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Best Value English Language and Literature Colleges in Missouri

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

College of the Ozarks stands out among Missouri's English programs with an strong net cost of just $7,669, though graduates earn $17,470 annually, the lowest in the state. This creates an interesting value proposition compared to Rockhurst University, where students pay $23,165 but earn $32,925 after graduation. Missouri's literary job market connects directly to the state's major healthcare systems like BJC HealthCare and technology companies such as Cerner, where English majors fill communications, technical writing, and content strategy roles. Public universities dominate the middle range, with schools like Truman State University offering solid returns at $12,030 net cost and $24,730 in earnings. The state's A+ Scholarship program helps students transition from community college to four-year English programs, making the pathway more affordable. Graduation rates vary significantly, from College of the Ozarks' 61.3% to the University of Missouri-Columbia's 76.2%, suggesting that institutional support plays a major role in student success beyond just cost considerations.
37
Programs
$7,669 – $27,075
Net Price Range
$25,818
Avg. Program Earnings
54.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

37 English Language and Literature, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,323 $29,685 $13,440 56.9% 51.1%
2 $13,375 $30,771 $8,044 32.1%
3 $7,669 $17,470 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
4 $12,837 $27,397 $11,988 55.9% 69.5%
5 $12,030 $24,730 $9,470 68.4% 45.1%
6 $14,824 $27,488 $10,181 57.5% 85.6%
7 $16,602 $26,896 $19,890 61.6% 41.0%
8 $12,638 $20,140 $9,800 39.8%
9 $18,516 $28,870 $21,100 50.3% 74.0%
10 $14,532 $22,329 $9,496 55.7% 86.3%
11 $19,889 $29,064 $14,130 76.2% 79.1%
12 $21,523 $30,771 $35,235 66.0% 63.4%
13 $23,165 $32,925 $43,420 75.6% 66.5%
14 $17,502 $22,627 $9,024 57.3% 92.6%
15 $26,196 $24,730 $30,730 61.1% 55.1%
16 $24,051 $21,781 $24,326 45.7%
17 $27,075 $21,234 $53,244 79.8% 84.7%
18 $22,117 $62,982 94.4% 11.8%
19 $13,773 $14,278 63.6% 81.5%
20 $23,277 $28,200 46.5% 64.2%
21 $21,082 $28,320 51.2% 99.6%
22 $26,111 $34,188 57.5% 75.3%
23 $22,270 $28,860 57.0% 61.5%
24 $14,774 $6,960 100.0%
25 $15,529 $16,400 30.0%
26 $16,939 $38,672 42.6% 67.6%
27 $17,945 $23,000 24.5% 61.2%
28 $11,653 $8,400 38.3% 99.5%
29 $25,807 $33,122 48.2% 70.9%
30 $26,047 $27,166 71.5% 87.8%
31 $12,484 $9,290 22.1%
32 $21,123 $26,880 44.3% 67.1%
33 $18,251 $28,976 56.8% 94.4%
34 $22,080 $29,915 50.2% 97.0%
35 $18,154 $26,209 61.4% 73.0%
36 $15,336 $9,739 49.4% 71.3%
37 $25,477 $27,140 52.5% 97.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes College of the Ozarks such an unusual value for English majors?

College of the Ozarks charges a net cost of only $7,669, making it the most affordable English program in Missouri. However, graduates earn $17,470 annually, which is $7,260 less than Truman State University graduates who pay just $4,361 more. The school accepts only 21.13% of applicants, making it highly selective despite the low cost. Students should weigh the immediate savings against potentially lower long-term earning potential.

How do public universities compare to private schools for English program value?

Public universities generally offer better value, with schools like University of Missouri-St Louis providing strong earnings of $29,685 at a net cost of $12,323. Truman State University delivers solid returns with graduates earning $24,730 while paying $12,030. Private schools like Rockhurst University charge $23,165 but produce the highest-earning graduates at $32,925 annually. The earnings gap between top public and private programs is about $8,200 annually.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Missouri English programs?

Higher-cost programs generally show better graduation rates, with University of Missouri-Columbia leading at 76.2% graduation rate and $19,889 net cost. Rockhurst University follows closely with 75.6% graduation rate at $23,165 cost. However, College of the Ozarks breaks this pattern with a 61.3% graduation rate despite its $7,669 cost. Missouri Western State University shows the lowest graduation rate at 39.8% with a moderate $12,638 net cost.

Where do Missouri English graduates typically find employment?

Missouri's major employers like Cerner and BJC HealthCare actively recruit English majors for technical writing, communications, and content strategy positions. The state's healthcare sector, anchored by companies like BJC HealthCare, needs skilled communicators for patient education and marketing materials. Defense contractors and agricultural companies like Monsanto also hire English graduates for regulatory writing and corporate communications. Kansas City and St. Louis metro areas offer the most opportunities, with graduates earning between $27,000-$33,000 in these markets.

Is the earnings range worth the investment for English majors in Missouri?

Missouri English graduates earn between $17,470 and $32,925, creating a $15,455 range that reflects both school choice and career path. Graduates from Rockhurst University earn nearly double those from College of the Ozarks, though they pay three times more in net costs. Most programs fall in the $22,000-$30,000 earnings range, which aligns with entry-level communications and writing positions in Missouri's major markets. The state's relatively low cost of living helps stretch these salaries further than in coastal markets.

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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.