English Language and Literature, General at Duke University

Durham, NC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
23 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
23
Optimistic
23
Base Case
20
Pessimistic
Earnings $20,483/yr (-33% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market Large (73,200 openings/yr)
ROI 3.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #399 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 Language and Literature, General graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $929K $871K $724K
Earnings Multiple 3.5x 3.3x 2.7x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 41% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 23 23 20

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$263,220
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$137,816
48% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,362
9.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$78,024
281% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $20,483 place Duke University below the $30,427 national median for English Language and Literature, General — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

The 3.3x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 61% task exposure — and the 22% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $15,362 debt-to-$20,483 income ratio translates to about 9 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #399 out of 493 programs, Duke University's financial outcomes for English Language and Literature, General trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $20,483 to $78,024 over five years (281% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Duke University

Duke University's 7% admission rate places it in the top tier of selectivity nationally, enrolling 6,417 students in Durham, NC. After financial aid, the average student pays $137,816 over four years — 48% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Duke 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 Duke 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 Duke University's English Language and Literature, General program score?
This program scores 23/100 — on the lower end for English Language and Literature, General. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is English Language and Literature, General to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' English Language and Literature, General 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 Language and Literature, General earnings lower at Duke University?
Lower starting pay at Duke 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 →