English Language and Literature at Lake Forest College

Lake Forest College's English program produces graduates earning slightly above both national and state medians—$32,982 versus $29,967 nationally and $32,328 in Illinois. That 60th percentile ranking among Illinois schools means your child would be doing better than most English majors in the state, though nowhere near the elite tier. The University of Chicago's English graduates earn $44,397, highlighting the gap between selective private institutions, but Lake Forest still outperforms large public programs like UIUC. The debt load of $23,250 is reasonable, translating to a 0.70 debt-to-earnings ratio that's manageable for a humanities degree.

The reality check: English majors everywhere face modest starting salaries, and Lake Forest doesn't change that equation dramatically. Your child would graduate with below-average debt for the field while earning slightly above-average income—a workable combination, but not a financial home run. The moderate sample size suggests consistent outcomes, and the college's 35% Pell grant population indicates they're serving middle-class families, not just wealthy students who can afford to pursue passion over paycheck.

For parents worried about humanities degrees, this program does what it can with the constraints of the field. The debt won't be crushing, and earnings track above typical English major outcomes. If your child is set on studying literature, Lake Forest delivers adequately without creating a financial crisis.