Englishat Berea College
Graduates earn $13,403/yr in their first year — about 56.0% below the national English average. Base-case 10-year earnings $517K; scenarios range from $477K to $520K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Berea College
The financial outlook for this English program reflects a combination of regional labor market dynamics and the inherent versatility, yet often undifferentiated, nature of a general humanities degree. In a predominantly rural area like central Kentucky, the primary employers for English graduates often include local school districts or non-profit organizations, where salary scales may be more modest compared to larger urban centers. While teaching is a noble and stable path, the local pay structure can limit earning potential. Moreover, roles like proofreading are increasingly impacted by AI, intensifying competition and demanding specialized skills to stand out.
If your passion lies with English at Berea, actively seek out internships early in fields like technical writing, communications, or publishing. Consider a complementary minor that offers direct career pathways, equipping you with a distinct skillset to navigate a challenging job market.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Berea College's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering English
How Berea College stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Berea College
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Berea College, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in English offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare English trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about English at Berea College
What does a 12/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for English at Berea College?
At 12/100, 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 Berea College?
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 Berea College a good choice for English despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Berea College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
What do students actually pay for English at Berea College?
The 91% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $197,304. At a net cost of $17,932, the earnings multiple improves substantially.