Literature
Offered at 98 college programs that reported results. Here is what graduates earn and owe at each credential level, and which programs pay best.
By credential level
| Credential | Programs | Typical earnings, 1 yr | Typical earnings, 5 yrs | Typical debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate | 7 | — | — | — |
| Associate | 12 | — | — | — |
| Bachelor's | 55 | $34,133 | $53,018 | $21,720 |
| Master's | 12 | — | — | — |
| Doctoral | 3 | — | — | — |
| Graduate certificate | 9 | — | — | — |
"Typical" is the median across programs of each program's median, counting only programs with unsuppressed data (at least three). It describes a typical program, not a national median for all graduates. Certificate figures include certificates earned at four-year colleges, often alongside a bachelor's; see degrees vs. certificates for a cleaner comparison. Source: College Scorecard field of study data.
Highest-earning certificate programs
| # | College | State | Earnings, 1 yr | Earnings, 5 yrs | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg | PA | $30,933 | $62,664 | $22,000 |
| 2 | University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus | PA | $30,933 | $62,664 | $22,000 |
Ranked by 5-year median earnings, or 1-year where 5-year is not reported.
Highest-earning bachelor's programs
| # | College | State | Earnings, 1 yr | Earnings, 5 yrs | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pace University | NY | $48,868 | $64,580 | $25,000 |
| 2 | American University | DC | $45,230 | $61,835 | $22,176 |
| 3 | The New School | NY | $31,459 | $56,190 | $19,500 |
| 4 | University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg | PA | $34,133 | $53,018 | $21,500 |
| 5 | University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown | PA | $34,133 | $53,018 | $21,500 |
| 6 | University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus | PA | $34,133 | $53,018 | $21,500 |
| 7 | New York University | NY | $47,231 | — | $21,941 |
| 8 | SUNY at Purchase College | NY | $19,657 | $39,028 | $18,750 |
| 9 | Grand Canyon University | AZ | — | $37,232 | — |
| 10 | Bennington College | VT | — | $31,367 | $23,250 |
| 11 | University of California-Los Angeles | CA | $27,827 | — | — |
Ranked by 5-year median earnings, or 1-year where 5-year is not reported.
Highest-earning master's programs
| # | College | State | Earnings, 1 yr | Earnings, 5 yrs | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York University | NY | $55,351 | $77,027 | — |
| 2 | Simmons University | MA | — | $64,075 | — |
Ranked by 5-year median earnings, or 1-year where 5-year is not reported.
Related fields
Quick answers
- How much do literature graduates earn?
- One year after finishing, a typical bachelor's program in literature reports median earnings of $34,133. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field of study data.
