English at Whittier College

Whittier, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · English Language and Literature, General
15 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
15
Optimistic
15
Base Case
11
Pessimistic
Earnings $26,317/yr (-14% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market Large (73,200 openings/yr)
ROI 2.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #479 of 493 English Language and Literature, General programs

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 $420K $430K $417K
Earnings Multiple 2.1x 2.2x 2.1x
Probability of Field Employment 48% 41% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 15 15 11

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$199,456
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$119,484
40% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,125
11.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$32,702
24% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $26,317/yr, English graduates from Whittier College land near the $30,427 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

An earnings multiple of 2.2x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 61% task exposure — and the 1% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $24,125 debt-to-$26,317 income ratio translates to about 11 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #479 out of 493 programs, Whittier College's financial outcomes for English trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $26,317 to $32,702 shows 24% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About Whittier College

With 85% of applicants admitted, Whittier College prioritizes broad access, a smaller institution with 812 students in Whittier, CA. After financial aid, the average student pays $119,484 over four years — 40% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Whittier College →

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

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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

How does Whittier College's English program score?
This program scores 15/100 — on the lower end for English. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is English to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' English careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 61% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →