English at Dickinson College

Carlisle, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · English Language and Literature, General
17 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
17
Optimistic
17
Base Case
14
Pessimistic
Earnings $25,510/yr (-16% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market Large (73,200 openings/yr)
ROI 2.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #466 of 493 English Language and Literature, General programs

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 $633K $615K $545K
Earnings Multiple 2.5x 2.4x 2.1x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 41% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 17 17 14

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$253,900
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$128,764
49% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,000
8.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$59,365
133% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Dickinson College's English graduates start at $25,510/yr, trailing the $30,427 national average by 16%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

At 2.4x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 14% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some English career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $19,000 against $25,510/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #466 ranking among 493 English programs places Dickinson College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $25,510-to-$59,365 earnings arc over five years reflects a 133% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Dickinson College

Dickinson College's 43% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, with a smaller student body of 2,157 in Carlisle, PA. The average net cost of $128,764 over four years represents a 49% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Dickinson College →

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 at Other Schools

Other Majors at Dickinson College

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 17/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for English at Dickinson College?
At 17/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring English programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study English at Dickinson College?
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.
Is Dickinson College a good choice for English despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Dickinson College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →