Best Value English Language and Literature Colleges in Maryland

Maryland English programs reveal a striking earnings disparity that spans nearly $20,000, from University of Maryland Eastern Shore's $15,552 to UMBC's $35,416. The state's proximity to Washington D.C. creates unique opportunities for English graduates, with federal agencies, think tanks, and nonprofits offering strong career paths for skilled writers and communicators. University of Maryland Global Campus leads the value proposition at $14,514 net cost while delivering $33,993 in median earnings. Meanwhile, Johns Hopkins commands a 94.60% graduation rate but accepts just 7.25% of applicants, creating an elite pathway for those who gain admission. Public institutions dominate the affordable options, with eight schools charging under $19,000 net cost. The regional job market particularly benefits English majors through government contracting opportunities, policy research positions, and communications roles within the extensive federal ecosystem that surrounds the Baltimore-Washington corridor.

Programs

$14,035 – $29,633

Net Price Range

$29,184

Avg. Program Earnings

59.5%

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	University of Maryland Global Campus Adelphi, Maryland	$14,514	$33,993	$7,992	29.6%
2	University of Maryland-College Park College Park, Maryland	$15,590	$33,604	$11,505	88.6%	44.6%
3	Morgan State University Baltimore, Maryland	$15,015	$30,771	$8,118	41.6%	85.4%
4	Towson University Towson, Maryland	$16,791	$33,138	$11,306	67.6%	78.6%
5	University of Maryland-Baltimore County Baltimore, Maryland	$18,328	$35,416	$12,952	70.6%	80.6%
6	Salisbury University Salisbury, Maryland	$16,456	$30,228	$10,638	67.4%	91.1%
7	St. Mary's College of Maryland St. Mary's City, Maryland	$18,362	$33,281	$15,236	68.0%	77.3%
8	Frostburg State University Frostburg, Maryland	$15,323	$27,488	$9,998	52.1%	87.9%
9	McDaniel College Westminster, Maryland	$20,923	$26,353	$49,647	63.8%	82.1%
10	Mount St. Mary's University Emmitsburg, Maryland	$24,987	$30,409	$47,240	58.0%	79.6%
11	University of Maryland Eastern Shore Princess Anne, Maryland	$14,035	$15,552	$8,898	34.6%	81.6%
12	Loyola University Maryland Baltimore, Maryland	$29,633	$29,685	$55,480	80.5%	83.5%
13	Washington College Chestertown, Maryland	$29,095	$28,055	$54,356	74.1%	74.7%
14	Goucher College Baltimore, Maryland	$23,774	$20,596	$51,250	60.0%	80.2%
15	Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, Maryland	$18,161		$63,340	94.6%	7.3%
16	Hood College Frederick, Maryland	$23,707		$45,870	55.3%	77.9%
17	Notre Dame of Maryland University Baltimore, Maryland	$24,536		$41,910	51.9%	69.6%
18	Washington Adventist University Takoma Park, Maryland	$15,026		$25,200	40.0%	51.4%
19	Bowie State University Bowie, Maryland	$19,335		$8,999	38.1%	86.5%
20	Stevenson University Owings Mills, Maryland	$26,806		$39,708	66.4%	84.1%
21	University of Baltimore Baltimore, Maryland	$17,546		$9,772	46.7%	89.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Maryland Eastern Shore stand out in this ranking?

UMES offers the lowest net cost at $14,035 but produces concerning outcomes with median earnings of just $15,552 and a 34.60% graduation rate. The school accepts 81.56% of applicants, making admission relatively accessible. However, graduates face average debt loads of $27,000, creating a challenging financial situation given the low earning potential.

How do private colleges compare to public options for English majors in Maryland?

Private institutions charge significantly more, with net costs ranging from $20,923 at McDaniel to $29,633 at Loyola University Maryland. However, they don't consistently deliver better earnings outcomes. McDaniel graduates earn just $26,353 despite the higher investment, while several public universities like UMBC produce graduates earning over $35,000 annually.

Is Johns Hopkins worth considering despite its selectivity?

Johns Hopkins accepts only 7.25% of applicants but delivers an outstanding 94.60% graduation rate. The net cost of $18,161 places it among the more affordable options in the state. While earnings data isn't available, the university's reputation and connections to federal research institutions provide significant networking advantages for English graduates.

Does geographic location within Maryland affect career prospects for English majors?

Schools near the Baltimore-Washington corridor offer distinct advantages due to federal government proximity. UMBC in Baltimore produces the highest median earnings at $35,416, likely reflecting access to government contracting and policy work. Even University of Maryland College Park, with its 88.60% graduation rate, benefits from D.C. area opportunities for its English graduates.

What debt levels should English majors expect after graduation?

Debt loads vary considerably across Maryland programs, ranging from $17,750 at UMBC to $27,000 at both UMES and Loyola. Most public institutions keep debt under $22,000, while private colleges often exceed $24,000. Given that median earnings span $15,552 to $35,416, debt-to-income ratios become a critical factor in program selection.

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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.