English at University of California-Davis

Davis, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · English Language and Literature, General
27 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
27
Optimistic
27
Base Case
23
Pessimistic
Earnings $25,477/yr (-16% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market Large (73,200 openings/yr)
ROI 8.9x earnings multiple (3.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #303 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 graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $552K $544K $496K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.0x 8.9x 8.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.0x 3.0x 2.7x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 41% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 27 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)
$60,988
Out-of-state: $184,096 (3.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$61,152
-0% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,500
6.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,377
98% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $25,477 place University of California-Davis below the $30,427 national median for English — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

A 8.9x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 10% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some English career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $13,500 against $25,477/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #303 ranking among 493 English programs places University of California-Davis in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $25,477-to-$50,377 earnings arc over five years reflects a 98% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of California-Davis

A 42% admission rate makes University of California-Davis accessible to a wide range of qualified students, serving a student body of 31,777 in Davis, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Davis →

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 University of California-Davis

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 27/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for English at University of California-Davis?
At 27/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring English programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study English at University of California-Davis?
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 University of California-Davis a good choice for English despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of California-Davis'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 →