English & Literature at University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · English Language and Literature/Letters, Other
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
21
Optimistic
20
Base Case
19
Pessimistic
Earnings
$21,788/yr (-25% vs median)
AI Risk
Very High (53% exposed)
Job Market
Small (5,100 openings/yr)
ROI
9.2x earnings multiple (3.1x out-of-state)
How AI Changes the Outlook
Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to English & Literature graduates.
| Optimistic No Disruption |
Base Case Gradual AI |
Pessimistic Aggressive AI |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Year Earnings | $573K | $564K | $516K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 9.4x | 9.2x | 8.4x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 3.1x | 3.1x | 2.8x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 49% | 43% | 32% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 21 | 20 | 19 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$61,060
Out-of-state: $184,168 (3.1x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,000
9.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$49,896
129% growth from Year 1
About University of California-San Diego
Admission to University of California-San Diego is competitive, with 25% of applicants accepted, serving a student body of 33,787 in La Jolla, CA.
See all programs and financial aid at University of California-San Diego →Top Career Paths
English language and literature teachers, postsecondary
$78,270/yr
Compare & Explore
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for English & Literature at University of California-San Diego?
A score of 20/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for English & Literature. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace English & Literature careers?
With 53% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $515,645 in decade earnings vs $572,692 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Can you still earn well with English & Literature from University of California-San Diego?
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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →