English at Furman University

Greenville, SC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · English Language and Literature, General
22 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
23
Optimistic
22
Base Case
20
Pessimistic
Earnings $16,583/yr (-45% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market Large (73,200 openings/yr)
ROI 1.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #417 of 493 English Language and Literature, General programs

Program Analysis

An English degree from a respected liberal arts institution like Furman cultivates exceptional critical thinking, writing, and communication abilities. However, the initial career paths for many English graduates, particularly in fields like education, non-profit work, or local media in the Greenville area, often have more modest starting salaries compared to other majors or regions. Your education here is foundational, emphasizing broad intellectual development over direct vocational training for specific high-paying entry roles. Many graduates leverage these skills in local school districts, smaller regional businesses needing strong communicators, or pursue further graduate studies to specialize. To maximize your post-graduation earnings, actively seek internships that apply your communication skills to business, marketing, or technical writing roles, or intentionally pair your English studies with a minor or certification in a more career-focused field.

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 $349K $368K $374K
Earnings Multiple 1.5x 1.6x 1.6x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 41% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 23 22 20

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$233,248
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$119,988
49% less than sticker · See by income

About Furman University

With a 53% acceptance rate, Furman University is moderately selective, a compact campus enrolling 2,322 students in Greenville, SC. The average net cost of $119,988 over four years represents a 49% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Furman 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 at Other Schools

Other Majors at Furman University

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

How does Furman University's English program score?
This program scores 22/100 — on the lower end for English. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
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 Furman University?
Lower starting pay at Furman 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 →