Englishat University at Buffalo
Graduates earn $21,208/yr in their first year — about 30.0% below the national English average. Base-case 10-year earnings $522K; scenarios range from $481K to $527K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University at Buffalo
A degree in English Language and Literature from UB offers a robust foundation in critical thinking and communication, highly valued skills across many sectors. However, the regional labor market in Buffalo, while stable, doesn't always present the same density of high-paying corporate communications, publishing, or specialized content strategy roles found in larger coastal cities. Many graduates successfully pursue careers in local education, non-profits, or public service within Western New York, fields that offer significant community impact but often have more structured, moderate salary progressions. Given the very high AI risk for this major, you'll want to proactively build complementary skills in areas like data analysis, digital content strategy, or project management through internships, minors, or extracurriculars. This proactive approach will help you stand out and leverage your foundational English skills into higher-earning opportunities post-graduation.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University at Buffalo's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering English
How University at Buffalo stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University at Buffalo
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University at Buffalo, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in English offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare English trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about English at University at Buffalo
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for English at University at Buffalo?
A score of 25/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for English. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace English careers?
With 61% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $481,028 in decade earnings vs $526,544 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with English from University at Buffalo?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.