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Best Value English Language and Literature Colleges in North Carolina

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

Elizabeth City State University delivers North Carolina's most affordable English degree at just $7,237 net cost, while graduates earn $28,598 annually. This creates an unusual situation where the state's lowest-cost program actually outperforms several mid-range options in post-graduation earnings. The gap between most affordable and most expensive reaches $27,509, with Wake Forest University topping costs at $34,454. North Carolina's Research Triangle and Charlotte banking sector increasingly value English graduates for technical writing, communications, and content strategy roles. UNC Chapel Hill achieves the highest graduation rate at 92.10%, though its graduates earn less than those from UNC Charlotte despite similar net costs. The state's public universities dominate this list, offering in-state students English degrees for under $9,000 annually. With acceptance rates ranging from Wake Forest's selective 21.37% to East Carolina's open 92.34%, students find options across all academic profiles.
50
Programs
$6,608 – $41,048
Net Price Range
$27,470
Avg. Program Earnings
52.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 English Language and Literature, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $7,237 $28,598 $3,412 48.1% 74.2%
2 $7,360 $25,774 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
3 $10,170 $29,374 $7,593 57.9% 91.9%
4 $14,745 $32,315 $7,214 67.7% 79.6%
5 $12,579 $26,519 $4,532 59.1% 84.8%
6 $10,980 $21,964 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
7 $12,983 $24,325 $8,989 92.1% 17.1%
8 $13,393 $24,421 $6,735 48.6% 73.4%
9 $12,865 $23,456 $7,461 55.0% 74.3%
10 $16,931 $30,771 $8,895 84.6% 47.2%
11 $15,028 $25,580 $6,542 46.0% 84.4%
12 $16,514 $27,261 $7,361 62.1% 92.3%
13 $19,472 $27,710 $7,317 70.7% 68.8%
14 $28,746 $40,896 $64,758 90.9% 21.4%
15 $16,487 $22,887 $7,541 73.1% 83.1%
16 $21,200 $23,649 $41,140 47.7% 83.5%
17 $34,454 $38,289 $65,805 95.8% 6.4%
18 $23,613 $25,194 $19,500 46.4% 97.2%
19 $20,197 $21,052 $43,936 65.0% 73.2%
20 $24,137 $21,508 $33,450 61.7% 75.0%
21 $41,048 $35,330 $44,536 83.0% 74.5%
22 $26,328 $33,860 40.6% 68.1%
23 $21,371 $40,196 46.8% 86.2%
24 $23,719 $40,290 43.2% 84.0%
25 $6,608 $10,646 46.4% 80.0%
26 $18,165 $35,536 40.4% 68.4%
27 $21,728 $33,150 44.3% 63.2%
28 $9,918 $3,571 44.5% 89.7%
29 $21,953 $33,930 42.6% 69.1%
30 $27,786 $43,285 65.9% 71.3%
31 $17,740 $16,896 33.2% 58.9%
32 $18,835 $32,236 56.3% 87.5%
33 $14,083 $17,176 20.2% 61.0%
34 $33,756 $30,800 27.1% 64.8%
35 $17,893 $25,950 47.5% 74.6%
36 $24,978 $39,664 40.1% 75.7%
37 $20,313 $37,270 41.9% 74.2%
38 $15,662 $18,296 27.1% 63.8%
39 $23,393 $30,900 51.0% 82.9%
40 $25,765 $31,140 44.2% 61.3%
41 $20,011 $20,480 34.1% 25.3%
42 $40,721 $44,208 70.0% 78.9%
43 $19,314 $20,400 40.8% 84.3%
44 $18,127 $60,300 91.9% 17.0%
45 $16,189 $27,110 28.5% 86.7%
46 $18,210 $33,400 52.1% 67.1%
47 $23,991 $40,410 55.9% 88.6%
48 $21,376 $31,250 39.0% 39.9%
49 $22,858 $19,140 20.6% 44.6%
50 $23,665 $35,600 51.5% 94.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Elizabeth City State University such good value for English majors?

Elizabeth City State University combines the lowest net cost in the state at $7,237 with solid graduate earnings of $28,598. This creates a debt-to-income ratio that beats many higher-priced programs. The university's 74.15% acceptance rate makes it accessible while still maintaining academic standards that prepare students for North Carolina's growing content and communications job market.

How do public versus private English programs compare in North Carolina?

Public universities dominate the best value rankings, with 14 of the 15 schools being state institutions. Wake Forest University represents the lone private option at $28,746 net cost, nearly four times higher than top public choices. However, Wake Forest graduates earn $40,896 annually, the highest in the state, and achieve a 90.90% graduation rate.

Does UNC Chapel Hill justify its competitive admission for English majors?

UNC Chapel Hill accepts only 17.11% of applicants but achieves a remarkable 92.10% graduation rate. However, graduates earn $24,325 annually, less than UNC Charlotte's $32,315 despite similar net costs around $13,000. The prestige factor and alumni network may provide long-term career advantages not reflected in early earnings data.

Where do English graduates find the best job prospects in North Carolina?

UNC Charlotte graduates earn the highest among public universities at $32,315, benefiting from the city's banking and financial services sector. The Research Triangle area around Raleigh offers opportunities in tech communications and content strategy. Charlotte and the Triangle region both seek English graduates for corporate communications, technical writing, and digital marketing roles in their expanding business sectors.

What graduation rates can English students expect across different price points?

Graduation rates vary significantly, from Fayetteville State's 35.20% to UNC Chapel Hill's 92.10%. Higher-cost programs generally show better completion rates, with Wake Forest at 90.90% and UNC Charlotte at 67.70%. However, Elizabeth City State achieves a respectable 48.10% graduation rate despite its low cost, suggesting adequate support systems for English majors.

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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.