English Language and Literature, General at Harvard University

Cambridge, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
24 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
24
Optimistic
24
Base Case
18
Pessimistic
Earnings $30,838/yr (1% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market Large (73,200 openings/yr)
ROI 2.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #378 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 $641K $621K $550K
Earnings Multiple 2.7x 2.6x 2.3x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 41% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 24 24 18

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$236,304
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$67,264
72% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$64,155
108% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $30,838 track close to the $30,427 national median for English Language and Literature, General programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

An earnings multiple of 2.6x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 61% task exposure — and the 14% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At #378 out of 493 programs, Harvard 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 $30,838 to $64,155 over five years (108% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Harvard University

Harvard University admits 3% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, serving 7,755 students in Cambridge, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $67,264 — 72% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Harvard 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 Harvard University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Harvard University's English Language and Literature, General program score?
This program scores 24/100 — 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.
How affordable is English Language and Literature, General at Harvard University after financial aid?
Sticker price is $236,304, but the average net cost is $67,264 — a 72% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →