Program Analysis
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale's English graduates start at $24,145/yr, trailing the $30,427 national average by 21%. The program's value hinges on affordability.
The earnings-to-cost ratio of 8.6x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.
Some AI exposure exists in English's typical career paths, with 61% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 3% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $26,250 against $24,145/yr in first-year earnings means roughly 1.1 years of salary goes to loan repayment. That's a heavy but not crushing debt load.
Ranked #422 of 493 English programs, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Five-year earnings of $36,811 show a 52% jump from the $24,145 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.