English Language and Literature: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries

Salaries for English Language and Literature graduates vary by role and location. English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $78,270 annually, while Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education earn around $64,580. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $97,703 compared to $49,675 in Oklahoma. Approximately 1,137,290 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.

Currently 1,374 accredited institutions offer English Language and Literature degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) (650 graduates), Arizona State University, Digital Immersion (383 graduates), and University of Central Florida (UCF) (362 graduates).

Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.

Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 53,219 in 2010 to a peak of 41,934 in 2020, before declining slightly to 34,210 in 2023-24. This represents a 36% decrease overall from 2010.

The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.

This degree prepares you for roles such as English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary, Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education, and Proofreaders and Copy Markers. Related occupations employ approximately 1,137,290 professionals nationwide.

Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.