Literature at Pace University

The earnings trajectory here tells an unusual story: Pace literature graduates start at just under $26,000—barely above the national average—but nearly double their income by year four, reaching $50,823. That kind of 97% earnings growth is exceptional for humanities degrees and suggests graduates are successfully pivoting into higher-paying careers, though the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift significantly year to year.

Within New York, this program sits at the 60th percentile—solidly middle-of-the-pack for a state where literature grads typically earn around $25,688. The $26,000 debt load is manageable relative to those fourth-year earnings, but that first year is tight: graduates earn almost exactly what they owe. The real question is what happens during years two and three, and whether your child has the financial runway to weather that early period while building toward better opportunities.

Given the uncertainty around small sample data, treat this as promising but not guaranteed. If your child is committed to literature and can handle lean early years—perhaps with family support or minimal living expenses—the long-term earnings growth makes this workable. But banking on that dramatic income jump requires either proof it's consistent across cohorts or a backup plan for the immediate post-graduation period.