English Language and Literature at Washington & Jefferson College

Washington & Jefferson's English program posts unusually strong first-year earnings at $37,046—beating 86% of English programs nationwide and placing near the top of Pennsylvania's competitive field. That's $7,000 above what typical English graduates earn, with manageable debt of $27,000 that matches both state and national medians. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.73 means graduates face less than a year's salary in debt, an enviable position for humanities majors who often struggle with loan burdens.

The earnings trajectory looks particularly promising, climbing 35% to nearly $50,000 by year four. Among Pennsylvania's English programs, this performance sits solidly in the 60th percentile—respectable given that Penn and other elite institutions dominate the top spots. The program punches well above its weight for a school with an 82% admission rate, suggesting strong alumni networks or career preparation that helps graduates translate their degrees into decent-paying work.

The major caveat: these figures come from fewer than 30 graduates, so one exceptional class could skew the picture. Still, for parents worried their child's English degree means perpetual financial struggle, W&J demonstrates that humanities programs can deliver both reasonable earnings and manageable debt—a combination that's rarer than it should be.