English Language and Literature at University of Dayton

University of Dayton's English program shows decent positioning among Ohio schools, landing in the 60th percentile for graduate earnings, though the small sample size means individual cohort variations could significantly shift these numbers. Graduates here earn about $3,200 more than the typical Ohio English major one year out, which narrows the gap with higher-ranked programs like Wright State. The starting salary of $30,063 barely edges past the national median, but the 55% earnings jump to $46,560 by year four suggests these graduates find their footing in the job market.

The $24,398 debt load sits just under state and national averages, creating a manageable but not exceptional debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.81. An English graduate here will owe roughly eight months of their first-year salary—workable if you understand that humanities degrees typically require patience and career pivoting to reach stronger earnings. The trajectory matters more than the starting point: that four-year salary approaches what many career-focused majors earn initially.

For families weighing this investment, the program's relative strength within Ohio and strong earnings growth pattern offset the modest starting salary. However, the small graduate cohort means you can't treat these figures as ironclad—your child's experience could differ. If they're committed to English and prefer a private, Catholic university environment, the numbers support this choice more than they discourage it.