English Language and Literature at University of South Alabama

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.