Bachelor's-10% vs national median276 grads tracked
English Language and Literature, General at University of South Dakota
Ranked 244th of 370 bachelor's programs in English Language and Literature, General by 5-year earnings.
Median · 1 year out
$30,731
middle 50%: $22,892 – $40,342
Median · 5 years out
$47,084
middle 50%: $35,107 – $61,598
Median · 10 years out
$57,523
middle 50%: $45,120 – $78,404
Salary trajectory
Median earnings vs the national median for English Language and Literature, General (bachelor's) graduates.
This program (median)National median, same major & degreeMiddle 50% of graduates
General English studies at the University of South Dakota result in a $31k median starting salary. Earnings reach $58k by year ten.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau PSEO, release V4.13.0 2025Q4. Earnings are for graduates working in covered states; figures are medians in nominal dollars.
Will the degree pay for itself?
Drag the sliders — payback uses this program's actual salary curve.
Assumes a 6.5% APR loan and this program's median salary trajectory (interpolated between years 1, 5 and 10).
Paid off in
9.2 yrs
≈ $11,055 total interest
Same major at other universities
Montana State University Bozeman
$47,415 · 5 yrs out
Wright State University
$47,346 · 5 yrs out
Winston-Salem State University
$47,224 · 5 yrs out
Utah Tech University
$47,224 · 5 yrs out
University of Cincinnati
$47,207 · 5 yrs out
University of Wisconsin - Green Bay
$47,102 · 5 yrs out
University of Missouri - Saint Louis
$47,074 · 5 yrs out
Southern Oregon University
$47,059 · 5 yrs out
Winona State University
$47,021 · 5 yrs out
Cameron University
$46,994 · 5 yrs out
Georgia Southern University
$46,962 · 5 yrs out
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
$46,891 · 5 yrs out
Other majors at University of South Dakota
Medicine (Doctorate)
$232,751 · 5 yrs out
Health Professions and Related Programs (Doctorate)
$136,818 · 5 yrs out
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Bachelor's)
$116,358 · 5 yrs out
Psychology (Doctorate)
$107,201 · 5 yrs out
Education (Doctorate)
$95,450 · 5 yrs out
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services (Master's)
$95,189 · 5 yrs out
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctorate)
$89,791 · 5 yrs out
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services (Master's)
$89,516 · 5 yrs out
Public Administration and Social Service Professions (Master's)
$87,051 · 5 yrs out
Legal Professions and Studies (Doctorate)
$83,134 · 5 yrs out
Law (Doctorate)
$83,134 · 5 yrs out
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's)
$77,249 · 5 yrs out