Analysis
University of Dallas graduates with English degrees earn $35,038 in their first year—significantly above both the national median ($29,967) and the Texas state median ($32,990). While this places them around the 60th percentile within Texas, it outperforms roughly three-quarters of English programs nationwide. The manageable debt load of $20,247 creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58, meaning graduates can expect to earn nearly twice their debt in their first year. This is particularly impressive given that the typical English program nationally saddles students with $24,529 in debt.
The earnings trajectory shows steady growth to $37,754 by year four, though this still falls well short of what graduates from UT Arlington or SMU can expect. However, the comparison matters less than the fundamentals: your child would graduate with below-average debt and above-average earning power for an English major. The 54% admission rate and solid SAT scores (1284) suggest a reasonably selective environment without the crushing debt often associated with similar private universities.
For families concerned about the financial viability of an English degree, University of Dallas offers a notably better starting position than most alternatives. The debt is manageable enough to pay down quickly, and the earnings advantage over typical English programs provides real financial breathing room.
Where University of Dallas Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all english language and literature bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Dallas 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Dallas | $35,038 | $37,754 | +8% |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,880 | $35,038 | $37,754 | $20,247 | 0.58 | |
| $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 University of Dallas, approximately 26% 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 37 graduates with reported earnings and 48 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.