English Language and Literature at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

UC Denver's English program outperforms most expectations for the major, with first-year earnings of $35,364 landing in the 79th percentile nationally—well above the $29,967 typical for English graduates. Within Colorado, it ranks in the 60th percentile and actually edges out UC Boulder, delivering earnings comparable to Metropolitan State. The $25,586 in median debt sits near national norms, creating a manageable 0.72 debt-to-earnings ratio that most graduates can handle on entry-level salaries.

What makes this program particularly interesting is the earnings trajectory: graduates see 30% income growth by year four, reaching $46,055. That's strong momentum for a humanities degree and suggests graduates are finding professional pathways beyond typical entry-level roles. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) means these figures are reasonably reliable, though individual outcomes will vary based on career direction.

For families worried about English degrees leading to financial struggle, UC Denver offers evidence against that stereotype. Graduates here earn more than three-quarters of English majors nationwide while taking on typical debt loads. It's not a guaranteed path to high income, but it positions students better than most English programs—particularly if they leverage Denver's job market and the university's urban connections.