English at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree · English Language and Literature, General
39 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
40
Optimistic
39
Base Case
34
Pessimistic
Earnings $30,060/yr (-1% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market Large (73,200 openings/yr)
ROI 15.4x earnings multiple (3.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #48 of 493 English Language and Literature, General programs Top 10%

Program Analysis

An English degree from a highly respected institution like UNC-Chapel Hill cultivates exceptional critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills, making you highly adaptable. The career paths you see reflect common initial destinations, particularly in education or roles requiring meticulous language proficiency. However, the true value often lies in leveraging these foundational abilities across a wider spectrum of industries—from marketing and public relations within the vibrant Research Triangle to non-profit management, technical writing, or even pre-law tracks. While certain tasks associated with these roles face a significant risk of AI augmentation, your deep understanding of human communication, nuance, and complex ideas remains invaluable. Your UNC education provides a strong intellectual foundation, but proactively seeking internships, developing digital literacy, or pursuing a complementary minor in a field like business, data science, or communications will significantly broaden your immediate career options and futureproof your skillset.

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 $563K $554K $503K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.7x 15.4x 14.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.6x 3.5x 3.2x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 41% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 40 39 34

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$35,956
Out-of-state: $157,320 (3.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$51,932
-44% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,794
5.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$54,429
81% growth from Year 1

About University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Admission to University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is competitive, with 19% of applicants accepted, with 20,556 students enrolled in Chapel Hill, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill →

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 North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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 does a 39/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for English at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
At 39/100, 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 North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
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 →