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Best Value English Language and Literature Colleges in Indiana

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

Indiana University-Southeast offers English Language and Literature students the lowest net cost at just $8,257 annually, though graduates earn $20,824 on average. This creates an interesting contrast with higher-priced programs like University of Notre Dame at $27,823 net cost, where graduates earn nearly double at $39,585. The earnings gap between Indiana's lowest and highest-paying English programs spans $19,445, reflecting varied career paths from teaching to corporate communications. Indiana's media market, anchored by companies like Gannett and local healthcare communications roles at Eli Lilly, creates opportunities for English graduates in technical writing and content strategy. Public universities dominate the value proposition, with eight of the top ten lowest-cost programs coming from state institutions. However, private colleges like DePauw University justify their $24,546 net cost with strong alumni networks and 80% graduation rates, compared to 33.4% at some budget options.
38
Programs
$5,970 – $43,465
Net Price Range
$27,978
Avg. Program Earnings
59.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

38 English Language and Literature, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $8,463 $26,353 $8,419 44.0% 72.8%
2 $9,082 $26,353 $8,179 45.4% 77.6%
3 $11,408 $30,305 $10,449 53.9% 82.9%
4 $8,257 $20,824 $8,179 33.4% 85.2%
5 $12,188 $30,119 $9,992 41.1% 92.3%
6 $12,621 $29,685 $10,136 52.0% 94.4%
7 $15,342 $30,228 $11,790 81.2% 82.4%
8 $11,513 $20,140 $9,254 32.5% 80.7%
9 $13,945 $24,035 $9,992 83.1% 52.7%
10 $24,546 $38,289 $57,070 80.0% 65.8%
11 $21,583 $31,839 $46,588 67.0% 94.2%
12 $15,898 $23,373 $10,758 63.3% 69.0%
13 $27,823 $39,585 $62,693 96.8% 12.9%
14 $21,826 $25,194 $42,894 63.6% 74.1%
15 $21,906 $23,351 $49,125 77.1% 61.5%
16 $23,594 $39,100 60.9% 93.8%
17 $22,144 $35,640 49.4% 51.8%
18 $19,726 $33,320 57.2% 99.5%
19 $38,472 $45,980 80.2% 82.1%
20 $25,580 $35,600 67.6% 91.9%
21 $24,327 $39,104 76.6% 74.6%
22 $28,552 $51,430 76.5% 83.9%
23 $43,465 $33,490 52.3% 78.2%
24 $20,361 $35,420 60.7% 98.1%
25 $12,820 $27,150 70.0% 55.7%
26 $23,069 $31,168 66.3% 86.7%
27 $13,710 $29,982 68.2% 77.5%
28 $19,268 $37,090 44.8% 66.4%
29 $20,739 $22,650 29.9%
30 $20,230 $42,676 71.3% 76.3%
31 $5,970 $8,179 36.9% 80.3%
32 $22,762 $37,350 63.4% 92.9%
33 $8,364 $8,179 35.7% 86.9%
34 $6,276 $8,179 44.7% 85.8%
35 $15,725 $37,760 60.5% 93.5%
36 $18,406 $30,034 69.9% 84.6%
37 $18,748 $36,136 55.8% 76.1%
38 $26,470 $35,500 29.5% 76.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $19,401 earnings difference between Indiana English programs?

Notre Dame graduates earn $39,585 compared to $20,140 at Purdue Fort Wayne, reflecting differences in alumni networks and career services. Private colleges typically place graduates in higher-paying corporate roles, while regional public universities often prepare students for local teaching positions. The 21st Century Scholars program helps Indiana students access higher-earning programs by covering tuition costs. Geographic factors also matter, with Indianapolis-area programs showing stronger earning potential than rural campuses.

How do graduation rates affect the value calculation for English programs?

Notre Dame's 96.8% graduation rate justifies its $27,823 net cost when compared to Indiana University-Southeast's 33.4% rate at $8,257. Students who don't graduate carry debt without degree benefits, making completion rates important for value assessment. Indiana University-Bloomington balances both factors well with 81.2% graduation rates and moderate $15,342 costs. Programs with graduation rates below 45% require careful consideration despite low sticker prices.

Is the 21st Century Scholars program worth considering for English majors?

This program covers full tuition at public Indiana universities for qualifying students, making programs like Indiana University-Bloomington extremely affordable. English majors benefit significantly since the program eliminates the $11,790 in-state tuition cost. Students can access high-quality programs with 81.2% graduation rates without accumulating the typical debt load. The program particularly helps students afford stronger programs that lead to better career outcomes.

Does location within Indiana impact English graduate earnings?

Indianapolis-area programs show stronger earning potential, with IU-Indianapolis graduates earning $30,305 compared to rural programs averaging $23,000-$26,000. The capital city offers more corporate communications roles and media opportunities with companies like Eli Lilly and Indiana University Health. Fort Wayne and Evansville programs serve regional markets with lower salary scales but also lower living costs. Students targeting specific Indiana regions should consider local job market conditions when choosing programs.

Where do Indiana English graduates find the best debt-to-income ratios?

Purdue Fort Wayne offers the lowest debt load at $15,986, though graduates earn just $20,140 annually. Indiana University-Bloomington provides better balance with $16,227 debt and $30,228 earnings, creating more manageable repayment scenarios. Private colleges like Notre Dame carry $19,000 debt but $39,585 earnings, making payments feasible despite higher costs. Students should target programs where annual debt payments stay below 10% of expected 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.