English Language and Literature/Letters at University of California-San Diego

UC San Diego's English program lands its graduates in a difficult first year, with median earnings of just $21,788—below both the national and state median for English majors. While this ranks in the 40th percentile among California programs, it trails even California State University-Dominguez Hills by nearly $5,000 in that critical first year. The debt load of $19,281 is higher than the state median of $16,080, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.88 that means nearly a full year's salary goes to debt.

The trajectory improves substantially: earnings more than double to $45,739 by year four, which represents exceptional growth for an English degree. This rebound suggests graduates may be landing in fields like marketing, tech writing, or communications where liberal arts skills command better pay—but only after a challenging entry period. Given UC San Diego's 25% admission rate and strong academic reputation, the weak initial outcomes are surprising.

For families weighing this investment, understand that your child will likely face financial strain in those first years out of college. The strong four-year earnings suggest the degree can lead somewhere, but that initial period—earning barely above minimum wage despite attending a selective UC campus—means either significant parental support or a second job may be necessary while debt payments begin.