English at West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV · Public · Bachelor's Degree · English Language and Literature, General
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
25
Optimistic
25
Base Case
22
Pessimistic
Earnings
$23,182/yr (-24% vs median)
AI Risk
Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market
Large (73,200 openings/yr)
ROI
12.7x earnings multiple (4.5x out-of-state)
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 | $489K | $489K | $458K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 12.7x | 12.7x | 11.9x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 4.5x | 4.5x | 4.2x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 48% | 41% | 29% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 25 | 25 | 22 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$38,592
Out-of-state: $109,440 (4.5x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,250
11.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$41,351
78% growth from Year 1
About West Virginia University
West Virginia University has a 86% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 17,705 students in Morgantown, WV.
See all programs and financial aid at West Virginia University →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
Compare & Explore
English at Other Schools
Other Majors at West Virginia University
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 25/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for English at West Virginia University?
At 25/100, 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 West Virginia University?
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 West Virginia University a good choice for English despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If West Virginia University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →