English Language and Literature at Loyola University Chicago

Loyola's English program starts rough—graduates earn just $28,640 in their first year, below both the national and Illinois medians—but the trajectory matters here. By year four, earnings jump 63% to nearly $47,000, significantly outpacing typical English degree outcomes. Among Illinois English programs, this still lands around the 40th percentile, well behind University of Chicago's $44,000 and even mid-tier state schools like Illinois State ($39,500).

The $26,000 in debt is reasonable, keeping the debt-to-earnings ratio under 1.0, which means graduates aren't buried by loans even during that challenging first year. However, this program costs more than the Illinois median debt of $23,500 while producing below-median earnings. The 81% admission rate and relatively modest test scores suggest Loyola isn't highly selective, yet the private school premium in debt doesn't translate to earnings advantages.

The real question is whether that strong earnings growth justifies the weaker starting position. English majors face tough early years everywhere, but Loyola graduates recover well—eventually. If your child is committed to this field and values Loyola's Jesuit education, the debt load won't cripple them. But purely from an earnings standpoint, they could do better at several Illinois public universities for less money upfront.