Analysis
UW-Stevens Point's English program delivers solid national performance but lags behind most Wisconsin options. While graduates earn $31,896 in their first year—ranking in the 60th percentile nationally—that same figure places them in just the 40th percentile among Wisconsin English programs. The state's median for this degree is $34,610, meaning Stevens Point graduates typically earn about $2,700 less annually than their in-state peers. Within the UW system specifically, five other campuses produce notably higher earners, with UW-Green Bay English grads making nearly $9,000 more in year one.
The debt burden of $24,930 is manageable at 78% of first-year earnings, and graduates do see 11% income growth by year four. These numbers aren't alarming, but they reveal an important consideration: if your child qualifies for other UW campuses, those programs offer measurably better earning potential for similar debt levels. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) means these figures are reasonably reliable, though individual outcomes will vary.
For families prioritizing Stevens Point for campus fit or location, this program won't saddle graduates with crushing debt. But purely as an earnings investment, other Wisconsin public universities deliver better returns for English majors. If Stevens Point is the top choice for non-financial reasons, factor in the likelihood of below-state-median starting salaries when planning budgets.
Where University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all english language and literature bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point 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-Stevens Point | $31,896 | $35,261 | +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-River Falls | $37,586 | $41,851 | +11% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
English Language and Literature bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (28 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,834 | $31,896 | $35,261 | $24,930 | 0.78 | |
| $8,342 | $40,812 | $42,430 | $25,000 | 0.61 | |
| $9,277 | $39,591 | $40,451 | $23,874 | 0.60 | |
| $9,651 | $37,748 | $44,660 | $23,250 | 0.62 | |
| $8,606 | $37,586 | $41,851 | $24,495 | 0.65 | |
| $8,212 | $34,633 | — | $26,000 | 0.75 | |
| 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-Stevens Point, approximately 28% 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 57 graduates with reported earnings and 63 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.