Program Analysis
Starting salaries of $19,136/yr fall 37% below the $30,427 national median for English. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.
With a 15.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 4% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some English career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.
At a 1.2x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.
A #382 ranking among 493 English programs places University of North Carolina Asheville in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.
The $19,136-to-$35,906 earnings arc over five years reflects a 88% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.