English Language and Literature at Reed College

Reed's English program shows earnings data that ranks in the bottom 10th percentile statewide, but the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers may not represent typical outcomes. The $15,790 first-year median is notably below Portland's cost of living, though earnings do jump significantly to $35,350 by year four—surpassing the Oregon median of $28,836. This delayed trajectory suggests many graduates may pursue unpaid internships, graduate school, or creative pursuits before establishing stable careers.

The $19,500 debt load is actually lighter than both state and national medians, which matters given Reed's selective profile (27% admission rate, 1420 SAT average). However, even with modest debt, that 1.23 debt-to-earnings ratio in year one reflects the reality that humanities degrees from expensive private colleges often mean lean early years. By year four, graduates who stay the course are earning more than peers at larger Oregon schools like Portland State or Oregon State, though still trailing Willamette's $32,863.

For families considering Reed specifically for English, understand you're betting on long-term outcomes rather than immediate payoff. The combination of small sample size and low initial earnings makes this particularly uncertain. If your child needs to earn quickly after graduation or you're taking substantial loans beyond the $19,500 median, this program's early-career economics become problematic. Reed's intellectual environment may justify the investment for the right student, but the financial path forward isn't straightforward.