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English at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · English Language and Literature, General
46 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
46
Optimistic
46
Base Case
39
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,718/yr (14% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market Large (73,200 openings/yr)
ROI 13.6x earnings multiple (4.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #3 of 493 English Language and Literature, General programs Top 1%

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 $620K $603K $537K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.0x 13.6x 12.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.0x 4.9x 4.3x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 41% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 46 46 39

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$44,300
Out-of-state: $123,980 (4.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$62,496
-41% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,500
8.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$64,041
84% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $34,718/yr, edging above the $30,427 national average for English — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 13.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

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 $23,500 against $34,718/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Among 493 English programs nationally, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ranks #3 — elite territory by any measure of graduate financial outcomes.

The $34,718-to-$64,041 earnings arc over five years reflects a 84% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo admits 30% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, with 21,521 students enrolled in San Luis Obispo, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo →

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 California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Computer Engineering ($111,560) Computer Science ($111,141) Construction Management ($92,785) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($90,576) Industrial Engineering ($87,226) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($85,509) Mechanical Engineering ($83,011) Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering ($82,197)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare English trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 does a 46/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for English at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
At 46/100, 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 California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
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 California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo one of the best schools for English?
Among 493 English programs, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's #3 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →