English at Reed College

Portland, OR · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · English Language and Literature, General
11 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
12
Optimistic
11
Base Case
9
Pessimistic
Earnings $15,790/yr (-48% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market Large (73,200 openings/yr)
ROI 1.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #493 of 493 English Language and Literature, General programs

Program Analysis

Considering English at Reed means embracing an intensely academic environment, revered for its intellectual rigor and critical inquiry rather than direct vocational training. Your degree will hone exceptional analytical, writing, and communication skills, highly valued across many sectors, yet often requiring you to actively translate them into a specific career path. Unlike more pre-professional tracks, many graduates pursue advanced degrees, enter fields like publishing, non-profits, or education, or leverage their versatile abilities in roles requiring strong humanistic insight. The local Portland market, while dynamic, can be competitive for generalists without specific internship experience. Roles in teaching or editing, common for English majors, often have structured salary progression. To maximize your prospects, you’ll need to intentionally build practical skills and a professional network alongside your academic pursuits.

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 $436K $444K $426K
Earnings Multiple 1.6x 1.7x 1.6x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 41% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 12 11 9

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$268,080
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$159,804
40% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
14.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$30,743
95% growth from Year 1

About Reed College

Reed College admits 27% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, a smaller institution with 1,407 students in Portland, OR. The average net cost of $159,804 over four years represents a 40% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Reed 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 at Other Schools

Other Majors at Reed College

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

What does a 11/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for English at Reed College?
At 11/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring English programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a English degree from Reed College?
At $19,500 in median debt, graduates carry 15 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study English at Reed College?
The 61% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Reed College a good choice for English despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Reed College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →