Analysis
The University of Denver's English program sits in an uncomfortable middle ground: tuition-level costs without flagship-level outcomes. With first-year earnings of $30,246, graduates earn slightly less than the Colorado median ($31,257) and barely edge out the national average, landing in just the 40th percentile among Colorado's 17 English programs. That's particularly striking given DU's selective profile (SAT 1344) and $25,678 median debt—graduates from less selective schools like Colorado Mesa and CU-Colorado Springs are seeing earnings $3,000-5,000 higher.
The 10% earnings growth to $33,246 by year four shows steady progression, and the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.85 is manageable. But here's the reality: graduates of Metropolitan State and CU-Denver—schools with significantly lower barriers to entry—are earning 17% more from day one. The small sample size (under 30 graduates) adds uncertainty, but the pattern suggests DU's premium pricing isn't translating to premium career outcomes for English majors.
If your child is passionate about English at DU, they need a clear plan for leveraging the university's Denver location and alumni network to break into higher-paying sectors. Otherwise, Colorado's public universities offer a stronger value proposition for this particular degree.
Where University of Denver Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all english language and literature bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Denver 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 Denver | $30,246 | $33,246 | +10% |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | $35,364 | $46,055 | +30% |
| Colorado State University-Fort Collins | $27,549 | $42,135 | +53% |
| Metropolitan State University of Denver | $35,487 | $41,406 | +17% |
| Fort Lewis College | $25,718 | $40,521 | +58% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Colorado
English Language and Literature bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Colorado (17 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of DenverDenver | $59,340 | $30,246 | $33,246 | $25,678 | 0.85 |
 Metropolitan State University of DenverDenver | $10,780 | $35,487 | $41,406 | $30,000 | 0.85 |
 University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical CampusDenver | $10,017 | $35,364 | $46,055 | $25,586 | 0.72 |
 University of Colorado Colorado SpringsColorado Springs | $9,712 | $34,627 | $35,715 | $22,000 | 0.64 |
 Colorado Mesa UniversityGrand Junction | $9,712 | $33,622 | $35,916 | $22,412 | 0.67 |
 University of Colorado BoulderBoulder | $16,430 | $31,825 | $37,557 | $19,522 | 0.61 |
| 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 Denver, approximately 15% 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 23 graduates with reported earnings and 32 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.