Program Analysis
At $34,587 per year, English graduates from Carthage College earn slightly above the $30,427 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.
An earnings multiple of 3.0x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.
AI risk is moderate — 61% task exposure — and the 2% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $26,634 debt-to-$34,587 income ratio translates to about 9 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
At #405 out of 493 programs, Carthage College's financial outcomes for English trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth is modest: $34,587 to $35,653 over five years (3% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.