English Language and Literature at Florida State University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
FSU's English program stands out as a strong performer within Florida, ranking in the 60th percentile statewide with first-year earnings of $29,534—notably above the state median of $26,917. While graduates start slightly below the national average, the program demonstrates impressive earning momentum with 42% growth by year four, reaching $42,000. This puts FSU ahead of major in-state competitors like UCF ($30,425) and USF ($30,696) when considering the full earnings trajectory.
The debt picture requires careful consideration. At $20,750, graduates carry slightly more debt than the Florida average ($19,686) but meaningfully less than the national median ($24,529). The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.70 is manageable, though not exceptional for a humanities field. Given FSU's selective admissions (25% acceptance rate) and strong academic reputation, students are positioned well for the graduate school or professional programs that often unlock higher earning potential for English majors.
For families weighing this investment, FSU's English program offers solid value within the Florida system, particularly for students planning advanced degrees. The combination of reasonable debt levels, strong earnings growth, and the prestige that comes with FSU's selectivity makes this a defensible choice for students committed to literary studies.
Where Florida State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all english language and literature bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Florida State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Florida State University graduates earn $30k, placing them in the 47th percentile of all english language and literature bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
English Language and Literature bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (30 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State University | $29,534 | $42,000 | $20,750 | 0.70 |
| University of South Florida | $30,696 | $35,281 | $20,500 | 0.67 |
| University of Central Florida | $30,425 | $38,627 | $21,501 | 0.71 |
| University of North Florida | $27,396 | $37,692 | $16,945 | 0.62 |
| Florida Gulf Coast University | $27,097 | $40,276 | $16,144 | 0.60 |
| Florida International University | $27,037 | $38,074 | $18,871 | 0.70 |
| National Median | $29,967 | — | $24,529 | 0.82 |
Other English Language and Literature Programs in Florida
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Florida schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Florida Tampa | $6,410 | $30,696 | $20,500 |
| University of Central Florida Orlando | $6,368 | $30,425 | $21,501 |
| University of North Florida Jacksonville | $6,389 | $27,396 | $16,945 |
| Florida Gulf Coast University Fort Myers | $6,118 | $27,097 | $16,144 |
| Florida International University Miami | $6,565 | $27,037 | $18,871 |
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 Florida State University, approximately 24% 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 367 graduates with reported earnings and 403 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.