Home › University of California-Merced › English

English at University of California-Merced

Merced, 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
22
Pessimistic
Earnings $29,152/yr (-4% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market Large (73,200 openings/yr)
ROI 7.5x earnings multiple (2.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #323 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 $417K $427K $415K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 7.4x 7.5x 7.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 2.3x 2.4x 2.3x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 41% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 27 27 22

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$56,668
Out-of-state: $179,776 (2.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$50,976
10% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,000
9.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $29,152 track close to the $30,427 national median for English programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

A 7.5x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 1% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some English career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $24,000 against $29,152/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #323 ranking among 493 English programs places University of California-Merced in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About University of California-Merced

University of California-Merced admits 39% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, with a mid-sized student body of 8,372 in Merced, CA. Pell Grant recipients make up 59% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

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

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

Compare this program → View all 493 schools offering English →

English at Other Schools

Georgetown University ($52,122) University of Houston-Clear Lake ($50,876) Monmouth University ($50,737) Brown University ($50,437) Northeastern University ($49,639) Northeastern University Professional Programs ($49,639) Bowdoin College ($49,421) Williams College ($49,340)

Other Majors at University of California-Merced

Mechanical Engineering ($67,096) Computer Engineering ($58,835) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($57,223) Economics ($51,212) Chemistry ($50,944) Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering ($47,028) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($46,378) Applied Mathematics ($39,138)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare English trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 27/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for English at University of California-Merced?
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-Merced?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →