Analysis
Gettysburg's English program lands graduates among the highest earners in the country for this major—hitting $40,601 in the first year puts them in the 95th percentile nationally and 80th percentile within Pennsylvania. That's remarkable for a humanities degree that typically starts around $30,000. The debt load of $26,724 is actually lower than the state median, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.66 that few English programs can match. Four years out, these graduates see solid growth to $54,100, suggesting the liberal arts foundation translates into career advancement.
The comparison within Pennsylvania is telling: Gettysburg essentially ties with Penn and Lebanon Valley for the strongest English program outcomes in the state, despite lower tuition than Penn. Among 76 Pennsylvania programs, most cluster in the low $30,000s for starting pay, making Gettysburg's premium positioning clear. This isn't just selective admissions lifting outcomes—the college's 48% acceptance rate is accessible compared to true elite schools, yet the career results compete with them.
For parents worried about an English major's practicality, this data offers reassurance. The combination of strong starting earnings, manageable debt, and continued salary growth suggests Gettysburg's network, reputation, and career services deliver genuine value. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) is enough to trust these numbers, though individual outcomes will naturally vary based on career path and geography.
Where Gettysburg College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all english language and literature bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Gettysburg College 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gettysburg College | $40,601 | $54,100 | +33% |
| Villanova University | $37,643 | $64,967 | +73% |
| Bucknell University | $34,043 | $60,450 | +78% |
| Dickinson College | $25,510 | $56,242 | +120% |
| Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia | $31,266 | $50,274 | +61% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Pennsylvania
English Language and Literature bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Pennsylvania (76 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Gettysburg CollegeGettysburg | $64,230 | $40,601 | $54,100 | $26,724 | 0.66 |
 University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia | $66,104 | $40,967 | $42,449 | $19,500 | 0.48 |
 Lebanon Valley CollegeAnnville | $50,320 | $40,151 | $38,386 | $27,000 | 0.67 |
 Villanova UniversityVillanova | $64,701 | $37,643 | $64,967 | $26,899 | 0.71 |
 Washington & Jefferson CollegeWashington | $28,185 | $37,046 | $49,992 | $27,000 | 0.73 |
 Millersville University of PennsylvaniaMillersville | $12,262 | $36,865 | $37,204 | $25,934 | 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 Gettysburg College, approximately 21% 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 43 graduates with reported earnings and 56 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.