English at Brandeis University

Waltham, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · English Language and Literature, General
27 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
28
Optimistic
27
Base Case
19
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,867/yr (31% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market Large (73,200 openings/yr)
ROI 1.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #309 of 493 English Language and Literature, General programs

Program Analysis

The strong financial outcomes for Brandeis English graduates reflect several key advantages. As a selective private university in the Boston metropolitan area, Brandeis provides a robust academic environment and access to a diverse, competitive labor market. Your critical thinking, advanced writing, and analytical skills, honed in this program, are highly valued in the region's burgeoning tech, healthcare, and finance sectors, often leading to roles in marketing, communications, content strategy, or project management, not just traditional teaching. The university's strong alumni network and career services also play a significant role in connecting graduates to these opportunities. To maximize your potential, actively seek out internships in these industries during your studies. While AI risk for certain roles is high, your uniquely human communication and interpretive skills will be invaluable in differentiating your career path.

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 $502K $501K $467K
Earnings Multiple 1.9x 1.9x 1.8x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 41% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 28 27 19

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$259,784
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$135,540
48% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
7.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$49,384
24% growth from Year 1

About Brandeis University

Brandeis University admits 35% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, a compact campus enrolling 3,663 students in Waltham, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $135,540 — 48% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Brandeis 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 at Other Schools

Other Majors at Brandeis University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Brandeis University's English program score?
This program scores 27/100 — on the lower end for English. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is English to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' English careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 61% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →