English & Literature at Bard College

Annandale-On-Hudson, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · English Language and Literature/Letters, Other
18 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
18
Optimistic
18
Base Case
16
Pessimistic
Earnings $17,237/yr (-41% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (53% exposed)
Job Market Small (5,100 openings/yr)
ROI 1.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #15 of 16 English Language and Literature/Letters programs

Program Analysis

Bard's English program, with its 'Other' designation, often signals a highly specialized or interdisciplinary approach, emphasizing deep critical analysis over direct vocational preparation. While characteristic of Bard's rigorous intellectual training, this means graduates frequently navigate a less direct path into the professional world. Annandale-On-Hudson isn't a bustling job market for many traditional English-related careers, often requiring you to seek opportunities in larger metropolitan areas like NYC, adding a layer of complexity to your job search. The listed path of postsecondary teaching, while possible, is highly competitive and almost always necessitates advanced degrees. Many graduates instead pursue roles in publishing, non-profits, arts administration, or further academic study – fields where initial compensation can be modest and where AI's evolving capabilities may further impact certain entry-level content or analytical roles. If you're drawn to Bard's unique intellectual environment, proactively pairing your studies with internships, practical writing experiences, or complementary skills in digital media will be crucial for translating your profound analytical abilities into a clear career trajectory.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to English & Literature graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $349K $365K $366K
Earnings Multiple 1.4x 1.4x 1.4x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 43% 32%
DegreeOutlook Score 18 18 16

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$254,448
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$127,084
50% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
18.1 months of Year 1 earnings

About Bard College

With a 52% acceptance rate, Bard College is moderately selective, a compact campus enrolling 2,280 students in Annandale-On-Hudson, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $127,084 over four years — 50% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Bard College →

Top Career Paths

English language and literature teachers, postsecondary $78,270/yr
View all 1 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

English & Literature at Other Schools

Other Majors at Bard College

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Bard College's English & Literature program score?
This program scores 18/100 — on the lower end for English & Literature. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Bard College English & Literature graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.5x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
How vulnerable is English & Literature to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' English & Literature careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 53% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are English & Literature earnings lower at Bard College?
Lower starting pay at Bard College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
How affordable is English & Literature at Bard College after financial aid?
Sticker price is $254,448, but the average net cost is $127,084 — a 50% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →