English Language and Literature at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

This English program starts graduates at just $24,145—about $8,000 below the Illinois median for English majors and in the bottom quarter nationally. Among the 50 Illinois schools offering this degree, Southern Illinois-Carbondale ranks in just the 25th percentile. Even nearby state schools like Illinois State ($39,563) and University of Illinois Springfield ($39,358) show substantially higher outcomes. The debt load of $26,500 exceeds both state and national medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio that means graduates owe more than their first year's salary.

The 51% earnings growth to year four represents the silver lining here—pay does climb to $36,390. However, that still falls below what graduates from stronger Illinois programs earn right out of college. The sample size being small (under 30 graduates) adds uncertainty, but these numbers align with the institution's broader profile: a 90% admission rate and below-average test scores suggest this isn't drawing top students who might command higher salaries.

For an English degree that you're likely paying out-of-state tuition to attend, these returns don't add up. Even Illinois residents should question whether the state's flagship in Urbana-Champaign or Illinois State—both showing significantly better outcomes—might be worth the extra application effort. The combination of below-median starting pay and above-median debt creates financial pressure that makes loan repayment challenging during those crucial early career years.