English Language and Literature at University of San Diego

University of San Diego's English program produces a puzzling earnings pattern that reveals more about timing than value. That first-year figure of $22,475 is startlingly low—ranking in just the 5th percentile nationally—but jumps 83% to $41,178 by year four. This trajectory suggests graduates may be pursuing internships, graduate school preparation, or career pivots immediately after graduation rather than entering full-time employment.

The $24,000 debt load is reasonable, matching national norms and sitting well below the typical California graduate's burden. By year four, when earnings hit $41,000, the financial picture looks considerably better than those initial numbers suggest. Among California's 72 English programs, this one lands at the 40th percentile—middle of the pack in a competitive state market, though well behind Chapman ($40,861 first-year earnings) and other top performers.

The critical caveat: this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so these numbers could shift dramatically year to year. For a family paying private school tuition at USD (where only 19% receive Pell grants), that initial earning period looks risky. If your child plans to work immediately after graduation, cheaper in-state options like Cal Poly SLO deliver stronger starting salaries. But if they're using USD as a springboard to graduate school or careers that develop slowly—teaching, publishing, nonprofit work—that debt level won't become crushing, especially given the strong year-four recovery.