English Language and Literature at Franciscan University of Steubenville

Franciscan University's English program sits squarely in the middle of Ohio's offerings—40th percentile statewide—with first-year earnings of $27,354 matching the state median exactly. While this trails both national benchmarks and top Ohio programs like Wright State ($33,011) by about $5,000 annually, the debt burden of $26,000 is manageable at just under one year's starting salary. Graduates see decent earnings progression, reaching $35,748 by year four, which represents 31% growth and suggests the degree develops skills that become more valuable with experience.

The challenge here is straightforward: you're paying private school tuition (though the 21% Pell Grant rate suggests some financial aid availability) for outcomes that match Ohio's public universities. If your child is drawn to Franciscan's faith-based curriculum and campus culture, these numbers aren't alarming—the debt load won't be crushing, and career trajectories appear stable. But if the decision is purely financial, Ohio State or Cincinnati deliver similar or better earnings outcomes, likely at lower cost for in-state students.

Keep in mind the sample size is small, so individual experiences may vary significantly from these medians. For a humanities degree where career paths diverge widely, this program won't close doors—but it won't necessarily open ones that a flagship state school wouldn't.