Program Analysis
Starting salaries of $20,780/yr fall 32% below the $30,427 national median for English Language and Literature, General. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.
The financial case is thin at 1.5x — 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 Language and Literature, General's typical career paths, with 61% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a -4% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $21,167 against $20,780/yr in first-year earnings means roughly 1.0 years of salary goes to loan repayment. That's a heavy but not crushing debt load.
Ranked #396 of 493 English Language and Literature, General programs, Carleton College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.