2026 Best Value English Language Literature Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value English Language Literature graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 1675 institutions 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 help you make your decision, 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Arizona State University Skysong earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Set in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $29,917. 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. Arizona State University Skysong has an acceptance rate of 67%. Get the full Arizona State University Skysong report
Mcdaniel College came in at #2 on this year's best-value English Language Literature ranking in the United States. Mcdaniel College is a private not-for-profit school based in Westminster, MD. Students from in state pay about $52,081 in tuition and fees. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $22,250. Mcdaniel College alumni report median earnings of $60,663 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Mcdaniel College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Minnesota State University Mankato earned it the #3 place in the United States. Minnesota State University Mankato is a public school based in Mankato, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,922 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Mankato
You'll get strong value at St Marys University, which ranked #4 this year. Set in San Antonio, TX, St Marys University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,434. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $26,000. St Marys University alumni report median earnings of $56,955 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. More on St Marys University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Youngstown State University earned it the #5 place in the United States. This public school is set in Youngstown, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. The median English Language Literature program debt is $26,239. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,544. Set against $26,239 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%. Read more about Youngstown State University
Bowling Green State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Located in Bowling Green, OH, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,912, with out-of-state students paying around $21,900. Bowling Green State University Main Campus English Language Literature students take on a median of $26,902 in debt. Median earnings reach $47,896 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,902 median debt. Bowling Green State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 81%. Read more about Bowling Green State University Main Campus
Missouri State University Springfield landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,502, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. 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. Missouri State University Springfield admits about 90% of applicants. See the full Missouri State University Springfield profile
Texas Tech University came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Set in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $21,462. Texas Tech University alumni report median earnings of $62,454 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Texas Tech University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,346 ten years after entry. Set against $25,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville admits about 98% of applicants. More on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
University Of North Texas placed #10 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Based in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,309 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. Graduates carry a median of $19,498 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,010. Set against $19,498 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Texas admits about 72% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of North Texas
University Of Nebraska At Omaha offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Based in Omaha, NE, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,718, compared with $23,206 for out-of-state students. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $24,543. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,909. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Nebraska At Omaha profile
Sam Houston State University offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. This public school is set in Huntsville, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,228, with out-of-state students paying around $19,068. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $25,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,211. Set against $25,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Sam Houston State University report
Mesa State College ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Based in Grand Junction, CO, Mesa State College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,927 in tuition and fees, compared with $25,124 for out-of-state students. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $22,412. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,823. That is a strong return on a $22,412 median debt. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Mesa State College
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Based in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,161, with out-of-state students paying around $33,230. Students borrow a median of $23,956 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Median earnings reach $90,768 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,956 median debt. Roughly 31% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
Millersville University Of Pennsylvania came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Set in Millersville, PA, Millersville University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,128, with out-of-state students paying around $22,952. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $25,934. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,246. Set against $25,934 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read the full report on Millersville University Of Pennsylvania
East Carolina University placed #16 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. East Carolina University is a public school based in Greenville, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,361, compared with $23,638 for out-of-state students. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $25,400. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,146. That is a strong return on a $25,400 median debt. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. More on East Carolina University
Spalding University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Based in Louisville, KY, Spalding University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $29,000 in tuition and fees. The median English Language Literature program debt is $29,862. Spalding University alumni report median earnings of $49,438 a decade after entry. Set against $29,862 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. More on Spalding University
University Of Houston Downtown placed #18 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. University Of Houston Downtown is a public school based in Houston, TX. Students from in state pay about $7,582 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,434. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $28,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,551. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. More on University Of Houston Downtown
Texas A And M University Commerce offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Texas A And M University Commerce is a public school based in Commerce, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,026, compared with $22,326 for out-of-state students. Texas A And M University Commerce English Language Literature students take on a median of $13,407 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,296. That is a strong return on a $13,407 median debt. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Texas A And M University Commerce
Indiana University East offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Located in Richmond, IN, Indiana University East is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,424 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,811 for out-of-state students. Indiana University East English Language Literature students take on a median of $26,991 in debt. Indiana University East alumni report median earnings of $47,156 a decade after entry. Set against $26,991 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Indiana University East
Northern Arizona University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Northern Arizona University is a public school based in Flagstaff, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,619, while out-of-state students pay about $20,044. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $18,981. Northern Arizona University alumni report median earnings of $54,384 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Northern Arizona University
University Of Iowa offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. This public school is set in Iowa City, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,283, while out-of-state students pay about $33,371. Students borrow a median of $24,738 to complete their English Language Literature program here. University Of Iowa alumni report median earnings of $64,762 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%. See the full University Of Iowa profile
Western Carolina University came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Western Carolina University is a public school based in Cullowhee, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,630, while out-of-state students pay about $8,630. Western Carolina University English Language Literature students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,458. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Carolina University has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read more about Western Carolina University
University Of Missouri Columbia landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,837, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. The median English Language Literature program debt is $23,182. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,403 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,182 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Missouri Columbia report
Northern Kentucky University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Located in Highland Heights, KY, Northern Kentucky University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,088 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,912. Graduates carry a median of $24,585 in student loans. Northern Kentucky University alumni report median earnings of $50,220 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 68%. More on Northern Kentucky University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value English Language Literature Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Salem State University placed #26 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Based in Salem, MA, Salem State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,338, while out-of-state students pay about $19,531. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,662 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%. More on Salem State University
University Of Arkansas offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. This public school is set in Fayetteville, AR. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,104, with out-of-state students paying around $29,966. University Of Arkansas English Language Literature students take on a median of $21,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $58,191 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Arkansas admits about 74% of applicants. More on University Of Arkansas
Kansas State University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Based in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,221 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. Kansas State University English Language Literature students take on a median of $21,750 in debt. Median earnings reach $57,262 ten years out. Set against $21,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kansas State University has an acceptance rate of 82%. Get the full Kansas State University report
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Based in Charlotte, NC, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,239, while out-of-state students pay about $22,492. Students borrow a median of $23,071 to complete their English Language Literature program here. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte alumni report median earnings of $57,289 a decade after entry. Set against $23,071 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte admits about 80% of applicants. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Charlotte report
Arizona State University placed #30 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Arizona State University is a public school based in Tempe, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Students borrow a median of $29,917 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arizona State University admits about 90% of applicants. More on Arizona State University
Stony Brook University came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Based in Stony Brook, NY, Stony Brook University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,931, compared with $32,741 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,606 in student loans. Median earnings reach $74,502 ten years out. Set against $21,606 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Stony Brook University admits about 49% of applicants. Get the full Stony Brook University report
Auburn University placed #32 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. This public school is set in Auburn, AL. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,890, compared with $34,922 for out-of-state students. Auburn University English Language Literature students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $65,337 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 46%. See the full Auburn University profile
Eastern Illinois University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Eastern Illinois University is a public school based in Charleston, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $13,377, compared with $15,859 for out-of-state students. Eastern Illinois University English Language Literature students take on a median of $25,053 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,989 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,053 median debt. The acceptance rate is 65%. See the full Eastern Illinois University profile
San Diego State University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,728, compared with $21,328 for out-of-state students. The median English Language Literature program debt is $14,997. San Diego State University alumni report median earnings of $64,909 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 36% of those who apply are admitted. See the full San Diego State University profile
Emporia State University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Located in Emporia, KS, Emporia State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,106, with out-of-state students paying around $15,419. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $23,131. Median earnings reach $47,601 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,131 median debt. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Emporia State University report
Southern New Hampshire University offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Southern New Hampshire University is a private not-for-profit school based in Manchester, NH. In-state tuition and fees average $17,200. The median English Language Literature program debt is $33,425. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,318 ten years after entry. Set against $33,425 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Southern New Hampshire University
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Indianapolis, IN, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,762, while out-of-state students pay about $34,891. The median English Language Literature program debt is $26,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,198. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. See the full Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis profile
California State University Long Beach offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Set in Long Beach, CA, California State University Long Beach is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,374, compared with $19,974 for out-of-state students. The median English Language Literature program debt is $15,331. Median earnings reach $64,403 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted. Read more about California State University Long Beach
Weber State University landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Ogden, UT. Students from in state pay about $6,557 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,545. Weber State University English Language Literature students take on a median of $21,052 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,287 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Weber State University
Harvard University placed #40 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Located in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,676. The median English Language Literature program debt is $16,616. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $101,817. That is a strong return on a $16,616 median debt. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Harvard University report
University Of Arkansas At Little Rock came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Based in Little Rock, AR, University Of Arkansas At Little Rock is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,911, while out-of-state students pay about $22,721. The median English Language Literature program debt is $29,153. University Of Arkansas At Little Rock alumni report median earnings of $45,265 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 59%. Read more about University Of Arkansas At Little Rock
Old Dominion University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Located in Norfolk, VA, Old Dominion University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,750, with out-of-state students paying around $33,780. Students borrow a median of $26,103 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,914 ten years after entry. Set against $26,103 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Old Dominion University
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Located in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,363, compared with $28,697 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,625 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,810. That is a strong return on a $22,625 median debt. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 85%. Read the full report on University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
George Mason University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. George Mason University is a public school based in Fairfax, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,220, while out-of-state students pay about $38,688. Graduates carry a median of $23,221 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $76,343. That is a strong return on a $23,221 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on George Mason University
Johns Hopkins University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Located in Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $64,730. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $13,728. Median earnings reach $87,555 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,728 median debt. The acceptance rate is 6%. More on Johns Hopkins University
University Of Central Florida ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. This public school is set in Orlando, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $6,368, with out-of-state students paying around $22,467. University Of Central Florida English Language Literature students take on a median of $22,631 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,308. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Central Florida has an acceptance rate of 40%. Read the full report on University Of Central Florida
Colorado State University Pueblo placed #47 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. This public school is set in Pueblo, CO. In-state tuition and fees average $9,720, while out-of-state students pay about $17,944. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Colorado State University Pueblo alumni report median earnings of $55,563 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Colorado State University Pueblo admits about 95% of applicants. Read the full report on Colorado State University Pueblo
University Of Kentucky placed #48 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. University Of Kentucky is a public school based in Lexington, KY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,502, with out-of-state students paying around $34,140. Students borrow a median of $21,250 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,025 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Kentucky has an acceptance rate of 93%. More on University Of Kentucky
University At Buffalo offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Based in Buffalo, NY, University At Buffalo is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,936, while out-of-state students pay about $31,536. The median English Language Literature program debt is $19,583. Median earnings reach $70,814 ten years out. Set against $19,583 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University At Buffalo
The University Of Texas At San Antonio placed #50 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. The University Of Texas At San Antonio is a public school based in San Antonio, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,326, compared with $22,249 for out-of-state students. The median English Language Literature program debt is $25,267. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,131 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At San Antonio has an acceptance rate of 87%. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At San Antonio
Related English Language Literature Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value English Language Literature Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value English Language Literature Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value English Language Literature Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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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