English Language and Literature at Washington Adventist University

The debt load of $26,478 for this English degree—drawn from comparable programs at similar Maryland institutions—sits above both the state median ($23,156) and the national median ($24,529) for English majors. Meanwhile, the estimated first-year earnings of $35,283 match the state median exactly, suggesting this program likely produces outcomes typical for Maryland but not exceptional. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.75 means your child would owe roughly nine months of their first year's salary, which is manageable compared to many humanities degrees but still requires careful financial planning.

What's harder to assess here is whether Washington Adventist specifically delivers better or worse value than these peer programs. The school serves a substantial number of Pell-eligible students (46%) and has relatively modest admission standards, which could mean either strong support for first-generation college students or weaker outcomes than the state average suggests. Looking at Maryland's top English programs—where University of Maryland-College Park graduates earn $36,561 and Towson grads make $39,250—the estimated figure here falls short of the better performers but isn't dramatically lower.

For an anxious parent, the question is whether this particular investment makes sense when the outcomes are uncertain and the debt is above average for the field. If your child has admission offers from Maryland's public universities with English programs, those might offer clearer value. If Washington Adventist is the right fit for other reasons—religious affiliation, campus culture, support systems—understand you're taking on moderate debt for what appears to be middle-of-the-road earning potential in a field that rarely leads to high immediate income.