Analysis
UW-La Crosse's English program significantly outperforms the national median by nearly $8,000 in first-year earnings, placing it in the 89th percentile nationwide—a strong showing for a humanities degree. The $23,250 debt load is slightly below both national and state averages, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.62 that suggests graduates can manage their loans without excessive burden. For context, this program ranks in the 60th percentile among Wisconsin's 28 English programs, sitting comfortably in the middle tier behind UW-Green Bay and UW-Eau Claire but ahead of most alternatives.
The earnings trajectory shows healthy growth, with graduates earning $44,660 by year four—an 18% increase that indicates English majors here are successfully pivoting into careers that value their communication and analytical skills. While this won't lead to the highest-paying careers, it's substantially better than what most English programs deliver nationally.
For parents concerned about a child majoring in English, this program offers reasonable assurance: graduates earn enough to justify the debt, and the strong national ranking suggests the university prepares students well. The moderate sample size means these figures are fairly reliable, though outcomes can vary based on individual career choices and additional credentials pursued after graduation.
Where University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all english language and literature bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Wisconsin-La Crosse 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 Wisconsin-La Crosse | $37,748 | $44,660 | +18% |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | $28,526 | $47,090 | +65% |
| University of Wisconsin-Green Bay | $40,812 | $42,430 | +4% |
| University of Wisconsin-River Falls | $37,586 | $41,851 | +11% |
| University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire | $39,591 | $40,451 | +2% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
English Language and Literature bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (28 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Wisconsin-La CrosseLa Crosse | $9,651 | $37,748 | $44,660 | $23,250 | 0.62 |
 University of Wisconsin-Green BayGreen Bay | $8,342 | $40,812 | $42,430 | $25,000 | 0.61 |
 University of Wisconsin-Eau ClaireEau Claire | $9,277 | $39,591 | $40,451 | $23,874 | 0.60 |
 University of Wisconsin-River FallsRiver Falls | $8,606 | $37,586 | $41,851 | $24,495 | 0.65 |
 University of Wisconsin-OshkoshOshkosh | $8,212 | $34,633 | — | $26,000 | 0.75 |
 Carthage CollegeKenosha | $36,500 | $34,587 | $33,745 | $26,269 | 0.76 |
| 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 Wisconsin-La Crosse, approximately 14% 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 65 graduates with reported earnings and 65 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.