English at University of Denver

Denver, CO · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · English Language and Literature, General
19 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
19
Optimistic
19
Base Case
13
Pessimistic
Earnings $30,246/yr (-1% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market Large (73,200 openings/yr)
ROI 2.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #443 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 $480K $481K $453K
Earnings Multiple 2.0x 2.0x 1.9x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 41% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 19 19 13

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$237,360
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$144,148
39% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,083
10.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$43,097
42% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $30,246/yr, English graduates from University of Denver land near the $30,427 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The financial case is thin at 2.0x — decade earnings barely exceed the cost of attendance. The value proposition here is driven by factors beyond pure ROI.

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 6% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $25,083 represents roughly 10 months of the $30,246 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #443 of 493 English programs, University of Denver falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $30,246 to $43,097 over five years — a 42% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About University of Denver

With 71% of applicants admitted, University of Denver prioritizes broad access, serving 6,059 students in Denver, CO. After financial aid, the average student pays $144,148 over four years — 39% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Denver →

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 Denver

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for English at University of Denver?
A score of 19/100 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 $452,739 in decade earnings vs $479,619 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →