Analysis
The extremely small sample size here (under 30 graduates) makes these numbers more volatile than useful, but that $19,493 first-year salary demands attention. Even accounting for statistical noise, earning just 59% of the national median and ranking in the 10th percentile statewide suggests this program struggles to launch graduates into living-wage employment. The debt burden of $32,395—50% above both state and national medians—compounds the problem, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.66 that would take exceptional financial discipline to manage.
The 127% earnings jump to $44,230 by year four tells a more encouraging story, ultimately exceeding state medians. However, this recovery pattern may reflect graduates pivoting to careers unrelated to their English degree rather than the program itself building valuable skills. When comparable Texas schools like UT Arlington ($40,718) and East Texas A&M ($43,470) deliver stronger first-year outcomes with less debt, the path through UH-Victoria's English program looks unnecessarily rocky.
With such limited data, these figures could shift dramatically year to year. But if your student is set on an English degree in Texas, the combination of below-market starting salaries and above-market debt at this campus warrants exploring alternatives—particularly larger programs where outcomes data reflects broader trends rather than the circumstances of a handful of graduates.
Where University of Houston-Victoria Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all english language and literature bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Houston-Victoria 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 Houston-Victoria | $19,493 | $44,230 | +127% |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Houston-VictoriaVictoria | $7,499 | $19,493 | $44,230 | $32,395 | 1.66 |
 University of Houston-Clear LakeHouston | $7,746 | $50,876 | $49,368 | $15,875 | 0.31 |
 Southern Methodist UniversityDallas | $64,460 | $47,019 | $65,722 | $19,500 | 0.41 |
 East Texas A&M UniversityCommerce | $10,026 | $43,470 | $37,497 | $13,407 | 0.31 |
 The University of Texas at ArlingtonArlington | $11,728 | $40,718 | $45,154 | $23,613 | 0.58 |
 St. Mary's UniversitySan Antonio | $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 Houston-Victoria, approximately 44% 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 20 graduates with reported earnings and 25 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.