English Language and Literature at John Carroll University

John Carroll's English program lands solidly in the middle of the pack nationally but performs notably better within Ohio, ranking in the 60th percentile among the state's 71 schools offering this degree. The first-year salary of $29,095 sits just below the national benchmark, but what matters more is the trajectory: graduates see 43% earnings growth by year four, reaching $41,562—well ahead of what most English programs deliver. This growth pattern suggests the degree opens doors that take time to walk through, whether that's graduate school, career pivots, or advancing in competitive fields like publishing or communications.

The debt picture is actually more favorable than it appears. At $26,188, graduates borrow slightly more than the state median but less than the national average, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.90 that's manageable even in that challenging first year. By year four, when earnings have grown substantially, that debt burden becomes quite reasonable. The 81% admission rate and relatively affordable tuition structure (reflected in that below-average debt load) make this accessible to a broad range of students.

The major caveat: these numbers come from a small graduating class, so individual outcomes may vary more than at larger programs. Still, for Ohio families considering an English degree, John Carroll delivers competitive value—outperforming most in-state alternatives while keeping debt in check.