English Language and Literature at University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

UW-Eau Claire's English program delivers something rare: humanities graduates who earn significantly more than their peers nationally. Starting at nearly $40,000—over $10,000 above the national median for English majors—this program ranks in the 95th percentile nationwide. The debt load of $23,874 is actually slightly below average, creating a manageable 0.60 debt-to-earnings ratio that most liberal arts programs struggle to achieve.

Within Wisconsin, the picture is more nuanced. While Eau Claire outperforms the state median by about $5,000, it trails UW-Green Bay by over $1,000 in starting salary and ranks at the 60th percentile among Wisconsin's 28 English programs. That said, the $857 annual earnings bump between years one and four suggests steady, if modest, career progression—a positive sign for a field where many graduates take time to establish themselves professionally.

For families concerned about the financial viability of an English degree, this program demonstrates that strong outcomes are possible. The combination of below-average debt and well-above-average earnings creates a solid foundation, especially compared to the typical English major who faces much steeper financial challenges. If your child is drawn to literature and writing, this represents a relatively low-risk path within a notoriously difficult field to monetize.