English Language and Literature at Saint Elizabeth University

The $26,000 estimated debt load here would be manageable if earnings were stronger, but comparable English programs in New Jersey suggest first-year income around $35,000—barely above the national median for this major. That creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.74, meaning nearly three-quarters of the first year's salary would go toward paying off loans if a graduate dedicated everything to debt. For context, English majors at other New Jersey schools with reported data earn between $37,000 and $51,000 in their first year, suggesting meaningful variation in outcomes across institutions.

The bigger concern is that English majors rarely see dramatic salary growth in their first decade, and $35,000 doesn't provide much cushion for life expenses while managing monthly loan payments. Similar programs in the state produce graduates who often work in education, publishing, or communications roles where advancement is steady but not explosive. With 54% of Saint Elizabeth students receiving Pell grants, that debt burden hits families who can least afford extended repayment timelines.

Given that these figures are estimates from peer programs rather than Saint Elizabeth's actual outcomes, parents should request graduation and employment data directly from the school before committing. If these estimates hold true, this program would require either minimal borrowing or a clear plan for graduate school or career paths that leverage the humanities degree in higher-paying fields like law, business, or tech writing.