Analysis
James Madison's English program shows a concerning weakness at career launch: graduates earn just $26,049 in their first year, placing them in the bottom quarter of both Virginia and national English programs. That's $5,700 below the state median and nearly $4,000 below the national average. Among Virginia's 39 English programs, JMU trails far behind the state's top performers—William & Mary and Longwood graduates earn over $40,000 right out of college, more than 50% higher than JMU.
The bright spot is growth: by year four, earnings jump to $47,945, an 84% increase that catches this cohort up considerably. However, that steep climb raises questions about whether graduates are struggling to find relevant work initially or facing geographic barriers in Harrisonburg. The $22,500 debt load is reasonable and below both state and national medians, but when your first-year salary barely covers basic living expenses, even manageable debt creates stress during those lean early years.
For parents considering this program, the first-year earnings gap is the critical issue. Your child may need financial support longer than expected, even with modest debt. If they're committed to English, look closely at Virginia's stronger programs—several offer significantly better salary outcomes for similar or lower debt.
Where James Madison University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all english language and literature bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How James Madison University 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| James Madison University | $26,049 | $47,945 | +84% |
| University of Virginia-Main Campus | $40,092 | $54,107 | +35% |
| William & Mary | $40,697 | $51,194 | +26% |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | $39,155 | $48,910 | +25% |
| George Mason University | $33,173 | $48,616 | +47% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia
English Language and Literature bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (39 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 James Madison UniversityHarrisonburg | $13,576 | $26,049 | $47,945 | $22,500 | 0.86 |
 William & MaryWilliamsburg | $25,040 | $40,697 | $51,194 | $19,500 | 0.48 |
 Longwood UniversityFarmville | $15,200 | $40,167 | $43,340 | $26,500 | 0.66 |
 University of Virginia-Main CampusCharlottesville | $20,986 | $40,092 | $54,107 | $15,000 | 0.37 |
 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBlacksburg | $15,478 | $39,155 | $48,910 | $21,625 | 0.55 |
 University of RichmondUniversity of Richmond | $62,600 | $38,333 | $34,036 | $22,980 | 0.60 |
| 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 James Madison University, approximately 17% 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 38 graduates with reported earnings and 54 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.