English Language and Literature at Skidmore College

Skidmore's English program shows the classic liberal arts trajectory: a rough first year financially ($26,058) followed by dramatic improvement, with graduates more than doubling their earnings by year four to reach $50,391. That four-year figure exceeds both the national median for English majors ($29,967) and New York's state median ($28,290) by substantial margins, though it's worth noting the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means individual outcomes could vary significantly.

The $20,000 median debt load is reasonable—lower than both state and national medians—and translates to a manageable 0.77 debt-to-earnings ratio even in that difficult first year. Within New York's competitive landscape, Skidmore ranks around the 40th percentile among English programs, trailing top performers like Colgate and Barnard but positioning itself in the middle tier. Given Skidmore's selectivity (23% admission rate, 1388 average SAT), families are essentially paying for the liberal arts network and credential rather than exceptional early-career earnings.

For families comfortable with a lean year or two post-graduation—perhaps with supplemental support—the investment appears sound if your student plans to leverage Skidmore's alumni network and pursue graduate school or careers where that initial credential opens doors. The moderate debt and strong eventual earnings growth suggest this can work, but recognize you're betting on your child's ability to translate a selective college's brand into meaningful career advancement.