English at Appalachian State University
Boone, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree · English Language and Literature, General
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
27
Optimistic
26
Base Case
23
Pessimistic
Earnings
$23,397/yr (-23% vs median)
AI Risk
Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market
Large (73,200 openings/yr)
ROI
15.5x earnings multiple (4.7x out-of-state)
How AI Changes the Outlook
Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to English graduates.
| Optimistic No Disruption |
Base Case Gradual AI |
Pessimistic Aggressive AI |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Year Earnings | $462K | $466K | $442K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 15.3x | 15.5x | 14.7x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 4.7x | 4.7x | 4.5x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 48% | 41% | 29% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 27 | 26 | 23 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$30,164
Out-of-state: $98,148 (4.7x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,499
10.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$37,977
62% growth from Year 1
About Appalachian State University
A 89% acceptance rate means Appalachian State University is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 19,304 students in Boone, NC.
See all programs and financial aid at Appalachian State University →Top Career Paths
English language and literature teachers, postsecondary
$78,270/yr
Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education
$64,580/yr
Proofreaders and copy markers
$49,210/yr
Compare & Explore
English at Other Schools
Other Majors at Appalachian State University
Explore the Trade Alternative
Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 26/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for English at Appalachian State University?
At 26/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring English programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study English at Appalachian State University?
The 61% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Appalachian State University a good choice for English despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Appalachian State University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →