English at Western Illinois University
Macomb, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree · English Language and Literature, General
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
25
Optimistic
25
Base Case
19
Pessimistic
Earnings
$30,652/yr (1% vs median)
AI Risk
Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market
Large (73,200 openings/yr)
ROI
7.4x earnings multiple
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 | $434K | $441K | $425K |
| Earnings Multiple | 7.3x | 7.4x | 7.1x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 48% | 41% | 29% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 25 | 25 | 19 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$59,808
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,032
8.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$35,909
17% growth from Year 1
About Western Illinois University
A 75% acceptance rate means Western Illinois University is accessible to most applicants, a smaller institution with 4,939 students in Macomb, IL.
See all programs and financial aid at Western Illinois 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 Western Illinois University
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 25/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for English at Western Illinois 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 Western Illinois 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →