Analysis
Saint Anselm's English program turns in first-year earnings ($35,584) that beat 79% of English programs nationally—a notable achievement for a liberal arts major. However, with fewer than 30 graduates in the data, these figures need careful interpretation. The program sits squarely in the middle of New Hampshire's English offerings, matching the state median but trailing Dartmouth ($45,157) and public options like Keene State ($39,122) and UNH-Main ($34,563).
The financial profile looks manageable: $26,000 in median debt translates to a 0.73 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates owe about 9 months of their first-year salary. That's reasonable by English major standards, where many programs see ratios above 1.0. The 60% earnings jump to $57,001 by year four suggests graduates find their footing professionally, whether in traditional writing careers, marketing, education, or other fields where communication skills command higher salaries.
The small sample size is the elephant in the room—with so few graduates, one or two high earners could skew these numbers significantly. For a family considering Saint Anselm's $50,000+ sticker price, the value calculation depends heavily on financial aid. If you're paying close to full freight, stronger-performing state schools offer better economics. But at a substantial discount, an English degree here won't bury your child in unmanageable debt, and the early earnings data—while limited—suggests graduates compete effectively in New Hampshire's job market.
Where Saint Anselm College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all english language and literature bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Saint Anselm College 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Anselm College | $35,584 | $57,001 | +60% |
| Dartmouth College | $45,157 | $55,730 | +23% |
| Keene State College | $39,122 | $47,616 | +22% |
| Southern New Hampshire University | $30,733 | $43,559 | +42% |
| University of New Hampshire-Main Campus | $34,563 | $43,214 | +25% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New Hampshire
English Language and Literature bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Hampshire (12 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $46,810 | $35,584 | $57,001 | $26,000 | 0.73 | |
| $65,739 | $45,157 | $55,730 | $20,407 | 0.45 | |
| $14,710 | $39,122 | $47,616 | $27,000 | 0.69 | |
| $19,112 | $34,563 | $43,214 | $26,697 | 0.77 | |
| $15,820 | $34,563 | $43,214 | $26,697 | 0.77 | |
| $16,450 | $30,733 | $43,559 | $31,808 | 1.03 | |
| 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 Saint Anselm College, approximately 11% 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 21 graduates with reported earnings and 25 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.