English at University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT · Public · Bachelor's Degree · English Language and Literature, General
45 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
46
Optimistic
45
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,644/yr (27% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market Large (73,200 openings/yr)
ROI 14.0x earnings multiple (4.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #7 of 493 English Language and Literature, General programs Top 1%

Program Analysis

The University of Utah's English program stands out, reflecting the strong foundational skills cultivated at a flagship public university and the dynamic job market in Salt Lake City. Your degree here equips you with highly transferable abilities in critical thinking, nuanced communication, and persuasive writing, which are in demand across diverse sectors. SLC's growing tech, marketing, and publishing industries, alongside its robust education and non-profit sectors, offer numerous opportunities for graduates to apply these skills in roles like content creation, technical writing, and strategic communications, not just traditional teaching. While AI presents significant changes to many writing-centric professions, an English degree from Utah emphasizes analytical and creative problem-solving that remains uniquely human. To thrive, actively seek internships that apply your communication strengths in business or tech environments, and consider complementing your studies with digital humanities or data literacy coursework. This proactive approach will help you leverage your robust liberal arts foundation in an evolving professional landscape.

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 $527K $522K $481K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.1x 14.0x 12.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.4x 4.4x 4.0x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 41% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 46 45 38

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$37,260
Out-of-state: $119,348 (4.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$52,688
-41% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,375
5.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$52,921
37% growth from Year 1

About University of Utah

University of Utah accepts 87% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with 26,041 students enrolled in Salt Lake City, UT.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Utah →

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

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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

What does a 45/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for English at University of Utah?
At 45/100, 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 Utah?
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.
Is University of Utah one of the best schools for English?
Among 493 English programs, University of Utah's #7 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →