Skip to main content

Best Value English Language and Literature Colleges in Illinois

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

University of Illinois Springfield delivers the lowest net cost for English majors at $8,916 annually, yet graduates earn just $25,194 within ten years of graduation. This creates an unusual value proposition in a state where English graduates typically benefit from Chicago's publishing houses, media companies, and corporate communications roles. Governors State University offers a middle path with a $9,477 net cost but significantly higher earnings of $36,848, suggesting stronger career placement outcomes. Private institutions like Augustana College charge $49,834 in tuition but keep net costs reasonable at $12,437 through financial aid, while delivering a 79.2% graduation rate. The earnings gap between top and bottom performers spans $17,488 annually, reflecting how program quality and location influence career trajectories for English majors entering Illinois's competitive job market.
49
Programs
$8,837 – $35,196
Net Price Range
$30,329
Avg. Program Earnings
58.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

49 English Language and Literature, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $9,477 $36,848 $11,320 19.6% 57.5%
2 $8,916 $25,194 $12,252 61.4% 82.0%
3 $13,550 $34,420 $12,383 16.8% 62.7%
4 $12,313 $31,236 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
5 $12,909 $32,051 $12,700 49.6% 70.7%
6 $13,696 $33,604 $12,922 55.0% 97.5%
7 $12,437 $29,141 $49,834 79.2% 61.2%
8 $11,592 $25,194 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
9 $15,201 $32,925 $16,004 84.9% 44.8%
10 $12,093 $25,194 $36,840 59.0% 84.1%
11 $18,191 $35,060 $35,325 56.0% 68.0%
12 $14,093 $26,933 $13,403 45.2% 68.0%
13 $18,996 $33,840 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
14 $21,063 $35,701 $41,628 65.2% 76.0%
15 $23,033 $38,289 $44,394 71.1% 60.9%
16 $20,152 $33,281 $20,280 41.0% 88.3%
17 $18,967 $30,409 $66,939 94.9% 5.4%
18 $18,992 $28,236 $28,220 58.3% 81.9%
19 $29,550 $42,682 $55,704 82.5% 42.2%
20 $24,190 $32,382 $34,070 59.5% 68.4%
21 $27,143 $35,416 $65,997 95.9% 7.2%
22 $18,034 $23,351 $43,520 60.1% 90.7%
23 $22,048 $25,194 $28,400 40.6% 86.7%
24 $21,539 $23,456 $37,940 60.3% 57.8%
25 $29,141 $31,616 $44,460 70.0% 70.2%
26 $23,572 $25,194 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%
27 $26,984 $27,126 $43,930 86.6% 88.4%
28 $35,196 $32,284 $51,716 76.9% 79.2%
29 $27,499 $23,807 $54,202 70.4% 59.7%
30 $24,875 $19,794 $55,587 67.5% 73.3%
31 $21,270 $30,598 51.4% 94.1%
32 $21,814 $26,758 52.4% 64.4%
33 $10,133 $12,754 16.9% 48.5%
34 $21,386 $12,320 45.7% 91.3%
35 $16,381 $20,325 63.9% 70.7%
36 $26,788 $32,520 48.5% 94.8%
37 $16,177 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
38 $16,774 $36,258 47.4% 93.0%
39 $21,055 $26,100 23.0%
40 $16,284 $37,000 64.6% 58.4%
41 $15,113 $37,844 62.4% 89.5%
42 $23,066 $37,300 38.3% 54.9%
43 $17,324 $35,740 42.7% 61.7%
44 $11,197 $14,700 73.1% 71.4%
45 $23,529 $34,290 51.0% 93.1%
46 $17,945 $37,470 61.1% 77.2%
47 $25,027 $30,910 53.3% 58.2%
48 $18,370 $37,882 62.6% 74.1%
49 $8,837 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $27,654 earnings difference between Governors State and University of Illinois Springfield despite similar costs?

Governors State graduates earn $36,848 compared to $25,194 at UIS, despite net costs differing by only $561. This gap likely reflects Governors State's proximity to Chicago's job market and stronger industry connections. UIS maintains a much higher 61.4% graduation rate compared to Governors State's 19.6%, but career placement appears weaker for completers.

How do private colleges justify their higher sticker prices for English programs?

Augustana College charges $49,834 in tuition but reduces net cost to $12,437 through generous aid packages. The college delivers a 79.2% graduation rate, far above most public alternatives. However, graduates earn only $29,141, making the value proposition questionable compared to public options with similar net costs but better earning potential.

Is University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign worth the higher cost for English majors?

UIUC charges a $15,201 net cost, nearly double some alternatives, but delivers an 84.9% graduation rate and $32,925 in graduate earnings. The acceptance rate of 44.82% makes admission competitive. Students pay more upfront but benefit from stronger alumni networks and recruitment by major Illinois employers.

Does location within Illinois significantly impact English graduate earnings?

Chicago-area schools show mixed results, with Northeastern Illinois graduates earning $34,420 but UIC graduates earning $31,236 despite similar costs. North Park University in Chicago produces $35,060 earners at an $18,191 net cost. Geographic proximity to publishing and media companies appears less predictive than individual program strength and career services.

What debt levels should English majors expect at Illinois colleges?

Debt ranges from $13,249 at Elmhurst University to $29,145 at University of Illinois Springfield. Most programs fall between $19,500 and $26,500 in total borrowing. Students should note that UIS combines the highest debt load with the lowest graduate earnings, creating potential repayment challenges compared to alternatives.

More English Language and Literature, General Rankings

Cheapest English Language and Literature, General in Illinois English Language and Literature, General Under $20,000 in Illinois

Related

All English Language and Literature, General Programs Best Colleges in Illinois Best English Language and Literature, General in Illinois

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