English Language and Literature at University of North Texas

UNT's English program delivers exactly middle-of-the-road outcomes for Texas—landing right at the state median for earnings but significantly below the state's top performers. While graduates earn 10% more than the national average for English majors and see strong 33% earnings growth over four years, this program sits in just the 40th percentile among Texas English programs. For context, Southern Methodist University and UT Arlington graduates earn $47,000 and $41,000 respectively at the one-year mark, compared to UNT's $33,000.

The financial picture is favorable in one key respect: at $21,358, debt loads come in below both state and national medians, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.65. For a degree from an accessible public university (72% admission rate, affordable in-state tuition), this represents reasonable value. The earnings trajectory—climbing to nearly $44,000 by year four—shows the degree provides solid footing for career advancement.

Bottom line: If your child is considering UNT for affordability and accessibility, this English program won't create crushing debt and positions graduates at least as well as most programs nationwide. However, if they can gain admission to UT Arlington or similar programs, they'd likely see $8,000 to $15,000 higher starting salaries with similar debt burdens—a difference that compounds significantly over time.