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Literature Colleges Under $20,000

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

Literature programs under $20,000 reveal a stark divide between public access and private excellence. Antioch College charges just $6,602 net price despite being private, while UCLA manages to graduate 92.7% of literature students at $14,013 annually. The publishing industry employs over 650,000 Americans across traditional houses, digital media, and content marketing firms, creating steady demand for literature graduates who understand narrative craft and cultural analysis. Davidson College produces the highest earners at $33,687 starting salary, though its 16.95% acceptance rate makes it highly selective. Public universities dominate the affordable market, with Marshall University accepting 96.88% of applicants at $8,327 net cost. However, graduation rates vary dramatically from Wilberforce's 16% to UCLA's near-perfect 92.7%, suggesting that low cost doesn't guarantee completion. Students considering literature programs face a choice between accessibility and outcomes, with some schools offering both while others excel in just one area.
24
Programs
$6,602 – $19,685
Net Price Range
$28,451
Avg. Program Earnings
54.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

24 Literature Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $6,602 $37,143 26.3% 83.0%
2 $7,349 $14,776 16.0% 45.1%
3 $8,327 $8,942 48.7% 96.9%
4 $12,280 $14,014 44.6% 66.4%
5 $14,013 $13,747 92.7% 8.6%
6 $14,334 $22,490 44.4% 57.9%
7 $14,368 $14,266 56.9% 76.9%
8 $14,760 $10,304 44.1% 91.6%
9 $15,133 $10,506 35.7% 80.3%
10 $16,041 $14,190 61.8% 79.0%
11 $17,034 $14,630 39.6% 97.6%
12 $17,084 $15,510 45.5% 83.2%
13 $18,127 $60,300 91.9% 17.0%
14 $18,251 $28,976 56.8% 94.4%
15 $18,508 $33,252 46.7% 75.2%
16 $18,516 $21,100 50.3% 74.0%
17 $18,609 $9,490 54.1% 70.7%
18 $18,686 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%
19 $18,833 $8,812 70.2% 72.5%
20 $18,835 $32,236 56.3% 87.5%
21 $18,952 $14,646 53.4% 97.4%
22 $19,067 $8,953 61.6% 74.7%
23 $19,300 $32,890 46.4% 74.8%
24 $19,685 $24,606 59.7% 95.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains UCLA's high graduation rate compared to other affordable literature programs?

UCLA graduates 92.7% of literature students while maintaining a $14,013 net price, far exceeding peers like Marshall University at 48.7% graduation rate. The school's 8.57% acceptance rate means only the most prepared students enroll, creating a cohort more likely to complete degrees. UCLA also benefits from California's strong entertainment and media industries, providing internships and job prospects that motivate students to finish their programs. This combination of selectivity and regional opportunity creates conditions for academic success.

How do private colleges like Antioch achieve such low net prices for literature students?

Antioch College offers a $6,602 net price despite a $37,143 sticker price through substantial financial aid packages. Many private colleges use endowment funds and targeted scholarships to attract students who might otherwise choose public options. Antioch's 82.95% acceptance rate suggests they're actively recruiting rather than selecting only wealthy applicants. However, the 26.3% graduation rate indicates that low cost alone doesn't guarantee student success without proper support systems.

Does geographic location affect literature program affordability and outcomes?

Literature programs show significant regional variation in both cost and career preparation. University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg graduates earn $33,687 starting salaries, reflecting Pennsylvania's strong publishing and corporate communications market. Michigan schools like University of Michigan-Flint cost $12,280 but benefit from Detroit's growing media sector. Southern schools like University of Tennessee Southern charge $15,133 but face more limited local publishing opportunities, potentially affecting graduate earning potential.

What graduation rate should literature students expect from affordable programs?

Graduation rates for literature programs under $20,000 range from 16% at Wilberforce University to 92.7% at UCLA. Most public universities fall between 40-60%, with Central Michigan University achieving 61.8% at $16,041 net cost. Schools with acceptance rates above 90% like Marshall University and Southwest Minnesota State often struggle with completion rates below 50%. Students should prioritize schools with both reasonable costs and graduation rates above 45% for the best chance of degree completion.

Is student debt a major concern for affordable literature programs?

Literature students at affordable programs typically graduate with manageable debt loads. UCLA students average $13,328 in debt while earning $25,194 starting salaries, creating a favorable debt-to-income ratio. University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg graduates carry $27,000 debt but earn $33,687 initially, still maintaining reasonable repayment prospects. Most programs under $20,000 keep debt below $25,000, making literature degrees financially viable even in a field known for modest starting salaries.

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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.