English at New York University

New York, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · English Language and Literature, General
23 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
23
Optimistic
23
Base Case
17
Pessimistic
Earnings $29,967/yr (-2% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market Large (73,200 openings/yr)
ROI 2.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #397 of 493 English Language and Literature, General programs

Program Analysis

Studying English at NYU places you in a vibrant intellectual hub within one of the world's media and publishing capitals. While the university's overall prestige is undeniable, the financial outcomes for this specific humanities major reflect broader industry trends, particularly in a high-cost-of-living city like New York. Many graduates leverage their critical thinking and advanced communication skills into careers in teaching, publishing, journalism, or the arts, which often have different salary trajectories than fields like finance or tech. The noted AI risk is a significant consideration, highlighting the evolving landscape for content creation and editing roles. To maximize your prospects, actively seek internships and build a portfolio of work demonstrating your adaptability and practical application of skills beyond traditional literary analysis.

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 $643K $623K $551K
Earnings Multiple 2.7x 2.6x 2.3x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 41% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 23 23 17

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$241,752
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$140,140
42% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,519
8.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$63,792
113% growth from Year 1

About New York University

Only 9% of applicants gain admission to New York University, reflecting elite selectivity, one of the larger campuses at 29,430 students in New York, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $140,140 over four years — 42% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at New York 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 New York University

Explore the Trade Alternative

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

How does New York University's English program score?
This program scores 23/100 — 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →