English Language and Literature at Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlantic University's English program starts graduates at just $23,264—roughly $4,000 below the state median and nearly $7,000 below the national average. That puts it in the bottom 15% nationally for first-year outcomes. While the moderate debt load of $17,912 is better than the national norm, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.77 means graduates owe about nine months of their first-year salary, which is uncomfortably high given those low starting wages.

The compelling twist here is the earnings trajectory: by year four, salaries nearly double to $43,321, surpassing not just the state median but also exceeding what graduates from more selective Florida schools like FSU and UNF earn. This suggests FAU English graduates either develop valuable career skills over time or successfully pivot into better-paying fields. Still, that strong four-year performance can't erase the financial strain of those first few years, when many graduates will be making loan payments on entry-level wages.

For families comfortable with a rough launch period and confident their student can weather low initial earnings, FAU's English program eventually delivers competitive outcomes at a reasonable debt cost. But if your child needs immediate financial stability after graduation—perhaps to support themselves independently—the 40th percentile standing among Florida programs and that difficult first year create real risk.