English Language and Literature at University of New Mexico-Main Campus

UNM's English program starts graduates at just $24,808—well below the national median of nearly $30,000 and ranking in the bottom 20% nationally. But here's what matters for New Mexico families: this actually matches the state median for English programs, placing it in the 60th percentile among in-state options. The debt load of around $15,000 is remarkably low, less than two-thirds of the national median for this major.

The earnings trajectory tells an encouraging story. That initial $24,808 jumps 53% to nearly $38,000 by year four, outpacing typical growth for English graduates. Combined with the minimal debt, graduates face a manageable 0.61 debt-to-earnings ratio—meaning they could theoretically pay off their loans in about seven months of gross earnings. For a humanities degree at an open-access institution serving a significant population of Pell Grant recipients, these fundamentals are solid.

The bottom line: If your child wants to study English in New Mexico, UNM offers competitive in-state outcomes with minimal financial risk. The low starting salary reflects both the major and the regional economy, but the strong earnings growth and light debt load mean graduates aren't trapped. This works best for students committed to staying in New Mexico or pursuing graduate school, where the low undergraduate debt becomes a significant advantage.