English Language and Literature, General at Governors State University

University Park, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
32 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
32
Optimistic
32
Base Case
26
Pessimistic
Earnings $29,580/yr (-3% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market Large (73,200 openings/yr)
ROI 11.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #194 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 $515K $512K $474K
Earnings Multiple 11.4x 11.3x 10.5x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 41% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 32 32 26

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$45,280
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$37,908
16% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
7.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,928
62% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Governors State University's English Language and Literature, General program produces graduates earning $29,580/yr — within striking distance of the $30,427 national average for this field.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 11.3x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI English Language and Literature, General programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in English Language and Literature, General's typical career paths, with 61% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 8% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $19,500 represents roughly 8 months of the $29,580 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #194 of 493 English Language and Literature, General programs, Governors State University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $47,928 show a 62% jump from the $29,580 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Governors State University

a smaller institution with 2,518 students in University Park, IL. With 52% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Governors 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
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

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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

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for English Language and Literature, General at Governors State University?
A score of 32/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for English Language and Literature, General. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace English Language and Literature, General careers?
With 61% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $474,266 in decade earnings vs $515,326 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →