Analysis
Radford's English program sits in the bottom quartile among Virginia schools, with recent graduates earning about $6,300 less than the state median for English majors. While first-year earnings of $25,407 trail most Virginia programs (including schools like Longwood and William & Mary where English grads start near $40,000), the debt load here is actually modest at $21,500—lower than both state and national averages. That creates a debt-to-earnings ratio under 1.0, which is manageable.
The 41% earnings growth over four years is encouraging, bringing graduates to nearly $36,000 by their fourth year out. However, even with that growth, earnings remain below what many Virginia English programs deliver in year one. For a family considering this program, the crucial question is whether the relatively gentle debt burden offsets starting at a significant earnings disadvantage compared to peer institutions in Virginia.
The small sample size here (under 30 graduates) means individual outcomes could vary substantially from these medians. For a parent, this is a "proceed carefully" situation—the financial outcomes are workable but not compelling, especially given that Virginia offers several English programs with stronger early earnings trajectories at comparable debt levels.
Where Radford University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all english language and literature bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Radford University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radford University | $25,407 | $35,936 | +41% |
| University of Virginia-Main Campus | $40,092 | $54,107 | +35% |
| William & Mary | $40,697 | $51,194 | +26% |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | $39,155 | $48,910 | +25% |
| George Mason University | $33,173 | $48,616 | +47% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia
English Language and Literature bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (39 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Radford UniversityRadford | $12,286 | $25,407 | $35,936 | $21,500 | 0.85 |
 William & MaryWilliamsburg | $25,040 | $40,697 | $51,194 | $19,500 | 0.48 |
 Longwood UniversityFarmville | $15,200 | $40,167 | $43,340 | $26,500 | 0.66 |
 University of Virginia-Main CampusCharlottesville | $20,986 | $40,092 | $54,107 | $15,000 | 0.37 |
 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBlacksburg | $15,478 | $39,155 | $48,910 | $21,625 | 0.55 |
 University of RichmondUniversity of Richmond | $62,600 | $38,333 | $34,036 | $22,980 | 0.60 |
| National Median | — | $29,967 | — | $24,529 | 0.82 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with english language and literature graduates
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Radford University, approximately 35% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 28 graduates with reported earnings and 42 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.