English Language and Literature at University of Wisconsin-River Falls

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.