English Language and Literature at Western Washington University

Western Washington University's English program shows something you don't often see with humanities degrees: meaningful earnings growth that actually matters. Graduates start at $32,334, which beats both the state median ($31,592) and national average ($29,967) for English majors. More importantly, earnings jump 31% to $42,267 by year four—suggesting these graduates are finding their footing in careers that value their skills, whether in technical writing, communications, or related fields.

The $19,500 debt load tells an important story here. It's notably lower than both the state median ($21,375) and especially the national median ($24,529) for English programs. That lower debt combined with above-average starting salaries creates a manageable 0.60 debt-to-earnings ratio. Your child would owe roughly seven months of their first year's salary—not trivial, but far from the burden many humanities graduates carry.

What makes this work financially is the combination of modest debt and steady earnings trajectory. Western Washington isn't competing with private schools like Gonzaga ($41,077) for immediate post-graduation earnings, but the 31% growth rate suggests strong career development. For families concerned about the English major stereotype, this program demonstrates that graduates are actually moving into better-paying roles over time, not struggling to launch careers. The accessible admission rate (91%) means getting in won't be an issue—the question is whether your child will use the degree to build marketable skills in writing, editing, or communications.