Analysis
University of South Alabama's English program posts surprisingly strong early earnings—$40,486 in the first year lands graduates in the 95th percentile nationally, essentially matching Athens State's leading performance in Alabama. That's 35% above the national median for English degrees. The debt load of $23,505 sits slightly below both state and national averages, creating a manageable 0.58 debt-to-earnings ratio that most English majors would envy.
The complication is what happens next: earnings decline to $36,791 by year four, an unusual 9% drop that erases some of that early advantage. Still, even with this decline, graduates remain above Alabama's median for the field. The 60th percentile state ranking reflects that while South Alabama performs well, several Alabama schools achieve similar or better outcomes with this degree.
The critical caveat is sample size—with fewer than 30 graduates in this data, these numbers could shift significantly with a larger group. For families comfortable with that uncertainty, the program offers solid early earnings potential at reasonable debt levels. Just recognize that the typical English major career trajectory of gradual salary growth may not apply here, so having backup plans for income stability becomes more important than usual.
Where University of South Alabama Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all english language and literature bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of South Alabama graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Alabama | $40,486 | $36,791 | -9% |
| Auburn University | $33,213 | $43,708 | +32% |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | $32,324 | $40,560 | +25% |
| Athens State University | $40,917 | $39,139 | -4% |
| Jacksonville State University | $37,774 | $37,135 | -2% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama
English Language and Literature bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (25 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of South AlabamaMobile | $9,676 | $40,486 | $36,791 | $23,505 | 0.58 |
 Athens State UniversityAthens | — | $40,917 | $39,139 | $26,833 | 0.66 |
 Jacksonville State UniversityJacksonville | $12,426 | $37,774 | $37,135 | $23,267 | 0.62 |
 Auburn UniversityAuburn | $12,536 | $33,213 | $43,708 | $25,000 | 0.75 |
 University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham | $8,832 | $32,324 | $40,560 | $24,946 | 0.77 |
 University of North AlabamaFlorence | $11,990 | $26,213 | $36,408 | $25,000 | 0.95 |
| National Median | — | $29,967 | — | $24,529 | 0.82 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with english language and literature graduates
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 South Alabama, approximately 37% 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 26 graduates with reported earnings and 42 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.