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Mississippi Valley State University offers the lowest net cost for English Language and Literature at $11,812, while graduates from the University of Mississippi earn $25,194 annually. This $13,382 difference in earnings potential highlights the wide range of outcomes across Mississippi's 14 programs. The state's teacher shortage creates strong placement opportunities for English graduates, particularly in rural districts where literature education remains essential. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with eight of the ten lowest-cost programs coming from state institutions. Net costs range from $11,812 to $25,291, making Mississippi one of the most accessible states for English literature study.
14
Programs
$11,812 – $25,291
Net Price Range
$21,654
Avg. Program Earnings
47.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

14 English Language and Literature, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $13,164 $25,194 $9,412 68.5% 97.4%
2 $13,198 $21,964 $8,092 37.8% 99.1%
3 $15,501 $22,806 $9,815 62.9% 75.2%
4 $14,224 $20,140 $9,618 50.6% 98.8%
5 $17,052 $18,309 $14,685 40.8% 53.6%
6 $20,191 $21,508 $9,090 32.2% 88.6%
7 $14,040 $8,549 46.2% 29.9%
8 $22,078 $29,195 51.1% 42.6%
9 $18,062 $19,280 51.2% 95.7%
10 $13,778 $8,605 46.9% 98.6%
11 $25,291 $43,815 55.5% 67.8%
12 $11,812 $7,912 22.1% 64.8%
13 $20,911 $21,698 62.8% 40.0%
14 $15,663 $11,398 32.3% 49.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $13,382 earnings gap between Mississippi's highest and lowest-paying English programs?

University of Mississippi graduates earn $25,194 compared to $18,309 at William Carey University, reflecting differences in alumni networks and career services. The flagship university's 68.50% graduation rate and broad alumni base create more professional connections for English majors entering publishing, journalism, and education.

How do acceptance rates affect program quality for English majors in Mississippi?

Alcorn State University accepts just 29.93% of applicants yet maintains competitive outcomes, while Mississippi University for Women accepts 99.11% with a 37.80% graduation rate. Millsaps College balances selectivity at 67.83% acceptance with a strong 55.50% graduation rate, indicating more rigorous academic preparation.

Does attending a private college provide better value than public options for English literature majors?

Public universities generally offer superior value, with Mississippi State University providing $22,806 earnings potential at a $15,501 net cost. Private options like Belhaven University cost $22,078 but lack comparable earnings data, making public institutions the clearer financial choice for most students.

Where do English graduates find the strongest job markets within Mississippi?

Jackson offers opportunities in state government communications and media, while the Gulf Coast region needs teachers following recent population growth. The University of Mississippi's location near Memphis extends job prospects into Tennessee's larger literary and publishing markets, explaining their graduates' higher earnings of $25,194.

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