English Language and Literature at Gonzaga University

Gonzaga's English program punches well above its weight class. With first-year earnings of $41,077, graduates earn 37% more than the typical English major in Washington and rank in the 95th percentile nationally—quite rare for a humanities degree. That $27,000 median debt is actually below the national benchmark for English programs, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.66. You're looking at less than eight months of gross salary to cover the debt load, which is remarkably manageable.

The earnings trajectory tells an encouraging story too. Four years out, median pay climbs to $52,197—a 27% increase that suggests graduates are building real career momentum rather than hitting an early ceiling. Among Washington's English programs, only Whitworth performs better in early earnings, and Gonzaga's stronger earnings growth may close that gap over time. The combination of relatively accessible admissions (76% acceptance rate) and these robust outcomes suggests Gonzaga's career services and alumni network are delivering concrete value beyond the classroom.

For a parent weighing this investment, the fundamentals are solid: moderate debt, strong earnings relative to both state and national peers, and meaningful income growth. English degrees often struggle with ROI, but Gonzaga's graduates appear to be translating their humanities education into viable careers more successfully than most.