Analysis
Texas Woman's University's English program demonstrates surprisingly strong outcomes, though you should know the data comes from a small graduating class. At $38,171 starting out, graduates earn 27% more than the national median for English majors and rank in the 91st percentile nationally—impressive performance that places this program well above most competitors. Within Texas, it lands near the 60th percentile, meaning it outperforms about half of the state's English programs despite TWU's 95% admission rate.
The debt picture is notably favorable. At $28,395, graduates carry slightly more than the state median but less than national figures, resulting in a manageable 0.74 debt-to-earnings ratio. Combined with steady 11% earnings growth over four years, graduates appear to handle their loans comfortably—a meaningful consideration for a humanities degree.
The caveat: these numbers reflect fewer than 30 graduates, making them less reliable than data from larger programs. That said, the earnings advantage over both national and Texas benchmarks is substantial enough that it's unlikely to be statistical noise alone. For families concerned about an English degree's return on investment, TWU offers a path where graduates actually earn above-average salaries while maintaining reasonable debt levels. Just recognize you're betting on a smaller sample than you'd have at UT Arlington or Houston-area schools with more extensive track records.
Where Texas Woman's University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all english language and literature bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Texas Woman's University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Woman's University | $38,171 | $42,181 | +11% |
| Southern Methodist University | $47,019 | $65,722 | +40% |
| University of Houston-Clear Lake | $50,876 | $49,368 | -3% |
| Texas Tech University | $26,518 | $49,332 | +86% |
| The University of Texas at Austin | $34,739 | $48,118 | +39% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
English Language and Literature bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (69 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,648 | $38,171 | $42,181 | $28,395 | 0.74 | |
| $7,746 | $50,876 | $49,368 | $15,875 | 0.31 | |
| $64,460 | $47,019 | $65,722 | $19,500 | 0.41 | |
| $10,026 | $43,470 | $37,497 | $13,407 | 0.31 | |
| $11,728 | $40,718 | $45,154 | $23,613 | 0.58 | |
| $36,242 | $39,752 | $47,033 | $26,000 | 0.65 | |
| National Median | — | $29,967 | — | $24,529 | 0.82 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with english language and literature graduates
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Texas Woman's University, approximately 40% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 29 graduates with reported earnings and 29 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.