English Language and Literature at Loyola Marymount University

The first-year earnings here are startlingly low—$19,346 puts LMU's English program in the 5th percentile nationally—but that figure demands context before reaching any conclusions. The explosive 190% growth to $56,111 by year four suggests graduates are likely pursuing unpaid internships, service programs, or graduate school immediately after graduation, then transitioning into stronger career paths. While the four-year number beats both California's median ($25,749) and the national benchmark ($29,967), it still trails programs like Chapman and Westmont by significant margins.

The debt load of $22,565 is manageable relative to that eventual $56,111 salary, though it's above California's typical $18,239 for English programs. More concerning is what happens during that transitional period: carrying $22,565 in debt while earning under $20,000 in year one creates real financial strain, even if it's temporary. This program seems designed for students with family financial support who can weather low initial earnings, or those committed to graduate school paths where early income matters less than long-term trajectory.

If your child is considering this program, the critical question isn't just about the four-year outcome—it's whether they can financially survive years one and two. Without savings, parental support, or additional income sources, that initial period could force difficult choices about loan deferment or forbearance. The program works for students with a runway; it's risky for those who need immediate financial independence.