Best Value English Language and Literature Colleges in Louisiana

McNeese State University graduates with English degrees earn $33,993 annually, the highest among Louisiana's public universities and nearly $10,000 more than the state average for English majors. This Lake Charles campus achieves strong outcomes at just $11,257 net cost, making it a standout value in a state where English program costs range from $8,130 to $43,939. Louisiana's growing energy sector and major ports create demand for skilled communicators, with companies like Shell, ExxonMobil, and the Port of South Louisiana requiring technical writers, communications specialists, and corporate relations professionals. The state's TOPS scholarship program helps qualifying students attend public universities tuition-free, further improving affordability. While Tulane commands $43,939 net cost with an 88.9% graduation rate, several public options like University of New Orleans ($11,147) and Southeastern Louisiana University ($12,174) offer solid returns. The earning potential varies significantly, from $23,745 at University of Louisiana at Lafayette to McNeese's $33,993, reflecting both program quality and regional job market connections.

Programs

$8,130 – $43,939

Net Price Range

$27,401

Avg. Program Earnings

47.8%

Avg. Graduation Rate

21 English Language and Literature, General Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	McNeese State University Lake Charles, Louisiana	$11,257	$33,993	$8,460	52.0%	71.2%
2	University of New Orleans New Orleans, Louisiana	$11,147	$26,489	$9,172	42.5%	69.8%
3	Southeastern Louisiana University Hammond, Louisiana	$12,174	$25,967	$8,373	44.8%	99.0%
4	University of Louisiana at Lafayette Lafayette, Louisiana	$14,118	$23,745	$10,418	52.0%	74.6%
5	Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Baton Rouge, Louisiana	$20,015	$27,280	$11,954	71.0%	75.7%
6	Tulane University of Louisiana New Orleans, Louisiana	$43,939	$26,933	$65,538	88.9%	11.5%
7	Xavier University of Louisiana New Orleans, Louisiana	$18,285		$27,868	50.2%	95.2%
8	Centenary College of Louisiana Shreveport, Louisiana	$25,159		$40,000	59.3%	63.7%
9	Southern University at New Orleans New Orleans, Louisiana	$15,260		$7,490	17.9%	93.5%
10	Southern University and A & M College Baton Rouge, Louisiana	$19,740		$9,940	28.5%	53.9%
11	University of Holy Cross New Orleans, Louisiana	$16,780		$16,160	35.8%	87.4%
12	Northwestern State University of Louisiana Natchitoches, Louisiana	$13,809		$8,864	44.6%	97.9%
13	University of Louisiana at Monroe Monroe, Louisiana	$11,633		$9,190	50.6%	70.1%
14	Nicholls State University Thibodaux, Louisiana	$12,091		$8,173	54.3%	98.4%
15	Loyola University New Orleans New Orleans, Louisiana	$22,762		$47,240	67.4%	78.1%
16	Louisiana Tech University Ruston, Louisiana	$12,209		$10,125	57.6%	62.4%
17	Louisiana Christian University Pineville, Louisiana	$16,874		$19,740	41.3%	74.6%
18	Louisiana State University-Shreveport Shreveport, Louisiana	$8,130		$7,327	33.2%	88.9%
19	Louisiana State University-Alexandria Alexandria, Louisiana	$8,365		$7,050	35.5%	57.7%
20	Grambling State University Grambling, Louisiana	$19,125		$7,683	32.3%	42.4%
21	Dillard University New Orleans, Louisiana	$18,553		$22,194	45.1%	79.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes McNeese State University the top value for English majors in Louisiana?

McNeese delivers the highest graduate earnings at $33,993 with a reasonable $11,257 net cost and 52% graduation rate. The Lake Charles location provides access to major petrochemical employers who need technical writers and communications professionals. Students benefit from small class sizes and strong industry connections in Southwest Louisiana's energy corridor.

How much can Louisiana TOPS scholarship recipients save on English degrees?

TOPS covers full tuition at public universities, reducing costs significantly for qualifying students. At LSU, this means paying just room, board, and fees instead of the full $11,954 in-state cost. The scholarship applies to all 10 public universities in the ranking, making quality English education accessible regardless of family income.

Is Tulane University worth the $43,939 net cost for English majors?

Tulane's 88.9% graduation rate far exceeds other Louisiana schools, but graduates earn $26,933, which trails McNeese by $7,000 annually. The private university offers smaller classes and extensive alumni networks, yet the four-year cost difference of roughly $130,000 makes the return on investment questionable. Students seeking prestige may find value, but purely financial metrics favor public alternatives.

Where do English graduates find the best job opportunities in Louisiana?

New Orleans offers the most varied market with media, tourism, and corporate headquarters requiring content creators and communications specialists. Baton Rouge provides government and LSU-related positions, while Lake Charles and Lafayette benefit from energy sector demand. The Port of South Louisiana and petrochemical companies actively recruit technical writers and public relations professionals with English backgrounds.

Does graduation rate correlate with earnings for Louisiana English programs?

The data shows mixed results, with McNeese achieving both high earnings ($33,993) and moderate graduation rates (52%). LSU graduates 71% of students but produces lower earnings at $27,280. Several schools like Southeastern Louisiana (44.8% graduation) and University of Louisiana Monroe (50.6% graduation) fall in the middle for both metrics, suggesting program quality varies independently of completion rates.

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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.