English Language and Literature at New York University

NYU's English program tells a compelling story about delayed returns that makes more sense at four years out than at first glance. That initial $29,967 is genuinely concerning—it ranks middle-of-the-pack nationally but above state average—though the 85% earnings jump to $55,481 by year four puts this among the stronger trajectories for English degrees. Among New York's 83 programs, this lands in the 60th percentile, trailing Colgate and Barnard significantly but outperforming most alternatives by the four-year mark.

The debt picture is actually manageable here: $22,625 is below both national and state medians for English programs, giving graduates room to breathe during that lean first year when many are likely pursuing unpaid internships, freelance work, or entry positions in publishing and media—classic paths for English majors in New York. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.75 becomes less worrisome once you see where earnings land by year four.

For an anxious parent, this comes down to whether you can financially support your child through that challenging first year or two. If they need to be financially independent immediately after graduation, this program's slow start is a real problem. But if you can help cover the gap while they build their career in one of the country's best markets for creative industries, the strong mid-career trajectory and relatively modest debt make this a reasonable bet.