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English Language and Literature/Letters Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

Baptist University of Florida stands out with a remarkable 69.20% graduation rate despite its $8,829 net cost, making it one of the most effective programs in this field. The English Language and Literature/Letters, Other category reveals stark contrasts, with costs ranging from $2,065 at Oglala Lakota College to $11,147 at Empire State University. Public institutions dominate the most affordable options, with Ohio University's regional campuses offering consistent $6,178 in-state tuition across five locations. The national publishing industry increasingly values specialized writing skills, creating opportunities for graduates who understand niche markets and emerging digital platforms. Earnings potential varies significantly, from $22,667 at California State University-Dominguez Hills to $41,937 at Empire State University, reflecting regional job markets and program specializations. Several historically black colleges and universities appear in this affordable range, including Coppin State University and Rust College, providing culturally responsive education in literary studies. Ohio's multiple campus options and Puerto Rico's strong 52.50% graduation rate at Universidad de Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras demonstrate how geographic diversity creates different pathways to literary education success.
31
Programs
$2,065 – $19,951
Net Price Range
$31,560
Avg. Program Earnings
47.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

31 English Language and Literature/Letters, Other Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,065 $2,684 11.5%
2 $3,659 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
3 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
4 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
5 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
6 $6,007 $7,001 25.6% 45.0%
7 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
8 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
9 $6,507 $5,324 52.5% 51.6%
10 $7,349 $14,776 16.0% 45.1%
11 $8,751 $13,840 27.0% 78.8%
12 $8,829 $13,800 69.2% 92.1%
13 $9,900 $8,379 46.6% 92.1%
14 $10,916 $11,436 53.7% 97.0%
15 $11,147 $7,630 29.3%
16 $11,750 $15,265 87.6% 23.7%
17 $11,893 $19,920 39.8%
18 $14,295 $8,712 47.9% 82.7%
19 $14,317 $35,558 55.9% 75.0%
20 $14,532 $9,496 55.7% 86.3%
21 $14,832 $17,228 93.2% 17.7%
22 $15,288 $15,247 85.1% 37.3%
23 $16,544 $7,824 25.6% 88.8%
24 $16,607 $14,560 74.5% 46.9%
25 $17,185 $29,778 51.1% 65.0%
26 $18,109 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
27 $18,467 $28,360 48.8% 80.1%
28 $18,686 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%
29 $18,705 $27,192 64.8% 67.9%
30 $19,725 $9,633 49.3% 78.9%
31 $19,951 $8,815 68.2% 59.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide graduation rate differences between similar-cost schools?

Baptist University of Florida achieves 69.20% graduation while Ohio University-Chillicothe manages only 12.10%, despite both costing under $9,000 annually. Student support services, class sizes, and institutional focus create these dramatic differences. Schools like University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras maintain 52.50% graduation rates through strong academic traditions and community connections.

How do Ohio University's five regional campuses compare for English students?

All five Ohio University campuses charge identical $6,178 in-state tuition but show vastly different outcomes. Lancaster Campus has the lowest graduation rate at 13.70%, while Eastern Campus reaches 20.00%. Net costs vary from $4,503 to $6,483 depending on location, with rural campuses typically offering lower living expenses.

Is the $41,937 earning potential at Empire State University worth the higher cost?

Empire State University graduates earn $41,937 compared to $22,667 at Cal State Dominguez Hills, nearly doubling income potential. The $11,147 net cost versus $3,659 creates a significant investment difference. New York's publishing and media industries provide more high-paying opportunities for English graduates than many other regions.

Does acceptance rate correlate with program quality in affordable English programs?

Western Kentucky University accepts 96.95% of applicants yet maintains a solid 53.70% graduation rate and $33,993 earnings. Meanwhile, University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras accepts only 51.59% but achieves 52.50% graduation. High selectivity doesn't guarantee better outcomes in affordable English programs.

Where can students find the lowest net costs for English literature programs?

Oglala Lakota College offers the absolute lowest at $2,065 net cost, though graduation data remains limited. California State University-Dominguez Hills provides the next most affordable option at $3,659 with documented 46.90% graduation rates. Ohio University's regional campuses cluster between $4,503 and $6,483 for consistent quality.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.