English Language and Literature at Simpson College

The four-year earnings figure of $41,779 tells you more than any projection here. That's actual performance data from Simpson's English graduates, and it holds up well—landing above similar programs at Luther College and Iowa State, and significantly ahead of the University of Iowa's $34,116. The challenge lies in the earlier years: based on comparable programs in Iowa, first-year earnings around $38,400 paired with an estimated $26,000 in debt creates a workable but tight financial picture in those initial months after graduation.

Simpson's selective admissions (average SAT of 1410) and relatively low Pell enrollment suggest this program serves academically strong students who may have financial support beyond loans. The estimated debt load sits slightly above Iowa's median for English programs, but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.68 remains manageable—less than one year's salary. What matters most is that trajectory from year one to year four, where earnings climb about $3,300, suggesting graduates find their footing in the job market.

The practical question is whether your child can handle loan payments on sub-$40,000 earnings right out of college. If they're heading toward graduate school, consider that this debt will compound. If they're entering the workforce directly, Simpson's four-year outcomes suggest they'll reach a sustainable income level, though it won't be lucrative by any stretch. The program appears to deliver results consistent with Iowa's better English programs, which is reassuring given the limited graduate sample size.