English Language and Literature at University of Maryland-College Park

UMD's English program outperforms most national competitors while keeping debt relatively manageable. Graduates earn $36,561 in their first year—placing them in the 84th percentile nationally and significantly above the $29,967 national median for English majors. The 31% earnings jump to $47,743 by year four suggests graduates successfully leverage the university's strong reputation and DC-area proximity into career advancement. With $21,500 in debt (less than one year's early earnings), the financial fundamentals are solid compared to typical humanities programs.

Within Maryland, however, the picture is more competitive. At the 60th percentile statewide, UMD sits in the middle of the pack—Towson's English program actually shows higher early earnings at $39,250. Still, UMD's trajectory matters here: that steady earnings growth indicates graduates are building momentum rather than plateauing, which matters more for long-term career prospects than initial placement. The flagship university's network and academic reputation likely contribute to this upward mobility.

For parents weighing this program: your child would enter with lower debt than most English majors nationwide while attending a well-regarded institution where graduates demonstrably advance their careers. The key is what they do with the degree—those strong year-four numbers suggest graduates who actively build skills and connections during college position themselves well for the competitive humanities job market.