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English & Literature · English Rank #378 of 493

Englishat Harvard University

Graduates earn $30,838/yr in their first year — about 1.0% above the national English average. Base-case 10-year earnings $621K; scenarios range from $550K to $641K depending on AI disruption.

Cambridge, MA Private nonprofit Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
24 AT RISK
24
Optimistic
18
Pessimistic
Earnings
$30,838
1-year post-graduation
ROI
1.7x
Earnings : tuition
10-yr Base
$621K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
Very High
63% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at Harvard University

While the immediate financial returns for English Language and Literature graduates from Harvard might appear modest compared to other fields or even other Harvard degrees, this program's true value lies in its unparalleled intellectual rigor and network. Your earnings trajectory here isn't solely tied to your initial job, but rather the cumulative effect of critical thinking, advanced communication, and research skills honed within an elite academic environment. Many graduates initially pursue paths in education, publishing, or non-profits in the robust Boston-area market, but frequently pivot into law, consulting, or entrepreneurship, leveraging the potent alumni connections.

The noted AI risk primarily applies to more routine, entry-level tasks. However, the deep analytical and creative skills you'll develop are precisely what's needed to *manage* and *innovate* with AI. Your actionable advice: proactively seek internships across diverse sectors – from tech to media – to translate your formidable intellectual toolkit into tangible, in-demand professional experience.

AI Outlook Integration

Three scenarios, ten years out

Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$550K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score18/100
Earnings Multiple2.3x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$621K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score24/100
Earnings Multiple2.6x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$641K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score24/100
Earnings Multiple2.7x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Harvard University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where English graduates typically work

Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.

1
English language and literature teachers, postsecondary
0.0% 10-yr growth · 5,100 openings/yr
$78,270/yr
High
2
Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education
-1.6% 10-yr growth · 66,200 openings/yr
$64,580/yr
Moderate
3
Proofreaders and copy markers
-0.6% 10-yr growth · 1,900 openings/yr
$49,210/yr
Very High
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering English

How Harvard University stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
Georgetown University
DC · Private nonprofit
43
DW Score
$52K
1-yr earn
2.0x
ROI
Top score
University of Houston-Clear Lake
TX · Public
56
DW Score
$51K
1-yr earn
17.4x
ROI
Monmouth University
NJ · Private nonprofit
37
DW Score
$51K
1-yr earn
2.2x
ROI
Brown University
RI · Private nonprofit
33
DW Score
$50K
1-yr earn
1.0x
ROI
Same state (MA)
Northeastern University
MA · Private nonprofit
33
DW Score
$50K
1-yr earn
1.1x
ROI
Also at Harvard University

Other top programs at Harvard University

Other highest-scoring programs offered at Harvard University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.

Consider the trade route

Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in English offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.

Compare English trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →
FAQ

Frequently asked about English at Harvard University

How does Harvard University's English program score?

This program scores 24/100 — 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.

How affordable is English 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.