English at Columbus State University
Columbus, GA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · English Language and Literature, General
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
33
Optimistic
32
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings
$23,987/yr (-21% vs median)
AI Risk
Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market
Large (73,200 openings/yr)
ROI
21.5x earnings multiple (7.4x 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 | $496K | $495K | $463K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 21.6x | 21.5x | 20.1x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 7.4x | 7.4x | 6.9x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 48% | 41% | 29% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 33 | 32 | 29 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$23,004
Out-of-state: $67,220 (7.4x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$28,000
14.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$42,702
78% growth from Year 1
About Columbus State University
Columbus State University has a 99% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 5,537 students in Columbus, GA. With 44% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.
See all programs and financial aid at Columbus State 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
Compare & Explore
English at Other Schools
Other Majors at Columbus State University
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
How does Columbus State University's English program score?
This program scores 32/100 — on the lower end for English. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Columbus State University English graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.2x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
How vulnerable is English to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' English careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 61% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are English earnings lower at Columbus State University?
Lower starting pay at Columbus State University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →