English Language and Literature at Wheaton College

Wheaton College's English program turns modest starting salaries into something more substantial—graduates earning $32,723 initially see their income jump to $46,689 within four years, a 43% increase that outpaces most humanities programs. While that first-year figure sits just above Illinois' median for English majors, the trajectory matters more here than the starting point.

The debt picture works in your child's favor: $21,500 is lower than both state and national averages for English programs, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.66. This means your child would owe roughly two-thirds of their first year's salary—not ideal, but far better than the financial strain many liberal arts graduates face. The program ranks in the 60th percentile among Illinois English programs, placing it solidly in the better half without reaching the elite tier dominated by University of Chicago or UIUC.

The real question is whether $46,689 at year four justifies the investment. That's respectable for an English degree, though still well below what you'd see from STEM or business programs at similar institutions. If your child is passionate about literature and writing, Wheaton offers a relatively lower-risk path into the field. But if they're uncertain about their major or considering graduate school, factor in that English degrees typically require additional credentials to reach higher earning potential.