English Language and Literature at Hollins University

Hollins University's English program leaves graduates earning roughly $6,000 less than the typical Virginia English major—a significant gap that places it in the bottom quarter of both state and national programs. With first-year earnings of $25,876, graduates make about $14,000 less than peers at William & Mary or UVA, suggesting the private school investment isn't translating into better career outcomes than state universities offer.

The $27,000 debt load sits slightly above both state and national medians, though it's manageable in absolute terms. The real concern is the combination: you're paying more for outcomes that lag behind what students achieve at Virginia's public universities. At comparable Virginia schools like Longwood or Virginia Tech, English majors earn 50% more in their first year out while typically carrying similar or lower debt. The 33% Pell Grant rate indicates Hollins serves some students with financial need, making these lower earnings particularly challenging.

For families considering Hollins specifically for its English program, the numbers suggest looking closely at state alternatives. Virginia's public universities dominate the top earnings ranks for this major, and the premium for Hollins' smaller, private environment doesn't appear to generate returns that justify bypassing those options. If your child is drawn to Hollins for other reasons—campus culture, specific faculty, or the women's college experience—that's worth weighing, but don't expect the English degree itself to deliver outsized career advantages.