English Major — Salary & ROI 2026
Study of the English language, literature, and written expression.
Starting Salary
$40K
median
Mid-Career
$62K
salary
ROI Payback
7 yrs
avg payback
Unemployment
4.5%
rate
English Overview
Study of the English language, literature, and written expression.
Category
Humanities
Degree Level
Bachelor's
Graduation Rate
65%
Enrollment Trend
declining
Online Available
Yes
Underemployment
38%
Lifetime Premium
$220K
Female Graduates
65%
English Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your actual return on investment based on school type and scholarships.
0 to $40K/year in aid
Est. Total Cost
$16,200
4-year tuition
Net Cost (w/ aid)
$16,200
after scholarships
ROI Payback
3 years
to break even
Lifetime Return
$203,800
Lifetime earnings premium ($220,000) minus net degree cost ($16,200)
English Salary Progression
Common English Careers
Content Writer
Editor
Technical Writer
Teacher
Top Employers
Skills You'll Learn
Top Schools for English
#1
Harvard
#2
Yale
#3
Stanford
#4
Columbia
#5
Princeton
Related Majors
English Degree FAQ
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