English at Columbia College

Vienna, VA · Private for-profit · Certificate · English Language and Literature, General

a smaller institution with 239 students in Vienna, VA.

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $20,322/yr fall 17% below the $24,369 national median for English. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

AI risk is moderate — 61% task exposure — and the 12% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for English graduates.

At #10 out of 14 programs, Columbia College's financial outcomes for English trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth is modest: $20,322 to $23,486 over five years (16% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

35 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
29
Low End
35
Score
38
High End
Earnings $20,322/yr (-17% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (39% shielded)
Job Market Large (73,200 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$240K
3.7% annual growth
Viable Career Paths
3 of 3
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$23,486
16% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for English graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
English language and literature teachers, postsecondary $78,270 0.0% 47%
Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education $64,580 -1.6% 67%
Proofreaders and copy markers $49,210 -0.6% 2%
English language and literature teachers, postsecondary
$78,270
0.0% growth 47% AI-proof
Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education
$64,580
-1.6% growth 67% AI-proof
Proofreaders and copy markers
$49,210
-0.6% growth 2% AI-proof

English Career Guide

See the full career breakdown for English — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Columbia College and 13 other schools.

Read the full English career guide →

Compare & Explore

English Overview

English at Other Schools

Other Majors at Columbia College

Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?

Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Columbia College's English program score?
A score of 35/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for English. Earnings, ROI, or job market factors are pulling the score down.
What's the AI risk for English graduates from Columbia College?
Our scenarios model 61% of English tasks as AI-exposed. That doesn't mean job loss — it means role evolution. Columbia College's 35/100 score weights this risk into the overall assessment.
Can you still earn well with English from Columbia College?
Starting salary is one data point. If Columbia College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Is there demand for English workers?
Job availability for English is strong — 73,200 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For Columbia College graduates specifically, local market conditions in VA may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →