Best Literature Degrees in the US by ROI
Top colleges ranked by estimated 20-year net return on investment across all active states. Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Programs Analyzed
9
Colleges with salary data
Average 20-Yr Net ROI
-$334,813
Across all programs
Average Annual Cost
$45,866
Cost of attendance
| # | College | State | 20-Yr Net ROI | Median Salary | Annual Cost | Avg Debt | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown
Grad rate: 51.0% |
PA | -$108,134 | $44,116 | $28,501 | $27,000 | Full ROI → |
| 2 |
University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg
Grad rate: 39.1% |
PA | -$108,186 | $44,116 | $28,514 | $27,000 | Full ROI → |
| 3 |
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
Grad rate: 84.0% |
PA | -$140,958 | $44,116 | $36,707 | $27,000 | Full ROI → |
| 4 |
University of California-Los Angeles
Grad rate: 92.6% |
CA | -$295,667 | $35,429 | $36,643 | $13,093 | Full ROI → |
| 5 |
SUNY at Purchase College
Grad rate: 64.2% |
NY | -$381,974 | $30,297 | $28,541 | $25,000 | Full ROI → |
| 6 |
Grand Canyon University
Grad rate: 44.0% |
AZ | -$394,242 | $30,679 | $31,493 | $31,000 | Full ROI → |
| 7 |
Pace University
Grad rate: 61.4% |
NY | -$422,068 | $36,270 | $68,092 | $26,000 | Full ROI → |
| 8 |
American University
Grad rate: 79.0% |
DC | -$523,817 | $31,881 | $71,549 | $26,105 | Full ROI → |
| 9 |
The New School
Grad rate: 70.2% |
NY | -$638,270 | $28,241 | $82,757 | $23,750 | Full ROI → |
How ROI is calculated
20-Year Net ROI = Gross Earnings (salary × 20) − Total Degree Cost − Debt Payoff (×1.35) − Baseline Opportunity Cost ($42,000 × 20). Data from the U.S. College Scorecard.
Find Best Literature Degrees by State
Browse Literature programs ranked by 20-year ROI in every state that offers this degree.