English Language and Literature at The University of Montana

University of Montana's English program graduates earn $21,447 in their first year—substantially below both Montana's state median ($27,465) and the national average ($29,967). Among Montana's seven English programs, this ranks in just the 25th percentile, and it's in the bottom 5% nationally. The $23,000 debt load is relatively modest, but when graduates are earning barely over $21,000, that 1.07 debt-to-income ratio creates immediate financial stress. Montana State's English graduates, by comparison, earn $33,483—over 50% more from the start.

The program does show notable earnings growth, with graduates reaching $32,334 by year four—a 51% increase that brings them closer to their peers. This pattern suggests graduates may need time to transition into better-paying roles, but the question is whether starting nearly $12,000 behind the state median is worth that eventual catch-up. The moderate sample size gives us reasonable confidence in these figures.

For families considering this program, understand that your child will likely face several lean years after graduation. Unless they have substantial family support or can live at home while building their career, the tight finances of those early years will be challenging. If your student is set on English literature in Montana, the data suggests looking at Montana State for better initial outcomes.