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English Language and Literature, General at Smith College

Northampton, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $25,023/yr (-18% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)

Job Market Large (73,200 openings/yr)

ROI 2.3x earnings multiple

Ranked #472 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	$581K	$569K	$514K
Earnings Multiple	2.4x	2.3x	2.1x
Probability of Field Employment	48%	41%	29%
DegreeOutlook Score	16	16	12

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$246,272

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$104,724

57% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$19,000

9.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$53,422

113% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $25,023/yr fall 18% below the $30,427 national median for English Language and Literature, General. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

At 2.3x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 12% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some English Language and Literature, General career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $19,000 against $25,023/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #472 ranking among 493 English Language and Literature, General programs places Smith College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $25,023-to-$53,422 earnings arc over five years reflects a 113% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Smith College

Smith College admits 20% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, with a smaller student body of 2,501 in Northampton, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $104,724 — 57% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Smith 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 Smith 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

What does a 16/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for English Language and Literature, General at Smith College?

At 16/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring English Language and Literature, General programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study English Language and Literature, General at Smith 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 Smith College a good choice for English Language and Literature, General despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Smith College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

What do students actually pay for English Language and Literature, General at Smith College?

The 57% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $246,272. At a net cost of $104,724, the earnings multiple improves substantially.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →