English at University of New Orleans

New Orleans, LA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · English Language and Literature, General
21 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
21
Optimistic
21
Base Case
18
Pessimistic
Earnings $20,265/yr (-33% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market Large (73,200 openings/yr)
ROI 12.1x earnings multiple (7.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #424 of 493 English Language and Literature, General programs

Program Analysis

An English degree from UNO offers a rich exploration of literature and language, but it's crucial to understand the local economic landscape you'll enter. New Orleans' job market, while vibrant in culture and tourism, doesn't typically feature the high-paying corporate sectors that often recruit English majors in other metropolitan areas. Many graduates find fulfilling roles in local education, non-profits, or arts organizations, where initial salaries can be modest. The nature of these roles, particularly entry-level writing or editing positions, often means financial growth can be slower. To maximize your prospects, actively seek internships that develop practical skills like digital content creation, grant writing, or specialized communication. Consider pairing your English studies with a minor or certification in a complementary field like business, marketing, or technical communication to create a more direct pipeline to higher-earning opportunities and future-proof your career.

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 $438K $445K $428K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.9x 12.1x 11.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.8x 7.9x 7.6x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 41% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 21 21 18

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$36,688
Out-of-state: $56,032 (7.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$44,588
-22% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,983
11.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$33,356
65% growth from Year 1

About University of New Orleans

University of New Orleans's 67% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, a compact campus enrolling 4,479 students in New Orleans, LA. 40% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at University of New Orleans →

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 New Orleans

Explore the Trade Alternative

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

How does University of New Orleans's English program score?
This program scores 21/100 — on the lower end for English. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is English to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' English careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 61% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are English earnings lower at University of New Orleans?
Lower starting pay at University of New Orleans may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →