English Language and Literature, General at Mount Holyoke College

South Hadley, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
13 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
14
Optimistic
13
Base Case
11
Pessimistic
Earnings $22,680/yr (-25% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market Large (73,200 openings/yr)
ROI 1.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #490 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 $501K $500K $466K
Earnings Multiple 2.0x 1.9x 1.8x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 41% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 14 13 11

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$256,568
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$118,248
54% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,870
12.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$42,639
88% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $22,680/yr fall 25% below the $30,427 national median for English Language and Literature, General. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

An earnings multiple of 1.9x 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 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $22,870 debt load exceeds a year of the $22,680 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #490 out of 493 programs, Mount Holyoke College's financial outcomes for English Language and Literature, General trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $22,680 to $42,639 over five years (88% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Mount Holyoke College

Mount Holyoke College admits 38% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, with a smaller student body of 2,198 in South Hadley, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $118,248 — 54% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Mount Holyoke College →

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 Mount Holyoke College

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 Mount Holyoke College's English Language and Literature, General program score?
This program scores 13/100 — on the lower end for English Language and Literature, General. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Mount Holyoke College English Language and Literature, General graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.0x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
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 Mount Holyoke College?
Lower starting pay at Mount Holyoke College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
How affordable is English Language and Literature, General at Mount Holyoke College after financial aid?
Sticker price is $256,568, but the average net cost is $118,248 — a 54% 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 →