English at Bucknell University

Lewisburg, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · English Language and Literature, General
24 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
25
Optimistic
24
Base Case
18
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,043/yr (12% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market Large (73,200 openings/yr)
ROI 2.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #385 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 $601K $586K $526K
Earnings Multiple 2.3x 2.3x 2.0x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 41% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 25 24 18

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$259,088
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$161,716
38% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
9.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$61,250
80% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $34,043 at Bucknell University come in 12% above the national median of $30,427 for English programs.

The financial case is thin at 2.3x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

Some AI exposure exists in English's typical career paths, with 61% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 12% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $27,000 represents roughly 10 months of the $34,043 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #385 of 493 English programs, Bucknell University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $61,250 show a 80% jump from the $34,043 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Bucknell University

Bucknell University accepts 32% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, a compact campus enrolling 3,818 students in Lewisburg, PA. The average net cost of $161,716 over four years represents a 38% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Bucknell 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 Bucknell University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for English at Bucknell University?
A score of 24/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for English. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace English careers?
With 61% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $525,671 in decade earnings vs $600,589 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →