2026 Best Value English Language Literature Schools
Looking for the best-value English Language Literature programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 1675 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Grad Degree reviewed schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value English Language Literature Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Columbia College Chicago this year in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $34,088. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their English Language Literature program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,195. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Columbia College Chicago has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read the full report on Columbia College Chicago
A rank of #2 makes Mcdaniel College one of the best values in the United States. Located in Westminster, MD, Mcdaniel College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $52,081. Graduates carry a median of $22,250 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,663. Set against $22,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read more about Mcdaniel College
Out of the 1675 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Fitchburg State University landed the #3 spot. Based in Fitchburg, MA, Fitchburg State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,346 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,426. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $27,000. Fitchburg State University alumni report median earnings of $53,874 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%. Read more about Fitchburg State University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Arizona State University Skysong earned it the #4 place in the United States. Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,627 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Graduates carry a median of $29,917 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,917 median debt. The acceptance rate is 67%. More on Arizona State University Skysong
A rank of #5 makes Minnesota State University Mankato one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Mankato, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. The median English Language Literature program debt is $25,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,922. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Mankato
The College Of New Jersey placed #6 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. This public school is set in Ewing, NJ. In-state tuition and fees run about $19,632, while out-of-state students pay about $25,752. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $25,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,323. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The College Of New Jersey admits about 62% of applicants. Read the full report on The College Of New Jersey
Illinois State University came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Set in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,410, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. Illinois State University English Language Literature students take on a median of $23,125 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,117. Set against $23,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Illinois State University admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full Illinois State University report
Worcester State University came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Based in Worcester, MA, Worcester State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,786, with out-of-state students paying around $17,866. Graduates carry a median of $26,474 in student loans. Worcester State University alumni report median earnings of $60,624 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,474 median debt. Worcester State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about Worcester State University
Lindenwood University landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,600. The median English Language Literature program debt is $28,663. Lindenwood University alumni report median earnings of $53,278 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Lindenwood University admits about 57% of applicants. More on Lindenwood University
Goucher College landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Baltimore, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,350. The median English Language Literature program debt is $26,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,023. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%. Get the full Goucher College report
Brigham Young University Provo offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Set in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $6,688 in tuition and fees. The median English Language Literature program debt is $11,248. Brigham Young University Provo alumni report median earnings of $75,790 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Provo has an acceptance rate of 68%. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report
St Marys University offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Set in San Antonio, TX, St Marys University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,434. The median English Language Literature program debt is $26,000. Median earnings reach $56,955 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. More on St Marys University
Winona State University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Set in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,576 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,308. Students borrow a median of $23,750 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,532 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Winona State University admits about 76% of applicants. More on Winona State University
Midwestern State University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. This public school is set in Wichita Falls, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,950, with out-of-state students paying around $11,770. The median English Language Literature program debt is $26,415. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,747. Set against $26,415 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Midwestern State University
Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Madison, NJ. Students from in state pay about $37,468 in tuition and fees. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $25,981. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,273 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read more about Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham
Metropolitan State University placed #16 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. This public school is set in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,840. Graduates carry a median of $26,673 in student loans. Median earnings reach $64,705 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,673 median debt. Metropolitan State University admits about 99% of applicants. Read the full report on Metropolitan State University
Western Illinois University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Based in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,572 in tuition and fees. Western Illinois University English Language Literature students take on a median of $23,750 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,163 ten years after entry. Set against $23,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 71%. Read more about Western Illinois University
Youngstown State University placed #18 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Located in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,926, while out-of-state students pay about $10,286. Youngstown State University English Language Literature students take on a median of $26,239 in debt. Youngstown State University alumni report median earnings of $41,544 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,239 median debt. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Youngstown State University
Hamline University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Hamline University is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $50,004. Students borrow a median of $25,055 to complete their English Language Literature program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,106. That is a strong return on a $25,055 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about Hamline University
Northern Illinois University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. This public school is set in Dekalb, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,060. Northern Illinois University English Language Literature students take on a median of $25,375 in debt. Median earnings reach $57,808 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 70%. Get the full Northern Illinois University report
National University landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in San Diego, CA, National University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,284. Students borrow a median of $26,437 to complete their English Language Literature program here. National University alumni report median earnings of $67,548 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,437 median debt. Read the full report on National University
Truman State University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Located in Kirksville, MO, Truman State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,838, compared with $18,566 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,743 to complete their English Language Literature program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,280. That is a strong return on a $26,743 median debt. The acceptance rate is 84%. More on Truman State University
Cuny Graduate School And University Center offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Set in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,235 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,185. The median English Language Literature program debt is $17,921. Median earnings reach $65,991 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,921 median debt. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Cuny Graduate School And University Center
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Located in Indiana, PA, Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,380, with out-of-state students paying around $16,297. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus English Language Literature students take on a median of $27,280 in debt. Median earnings reach $51,019 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,280 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%. Read the full report on Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus
Villanova University came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Based in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $67,776 in tuition and fees. The median English Language Literature program debt is $26,899. Graduates go on to earn a median of $100,423 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Villanova University has an acceptance rate of 27%. Read the full report on Villanova University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value English Language Literature Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Trinity College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Set in Hartford, CT, Trinity College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $70,770. Graduates carry a median of $22,592 in student loans. Trinity College alumni report median earnings of $90,779 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 29%. Read the full report on Trinity College
North Dakota State University Main Campus came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public school based in Fargo, ND. In-state tuition and fees average $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,025 in student loans. North Dakota State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $62,203 a decade after entry. Set against $25,025 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Dakota State University Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants. Read more about North Dakota State University Main Campus
University Of Dayton came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Set in Dayton, OH, University Of Dayton is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $49,140 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,398 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Median earnings reach $75,537 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,398 median debt. The acceptance rate is 65%. Get the full University Of Dayton report
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public school based in Edwardsville, IL. Students from in state pay about $12,092 in tuition and fees. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $25,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,346. Set against $25,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville profile
West Texas A And M University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Based in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,101, while out-of-state students pay about $10,996. West Texas A And M University English Language Literature students take on a median of $21,839 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,741. That is a strong return on a $21,839 median debt. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Get the full West Texas A And M University report
Salisbury University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Salisbury University is a public school based in Salisbury, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $11,084, while out-of-state students pay about $22,174. Salisbury University English Language Literature students take on a median of $21,875 in debt. Salisbury University alumni report median earnings of $61,515 a decade after entry. Set against $21,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Salisbury University admits about 88% of applicants. See the full Salisbury University profile
University Of Houston Clear Lake ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. University Of Houston Clear Lake is a public school based in Houston, TX. Students from in state pay about $8,346 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,290 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,875 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,004 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Houston Clear Lake
Rowan University came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Based in Glassboro, NJ, Rowan University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,574 in tuition and fees, compared with $26,932 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,752 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,988. Set against $25,752 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Rowan University admits about 78% of applicants. Read the full report on Rowan University
Montclair State University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Montclair, NJ. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,912, compared with $26,022 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,092 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Montclair State University alumni report median earnings of $61,415 a decade after entry. Set against $25,092 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on Montclair State University
College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland is a private not-for-profit school based in Baltimore, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $43,360. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,344 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland has an acceptance rate of 82%. More on College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland
University Of North Alabama placed #36 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Set in Florence, AL, University Of North Alabama is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,120, with out-of-state students paying around $22,320. University Of North Alabama English Language Literature students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. University Of North Alabama alumni report median earnings of $45,415 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Alabama admits about 87% of applicants. See the full University Of North Alabama profile
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in West Chester, PA, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,775, compared with $22,599 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,258 ten years after entry. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania admits about 78% of applicants. Read the full report on West Chester University Of Pennsylvania
Saint Cloud State University landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,245. The median English Language Literature program debt is $21,482. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,813. Set against $21,482 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Saint Cloud State University
Missouri State University Springfield ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Set in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,502 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,442 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Median earnings reach $49,827 ten years out. Set against $26,442 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Missouri State University Springfield
Grand Valley State University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. This public school is set in Allendale, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,502, with out-of-state students paying around $21,894. Graduates carry a median of $25,137 in student loans. Grand Valley State University alumni report median earnings of $56,118 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,137 median debt. Grand Valley State University has an acceptance rate of 83%. Read the full report on Grand Valley State University
University Of Wisconsin Stout came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Menomonie, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,701, compared with $19,265 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,084 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Stout
Texas Tech University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Students borrow a median of $21,462 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,454. Set against $21,462 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. More on Texas Tech University
Loyola Marymount University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Loyola Marymount University is a private not-for-profit school based in Los Angeles, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,867. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $22,565. Median earnings reach $78,349 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,565 median debt. Loyola Marymount University has an acceptance rate of 45%. Read more about Loyola Marymount University
Marquette University offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Located in Milwaukee, WI, Marquette University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $51,170. Marquette University English Language Literature students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,257. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Marquette University
Texas A And M University San Antonio ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Located in San Antonio, TX, Texas A And M University San Antonio is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,654, with out-of-state students paying around $23,255. Graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,338. That is a strong return on a $19,000 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Texas A And M University San Antonio report
Texas A And M International University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Set in Laredo, TX, Texas A And M International University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,894 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,454 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,727 to complete their English Language Literature program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,386. That is a strong return on a $15,727 median debt. About 44% of those who apply are admitted. More on Texas A And M International University
University Of Nebraska At Kearney came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Located in Kearney, NE, University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,564, with out-of-state students paying around $16,484. University Of Nebraska At Kearney English Language Literature students take on a median of $24,422 in debt. University Of Nebraska At Kearney alumni report median earnings of $50,105 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Nebraska At Kearney profile
University Of Delaware ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Set in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,810 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. The median English Language Literature program debt is $26,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,950 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Delaware
Liberty University came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Liberty University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lynchburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,173. Graduates carry a median of $24,850 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,813. That is a strong return on a $24,850 median debt. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. More on Liberty University
Bowling Green State University Main Campus ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Based in Bowling Green, OH, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,912, compared with $21,900 for out-of-state students. The median English Language Literature program debt is $26,902. Bowling Green State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $47,896 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,902 median debt. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Bowling Green State University Main Campus
Best Value English Language Literature Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value English Language Literature Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value English Language Literature Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value English Language Literature Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 1675 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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