Program Analysis
At $34,587 per year, English Language and Literature, General 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 Language and Literature, General 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.