English at California State University-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · English Language and Literature, General
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
35
Optimistic
35
Base Case
32
Pessimistic
Earnings
$23,858/yr (-22% vs median)
AI Risk
Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market
Large (73,200 openings/yr)
ROI
20.1x earnings multiple (7.3x out-of-state)
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 | $557K | $549K | $499K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 20.4x | 20.1x | 18.3x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 7.4x | 7.3x | 6.7x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 48% | 41% | 29% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 35 | 35 | 32 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$27,252
Out-of-state: $74,792 (7.3x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,500
7.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$49,932
109% growth from Year 1
About California State University-Los Angeles
With 92% of applicants admitted, California State University-Los Angeles prioritizes broad access, serving a student body of 21,478 in Los Angeles, CA. With 66% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum. After financial aid, the average student pays $16,452 over four years — 40% below sticker price.
See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Los Angeles →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
Compare & Explore
English at Other Schools
Other Majors at California State University-Los Angeles
Explore the Trade Alternative
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 35/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for English at California State University-Los Angeles?
At 35/100, 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 State University-Los Angeles?
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 State University-Los Angeles one of the best schools for English?
Among 493 English programs, California State University-Los Angeles's #112 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Is California State University-Los Angeles a good choice for English despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If California State University-Los Angeles's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →