English Language and Literature at Spelman College

Spelman's English program demonstrates something rare in humanities degrees: strong momentum after a modest start. While first-year earnings of $31,129 land just above national averages, graduates see a 47% income jump by year four—reaching $45,615, well ahead of typical English majors nationwide. Among Georgia's 41 English programs, Spelman ranks in the 60th percentile, trailing only Emory and a few public universities but substantially outpacing the state median of $26,308.

The debt picture strengthens the case: at $25,564, graduates borrow about what's typical for English majors nationally (37th percentile), yielding a manageable 0.82 debt-to-earnings ratio even in that challenging first year. This is particularly noteworthy given Spelman's selective admissions (34% acceptance rate) and the fact that you're getting outcomes that compete with larger, less selective state schools.

The trajectory matters here more than the starting point. English majors typically face earnings challenges, but Spelman graduates are climbing toward nearly $46,000 by year four—suggesting the program's emphasis on critical thinking and communication translates into career advancement. For a parent concerned about liberal arts ROI, this combination of controlled debt and genuine earnings growth offers more security than most English programs deliver.