English Language and Literature at University of Maryland Global Campus
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
University of Maryland Global Campus graduates earn substantially more than the typical English major—beating 80% of programs nationally by pulling in $35,630 right after graduation compared to the national median of $29,967. While this trails flagship College Park and regional competitor Towson, it sits comfortably at Maryland's median for English programs and delivers reliable income growth, reaching $42,544 by year four.
The debt picture looks manageable: at $24,062, borrowing stays close to both state and national averages, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.68 that most graduates should handle within standard repayment windows. That ratio improves considerably as earnings climb nearly 20% over the first four years post-graduation. For a program serving a significant population of Pell-eligible students (28%), these outcomes suggest solid accessibility without sacrificing career prospects.
For families weighing the value of an English degree from UMGC versus other Maryland options, this represents a straightforward middle-ground choice. You're paying similar debt for outcomes that match the state median—not exceptional, but notably better than most English programs nationwide. If your student values UMGC's flexibility (it's primarily an online institution serving working adults) and can graduate with debt near this median, the numbers support the investment.
Where University of Maryland Global Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all english language and literature bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of Maryland Global Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Maryland Global Campus graduates earn $36k, placing them in the 80th percentile of all english language and literature bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Maryland
English Language and Literature bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maryland (22 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Maryland Global Campus | $35,630 | $42,544 | $24,062 | 0.68 |
| Towson University | $39,250 | $47,334 | $21,500 | 0.55 |
| University of Maryland-College Park | $36,561 | $47,743 | $21,500 | 0.59 |
| McDaniel College | $35,793 | $41,561 | $22,250 | 0.62 |
| Salisbury University | $35,283 | $38,086 | $21,875 | 0.62 |
| Goucher College | $32,545 | $27,753 | $26,000 | 0.80 |
| National Median | $29,967 | — | $24,529 | 0.82 |
Other English Language and Literature Programs in Maryland
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Maryland schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Towson University Towson | $11,306 | $39,250 | $21,500 |
| University of Maryland-College Park College Park | $11,505 | $36,561 | $21,500 |
| McDaniel College Westminster | $49,647 | $35,793 | $22,250 |
| Salisbury University Salisbury | $10,638 | $35,283 | $21,875 |
| Goucher College Baltimore | $51,250 | $32,545 | $26,000 |
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 Maryland Global Campus, approximately 28% 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 61 graduates with reported earnings and 85 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.