English Language and Literature/Letters at Ohio University-Main Campus

Ohio University's English program sits right at the state and national median for earnings, but delivers one crucial advantage: graduates leave with less debt than three-quarters of comparable programs nationwide. That $25,500 debt burden, while still substantial for a $24K starting salary, puts students in a better position than most English majors nationally.

The 60th percentile ranking among Ohio schools is somewhat misleading—the state data shows identical outcomes across multiple Ohio University campuses, suggesting these figures may represent system-wide averages rather than Athens-specific results. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) reinforces this uncertainty. What's clear is that graduates face the classic humanities challenge: that 1.05 debt-to-earnings ratio means your child would owe more than their first year's salary, making the first few years financially tight even with the relatively contained debt load.

For families considering this route, understand that English majors typically see stronger earnings growth in years 2-10 as they move into editing, communications, or management roles. The real question is whether your child has a clear career path that leverages the degree—because at $24K, they'll need to climb quickly. The lower debt is genuinely helpful here, but it doesn't change the fundamental economic reality of choosing a humanities major in 2024.