English Language and Literature at Missouri State University-Springfield

Missouri State's English program starts graduates at just $21,392—roughly $8,000 below Missouri's median for English majors and in the bottom 5% nationally. While the 52% earnings growth to $32,551 by year four represents real progress, this trajectory means graduates spend their early twenties earning less than many retail management positions, all while carrying $25,000 in debt. For context, Saint Louis University's English graduates start at $34,000, and even Truman State—a peer public institution—begins at $29,000.

The first-year debt burden of 1.17 times earnings is technically manageable on paper, but the lived reality matters: at $21,000 annually, standard loan payments would consume a quarter of take-home pay. The strong earnings growth suggests this program may serve as a stepping stone—perhaps graduates are moving into communications, marketing, or education roles that take time to secure. However, those first few years will be financially tight.

The bottom line: if your child is passionate about English and committed to Missouri State for other reasons (cost, location, fit), understand they're signing up for a difficult financial start that gradually improves. If finances are a primary concern, the in-state alternatives at Mizzou or Truman State offer notably better early earnings without additional debt.