Analysis
UW-River Falls English majors start earning $37,586—landing them in the 88th percentile nationally for this degree, well above the national median of $29,967. However, within Wisconsin's competitive landscape, the program sits closer to the middle of the pack at the 60th percentile, trailing other UW system schools like Green Bay and Eau Claire by several thousand dollars. The debt load of $24,495 is typical for the field, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.65 that suggests graduates can handle their loans on an entry-level salary.
The 11% earnings growth to $41,851 by year four shows steady progression, though it's worth noting this data comes from a small sample size (under 30 graduates), making these figures less reliable than programs with larger cohorts. What works in this program's favor is that it significantly outperforms the broader English degree market while keeping debt in check. For a Wisconsin family, this represents a middle-tier option within the state system—solid value compared to most programs nationwide, but not the standout choice if your student has options at other UW campuses.
If your child is set on English at a Wisconsin public university and UW-River Falls offers the right campus fit, the financial fundamentals support that choice. Just recognize you're paying similar debt for somewhat lower returns than peer institutions within the system.
Where University of Wisconsin-River Falls Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all english language and literature bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Wisconsin-River Falls 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-River Falls | $37,586 | $41,851 | +11% |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | $28,526 | $47,090 | +65% |
| University of Wisconsin-La Crosse | $37,748 | $44,660 | +18% |
| University of Wisconsin-Green Bay | $40,812 | $42,430 | +4% |
| 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-River FallsRiver Falls | $8,606 | $37,586 | $41,851 | $24,495 | 0.65 |
 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-La CrosseLa Crosse | $9,651 | $37,748 | $44,660 | $23,250 | 0.62 |
 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-River Falls, approximately 20% 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 29 graduates with reported earnings and 35 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.