English Language and Literature at Plymouth State University

Plymouth State's English program ranks in the bottom quarter among New Hampshire schools, with first-year earnings of $27,833—nearly $7,000 below the state median and trailing nearby public competitor UNH by almost $7,000. While the program carries reasonable debt ($27,000, actually below the state median), graduates start behind their in-state peers from the outset. The 24% earnings growth to $34,582 by year four helps close the gap somewhat, but even these later earnings merely match what UNH graduates make in their first year.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.97 means graduates face nearly a full year's salary in loans, though this is manageable compared to many humanities programs nationally. The challenge isn't crushing debt—it's that Plymouth State graduates enter the job market at a competitive disadvantage within New Hampshire itself. For families paying in-state tuition at a public university, the expectation is typically stronger outcomes than this program delivers.

If your child is committed to studying English in New Hampshire's public system, UNH offers meaningfully better earning potential from day one. Plymouth State might work if cost of attendance is significantly lower or if your student has compelling reasons to prefer this campus, but the earnings data suggests they'll be playing catch-up early in their career compared to graduates from other state schools.