Analysis
Wofford's English program quietly outperforms most competitors in South Carolina, with first-year earnings of $34,478 placing it ahead of larger state schools like College of Charleston and USC-Aiken. More impressive is what happens after graduation: earnings jump 57% by year four to reach $54,078, suggesting the program's liberal arts foundation and Wofford's alumni network translate into genuine career mobility. Among South Carolina's 32 English programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile—solidly above the state median of $28,219.
The debt picture is manageable at $25,941, with a 0.75 ratio to first-year earnings that's reasonable for a humanities degree. This sits right at the national median for English programs, which means students aren't paying a premium for Wofford's outcomes. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) is worth noting but doesn't undermine the overall pattern.
For families weighing a small liberal arts college against larger state schools, Wofford delivers measurably better outcomes in both starting salary and career trajectory. The 57% earnings growth over four years is particularly notable for an English degree, where career paths can be less linear. If your child is drawn to Wofford's tight-knit academic environment, the financial case supports that choice—this isn't a situation where you're sacrificing outcomes for fit.
Where Wofford College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all english language and literature bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Wofford College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wofford College | $34,478 | $54,078 | +57% |
| Clemson University | $33,509 | $40,400 | +21% |
| University of South Carolina-Columbia | $25,729 | $39,823 | +55% |
| Winthrop University | $28,219 | $37,385 | +32% |
| College of Charleston | $29,544 | $32,560 | +10% |
Compare to Similar Programs in South Carolina
English Language and Literature bachelors's programs at peer institutions in South Carolina (32 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Wofford CollegeSpartanburg | $54,100 | $34,478 | $54,078 | $25,941 | 0.75 |
 Clemson UniversityClemson | $15,554 | $33,509 | $40,400 | $23,123 | 0.69 |
 University of South Carolina-UpstateSpartanburg | $11,583 | $30,150 | — | $25,000 | 0.83 |
 College of CharlestonCharleston | $12,978 | $29,544 | $32,560 | $25,000 | 0.85 |
 Winthrop UniversityRock Hill | $15,956 | $28,219 | $37,385 | $24,500 | 0.87 |
 University of South Carolina AikenAiken | $10,760 | $27,546 | — | $27,000 | 0.98 |
| National Median | — | $29,967 | — | $24,529 | 0.82 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with english language and literature graduates
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Wofford College, approximately 15% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 34 graduates with reported earnings and 36 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.