English Language and Literature at University of Massachusetts-Lowell

UMass Lowell's English program starts graduates at a challenging $30,408, but the 32% earnings jump to $40,108 by year four suggests graduates find their footing—a meaningful trajectory in a field known for slow salary progression. The $27,000 debt load is exceptionally low, ranking in just the 5th percentile nationally, which gives graduates crucial breathing room during those early career years when they're building experience and connections.

The catch is positioning within Massachusetts. At the 40th percentile among Bay State English programs, this trails the state median of nearly $35,000 by a noticeable margin. That gap matters in a high-cost-of-living state where graduates from Northeastern or Williams are earning $50,000 right out of college. Still, UMass Lowell delivers something those elite programs often don't: affordability. The debt burden here is roughly half what you'd face at many private alternatives, and the four-year earnings show graduates are building toward sustainable careers in education, communications, or publishing.

For families weighing options, this program works if your student can weather a modest first year while keeping debt minimal. The earnings growth trajectory is genuinely encouraging—but students planning to stay in Massachusetts should understand they'll likely be competing for jobs against graduates from higher-earning programs who already have a $10,000-$20,000 salary advantage.