English Language and Literature, General at Colorado Mesa University

Grand Junction, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree
32 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
33
Optimistic
32
Base Case
26
Pessimistic
Earnings $33,622/yr (11% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market Large (73,200 openings/yr)
ROI 11.9x earnings multiple (4.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #189 of 493 English Language and Literature, General programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to English Language and Literature, General graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $459K $463K $440K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.8x 11.9x 11.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.7x 4.8x 4.5x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 41% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 33 32 26

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$38,848
Out-of-state: $97,248 (4.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$61,324
-58% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,846
7.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$40,725
21% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $33,622/yr, edging above the $30,427 national average for English Language and Literature, General — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 11.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 4% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some English Language and Literature, General career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $19,846 against $33,622/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #189 ranking among 493 English Language and Literature, General programs places Colorado Mesa University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 21% earnings increase from $33,622 to $40,725 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Colorado Mesa University

Colorado Mesa University has a 81% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 7,604 in Grand Junction, CO.

See all programs and financial aid at Colorado Mesa University →

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

English Language and Literature, General at Other Schools

Other Majors at Colorado Mesa University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 32/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for English Language and Literature, General at Colorado Mesa University?
At 32/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring English Language and Literature, General programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study English Language and Literature, General at Colorado Mesa University?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →