2026 Best Value English Language Literature Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value English Language Literature master’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 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.
So you can compare your options, Grad Degree analyzed schools to build 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Columbia College Chicago earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Located in Chicago, IL, Columbia College Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,088. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Median earnings reach $42,195 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Columbia College Chicago admits about 90% of applicants. See the full Columbia College Chicago profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Fitchburg State University earned it the #2 place in the United States. Located in Fitchburg, MA, Fitchburg State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,346, with out-of-state students paying around $17,426. Fitchburg State University English Language Literature students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. 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%. Get the full Fitchburg State University report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Arizona State University Skysong earned it the #3 place in the United States. Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. Arizona State University Skysong English Language Literature students take on a median of $29,917 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arizona State University Skysong admits about 67% of applicants. More on Arizona State University Skysong
A rank of #4 makes Minnesota State University Mankato one of the best values in the United States. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. The median English Language Literature program debt is $25,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,922. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Mankato
A rank of #5 makes The College Of New Jersey one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Ewing, NJ. In-state tuition and fees average $19,632, with out-of-state students paying around $25,752. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $25,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,323 ten years after entry. 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
Worcester State University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Worcester, MA, Worcester State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,786 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,866. Graduates carry a median of $26,474 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,624. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Worcester State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about Worcester State University
Illinois State University offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Set in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,410, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. Graduates carry a median of $23,125 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,117. Set against $23,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on Illinois State University
Lindenwood University landed the #8 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 average $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. That is a strong return on a $28,663 median debt. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Lindenwood University report
Goucher College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Baltimore, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $53,350. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Median earnings reach $53,023 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Goucher College admits about 78% of applicants. See the full Goucher College profile
Brigham Young University Provo came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit school based in Provo, UT. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. Brigham Young University Provo English Language Literature students take on a median of $11,248 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,790. That is a strong return on a $11,248 median debt. The acceptance rate is 68%. See the full Brigham Young University Provo profile
Winona State University landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Winona State University is a public school based in Winona, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,576, while out-of-state students pay about $17,308. Students borrow a median of $23,750 to complete their English Language Literature program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,532. That is a strong return on a $23,750 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Winona State University
Midwestern State University placed #12 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Located in Wichita Falls, TX, Midwestern State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,950, with out-of-state students paying around $11,770. Students borrow a median of $26,415 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,747 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. More on Midwestern State University
Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Madison, NJ, Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,468. Students borrow a median of $25,981 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Median earnings reach $57,273 ten years out. Set against $25,981 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham
St Marys University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. St Marys University is a private not-for-profit school based in San Antonio, TX. Students from in state pay about $37,434 in tuition and fees. St Marys University English Language Literature students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,955 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full St Marys University report
Metropolitan State University placed #15 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Metropolitan State University is a public school based in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,840. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $26,673. Median earnings reach $64,705 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 99%. Get the full Metropolitan State University report
Western Illinois University placed #16 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Based in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,572. Students borrow a median of $23,750 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,163 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 Western Illinois University
Hamline University landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $50,004. The median English Language Literature program debt is $25,055. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,106 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,055 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Hamline University
Youngstown State University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Based in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,239 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,544 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Youngstown State University profile
Northern Illinois University landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Northern Illinois University is a public school based in Dekalb, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,060. Northern Illinois University English Language Literature students take on a median of $25,375 in debt. Northern Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $57,808 a decade after entry. Set against $25,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 70%. Read the full report on Northern Illinois University
National University offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Based 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. Graduates carry a median of $26,437 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,548. Set against $26,437 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on National University
Truman State University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. This public school is set in Kirksville, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $9,838, while out-of-state students pay about $18,566. The median English Language Literature program debt is $26,743. Median earnings reach $56,280 ten years out. Set against $26,743 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. See the full Truman State University profile
Cuny Graduate School And University Center came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public school based in New York, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,235, compared with $15,185 for out-of-state students. Cuny Graduate School And University Center English Language Literature students take on a median of $17,921 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,991. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 68%. More on Cuny Graduate School And University Center
Villanova University came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Villanova, PA. Students from in state pay about $67,776 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,899 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $100,423. Set against $26,899 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Villanova University admits about 27% of applicants. More on Villanova University
Trinity College came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Set in Hartford, CT, Trinity College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $70,770. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $22,592. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $90,779. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 29%. More on Trinity College
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Based in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,092. The median English Language Literature program debt is $25,250. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumni report median earnings of $56,346 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 98%. Read more about Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value English Language Literature Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
University Of Dayton landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Dayton, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $49,140. 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
North Dakota State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Located in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $25,025. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,203 ten years after entry. Set against $25,025 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%. Get the full North Dakota State University Main Campus report
West Texas A And M University offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $10,996. Graduates carry a median of $21,839 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,741. Set against $21,839 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about West Texas A And M University
Salisbury University ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Located in Salisbury, MD, Salisbury University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,084, with out-of-state students paying around $22,174. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $21,875. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,515 ten years after entry. Set against $21,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full Salisbury University profile
University Of Houston Clear Lake landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Houston Clear Lake is a public school based in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $8,346, with out-of-state students paying around $22,290. 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. University Of Houston Clear Lake has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read more about University Of Houston Clear Lake
Rowan University placed #31 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Set in Glassboro, NJ, Rowan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,574, while out-of-state students pay about $26,932. Graduates carry a median of $25,752 in student loans. Median earnings reach $59,988 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,752 median debt. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Rowan University
Montclair State University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Set in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,912 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $26,022. Students borrow a median of $25,092 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,415. Set against $25,092 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Montclair State University admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about Montclair State University
College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Baltimore, MD, College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $43,360 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,344. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. More on College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland
University Of North Alabama offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Based in Florence, AL, University Of North Alabama is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,120, with out-of-state students paying around $22,320. The median English Language Literature program debt is $25,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,415. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of North Alabama
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in West Chester, PA, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,775 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,599. Median earnings reach $61,258 ten years out. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 78%. More on West Chester University Of Pennsylvania
Saint Cloud State University placed #36 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Saint Cloud State University is a public school based in Saint Cloud, MN. Students from in state pay about $10,245 in tuition and fees. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $21,482. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,813. That is a strong return on a $21,482 median debt. Saint Cloud State University admits about 95% of applicants. More on Saint Cloud State University
Missouri State University Springfield landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,502, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. The median English Language Literature program debt is $26,442. 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. See the full Missouri State University Springfield profile
Grand Valley State University landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Allendale, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,502, while out-of-state students pay about $21,894. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $25,137. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,118 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Grand Valley State University admits about 83% of applicants. Read more about Grand Valley State University
University Of Wisconsin Stout ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Based in Menomonie, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stout is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,701, with out-of-state students paying around $19,265. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,084 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Stout has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Stout
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a public school based in Indiana, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,380, while out-of-state students pay about $16,297. Graduates carry a median of $27,280 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,019 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 91%. More on Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus
Texas Tech University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Set in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Texas Tech University English Language Literature students take on a median of $21,462 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,454. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Texas Tech University
Marquette University offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Based in Milwaukee, WI, Marquette University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $51,170. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $26,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,257. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Marquette University report
Loyola Marymount University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Set in Los Angeles, CA, Loyola Marymount University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $61,867. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $22,565. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,349. Set against $22,565 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. More on Loyola Marymount University
Texas A And M University San Antonio came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in San Antonio, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $9,654, compared with $23,255 for out-of-state students. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $19,000. Texas A And M University San Antonio alumni report median earnings of $54,338 a decade after entry. Set against $19,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas A And M University San Antonio admits about 93% of applicants. More on Texas A And M University San Antonio
Texas A And M International University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Texas A And M International University is a public school based in Laredo, TX. Students from in state pay about $7,894 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,454. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $15,727. Median earnings reach $48,386 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 44% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Texas A And M International University report
University Of Nebraska At Kearney placed #46 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Set in Kearney, NE, University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,564 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $16,484. Students borrow a median of $24,422 to complete their English Language Literature program here. 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. University Of Nebraska At Kearney has an acceptance rate of 90%. Get the full University Of Nebraska At Kearney report
Liberty University landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,173. Liberty University English Language Literature students take on a median of $24,850 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,813. Set against $24,850 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Liberty University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Get the full Liberty University report
Augsburg College landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Augsburg College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,452. Augsburg College English Language Literature students take on a median of $26,319 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,829. Set against $26,319 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%. More on Augsburg College
University Of Akron Main Campus landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Akron Main Campus is a public school based in Akron, OH. Students from in state pay about $13,135 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $28,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,600. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Akron Main Campus admits about 60% of applicants. See the full University Of Akron Main Campus profile
The University Of Texas Pan American landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Edinburg, TX, The University Of Texas Pan American is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,799, with out-of-state students paying around $19,645. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $17,625. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,620 ten years after entry. Set against $17,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. More on The University Of Texas Pan American
Related English Language Literature Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value English Language Literature Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value English Language Literature Graduate Certificate 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. Rankings consider 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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