English Language and Literature at Winthrop University

Winthrop's English program starts modestly at $28,219 but shows impressive momentum, with earnings jumping 33% to $37,385 by year four—outpacing most humanities programs where growth tends to plateau early. This trajectory matters because it suggests graduates are finding their footing in careers that value the program's skills, not just scrambling for any job that pays.

Within South Carolina, this program punches above its weight. While it ranks 60th percentile statewide—essentially middle of the pack—it matches the state median exactly and comes in nearly $1,000 below the state's typical debt load for English majors. That positioning looks even better considering Winthrop serves a substantial population of Pell Grant recipients (39% of students), meaning graduates are managing debt reasonably well without the financial cushion wealthier peers might have. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.87 isn't spectacular, but it's workable, especially given that improving four-year salary.

The caveat: you're not getting Wofford or Clemson outcomes here, where graduates earn $6,000-$7,000 more right out of the gate. But for a family watching costs, Winthrop delivers a functional English degree that doesn't bury students in debt while their careers develop. The real question is whether your student plans to leverage this degree into grad school, teaching, or communications work where that year-four earning power becomes the foundation for further growth.