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English Language and Literature, General at Ball State University

Muncie, IN · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $26,572/yr (-13% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)

Job Market Large (73,200 openings/yr)

ROI 10.8x earnings multiple (4.1x out-of-state)

Ranked #348 of 493 English Language and Literature, General programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to English Language and Literature, General graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$462K	$466K	$442K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.7x	10.8x	10.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.0x	4.1x	3.8x
Probability of Field Employment	48%	41%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	25	25	21

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$43,032

Out-of-state: $115,064 (4.1x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$63,592

-48% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$22,250

10.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$39,232

48% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Ball State University's English Language and Literature, General program produces graduates earning $26,572/yr — within striking distance of the $30,427 national average for this field.

With a 10.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 4% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some English Language and Literature, General career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $22,250 against $26,572/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #348 ranking among 493 English Language and Literature, General programs places Ball State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 48% earnings increase from $26,572 to $39,232 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Ball State University

A 72% acceptance rate means Ball State University is accessible to most applicants, with a mid-sized student body of 13,770 in Muncie, IN.

See all programs and financial aid at Ball 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

View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

English Language and Literature, General at Other Schools

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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 25/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for English Language and Literature, General at Ball State University?

At 25/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring English Language and Literature, General programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study English Language and Literature, General at Ball 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.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →