English Language and Literature at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

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.