English Language and Literature, General at Oregon State University

Corvallis, OR · Public · Bachelor's Degree
27 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
28
Optimistic
27
Base Case
23
Pessimistic
Earnings $29,154/yr (-4% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market Large (73,200 openings/yr)
ROI 9.2x earnings multiple (3.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #314 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 $494K $494K $461K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.2x 9.2x 8.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.5x 3.5x 3.2x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 41% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 28 27 23

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$53,976
Out-of-state: $142,656 (3.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$78,272
-45% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
8.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$44,804
54% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $29,154 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.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 9.2x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

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 7% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $21,500 represents roughly 9 months of the $29,154 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #314 of 493 English Language and Literature, General programs, Oregon State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $44,804 show a 54% jump from the $29,154 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About Oregon State University

Oregon State University has a 79% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with 29,557 students enrolled in Corvallis, OR.

See all programs and financial aid at Oregon 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

English Language and Literature, General at Other Schools

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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

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for English Language and Literature, General at Oregon State University?
A score of 27/100 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 $461,466 in decade earnings vs $494,095 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →