English Language and Literature at Goucher College

Goucher's English program shows earnings that beat the national median but fall short of Maryland's stronger state benchmark—ranking in just the 40th percentile among state programs. While first-year earnings of $32,545 exceed the typical English grad nationally, they trail Maryland's median of $35,283 and lag behind nearby options like Towson ($39,250) and UMD College Park ($36,561). More concerning is the earnings trajectory: graduates see incomes drop 15% by year four, falling to $27,753. With $26,000 in debt, the initial debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.80 is manageable, but that declining income pattern suggests graduates may struggle to find stable career footing in their field.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could swing considerably year to year, so they're not as reliable as data from larger programs. However, the combination of middling state performance and backward earnings growth is still worth noting. If your child is committed to studying English in Maryland and cost is similar across options, the public universities appear to offer better economic outcomes. Goucher might make sense for students who thrive in its intimate liberal arts environment and have a clear plan for monetizing their humanities degree—but go in with realistic expectations about early-career earnings and be prepared for additional credentials or graduate school to build a sustainable career path.