington's median for earnings—$31,592 after one year—while keeping debt roughly $3,000 below the state average. This combination places it in a practical middle ground for Washington English programs, though the near-zero earnings growth over four years ($446 total) means graduates won't see much financial trajectory early on.

The debt picture is the program's weak point. At $18,591, it's lower than national and state medians in absolute terms, but the 84th percentile ranking signals that most comparable programs nationally manage to graduate students with even less debt. Still, the sub-0.6 debt-to-earnings ratio means most graduates can reasonably manage repayment, even with flat income through their mid-20s. The 35% Pell grant population suggests the university serves many students who might not have access to Washington's higher-earning options like Gonzaga ($41,000) or Whitworth ($36,000).

For families who need to keep costs down while staying in-state, this program delivers average outcomes without creating a debt burden that will dominate a young graduate's financial life. Just understand that an English degree from Eastern Washington won't deliver significant earnings growth in the first few years—what you see at graduation is essentially what you'll have four years later.