English Language and Literature at Notre Dame of Maryland University

Based on comparable English programs in Maryland, this degree suggests first-year earnings around $35,000—right at the state median and notably higher than the national benchmark of about $30,000. The estimated debt load of $26,500 translates to a 0.75 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning your child would owe roughly nine months of their first year's salary. That's manageable compared to many humanities degrees, though it's worth noting this debt figure sits above Maryland's typical $23,000 for English programs.

The challenge here is uncertainty. These estimates come from peer programs across Maryland because Notre Dame's own graduate cohort was too small to report, making it difficult to assess whether this particular program performs better or worse than the state average. The school serves a meaningful number of Pell-eligible students (32%), which suggests commitment to access, but without actual outcomes data, you're essentially betting that this program will perform similarly to University of Maryland-College Park or Towson—schools that produce first-year earnings in the $36,000-$39,000 range.

If your child is drawn to this school for specific reasons—small class sizes, faculty mentorship, campus culture—the projected debt burden isn't prohibitive. But recognize you're making that decision without knowing whether graduates actually land jobs that justify even this modest borrowing. The smart move is contacting the career services office directly to ask about recent graduate placements and starting salaries before committing.