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
Earnings Distribution
How Florida State 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida State University | $29,534 | $42,000 | +42% |
| University of Florida | $26,917 | $44,933 | +67% |
| Florida Atlantic University | $23,264 | $43,321 | +86% |
| University of Miami | $19,314 | $41,540 | +115% |
| Florida Gulf Coast University | $27,097 | $40,276 | +49% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
English Language and Literature bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (30 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Florida State UniversityTallahassee | $5,656 | $29,534 | $42,000 | $20,750 | 0.70 |
 University of South FloridaTampa | $6,410 | $30,696 | $35,281 | $20,500 | 0.67 |
 University of Central FloridaOrlando | $6,368 | $30,425 | $38,627 | $21,501 | 0.71 |
 University of North FloridaJacksonville | $6,389 | $27,396 | $37,692 | $16,945 | 0.62 |
 Florida Gulf Coast UniversityFort Myers | $6,118 | $27,097 | $40,276 | $16,144 | 0.60 |
 Florida International UniversityMiami | $6,565 | $27,037 | $38,074 | $18,871 | 0.70 |
| 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 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.