English Language and Literature at Rollins College

Rollins graduates earn less than both the state and national medians for English majors, landing in the 24th percentile nationally—below what students achieve at UF, FSU, and even regional public universities like UCF and FGCU. While the first-year earnings of $25,777 are concerning, the more troubling issue is that the debt burden at $26,000 exceeds even that modest starting salary. That's roughly $6,400 more debt than the typical Florida English program, putting graduates in a financially precarious position right out of the gate.

The silver lining is genuine earnings growth—a 31% increase to $33,649 by year four. That trajectory suggests graduates do find their footing, eventually reaching close to national norms. However, this data comes from a very small sample (under 30 graduates), so these figures may not reflect the typical experience. At a selective private college charging premium tuition, you'd expect outcomes that justify the investment, and these numbers don't clearly demonstrate that advantage.

For a family considering this program, the math is straightforward: you're paying private school prices for earnings that lag behind what Florida's public universities deliver, while taking on more debt in the process. Unless your child has compelling reasons to attend Rollins specifically—strong financial aid, particular faculty connections, or campus fit that matters deeply to them—Florida's public options offer better financial returns for English majors.