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English at Boston University

Boston, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · English Language and Literature, General
15 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
15
Optimistic
15
Base Case
12
Pessimistic
Earnings $23,579/yr (-23% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market Large (73,200 openings/yr)
ROI 2.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #481 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 graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $614K $598K $534K
Earnings Multiple 2.4x 2.3x 2.0x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 41% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 15 15 12

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$260,672
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$107,984
59% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,750
13.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$55,841
137% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Boston University's English graduates start at $23,579/yr, trailing the $30,427 national average by 23%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

At 2.3x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 13% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some English career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.1x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #481 ranking among 493 English programs places Boston University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $23,579-to-$55,841 earnings arc over five years reflects a 137% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Boston University

Only 11% of applicants gain admission to Boston University, reflecting elite selectivity, serving 17,850 students in Boston, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $107,984 — 59% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Boston 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

Compare this program → View all 493 schools offering English →

English at Other Schools

Georgetown University ($52,122) University of Houston-Clear Lake ($50,876) Monmouth University ($50,737) Brown University ($50,437) Northeastern University ($49,639) Northeastern University Professional Programs ($49,639) Bowdoin College ($49,421) Williams College ($49,340)

Other Majors at Boston University

Computer Engineering ($93,995) Computer Science ($90,050) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($80,528) Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions ($77,660) Mechanical Engineering ($76,337) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($71,545) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($69,209) Mathematics ($64,604)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare English trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 15/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for English at Boston University?
At 15/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring English programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a English degree from Boston University?
At $25,750 in median debt, graduates carry 13 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study English at Boston 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 Boston University a good choice for English despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Boston University'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 Boston University?
The 59% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $260,672. At a net cost of $107,984, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →