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Best Value English Language and Literature Colleges in Pennsylvania

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

East Stroudsburg University delivers the strongest value proposition for English majors in Pennsylvania, with graduates earning $31,762 annually while paying just $15,089 net cost. This represents a compelling return on investment that outperforms several private colleges charging triple the price. The earnings gap across Pennsylvania's English programs spans nearly $15,000, from Lycoming College's $24,421 to University of Scranton's $39,369. Pennsylvania's media market, anchored by companies like Comcast and major publishing operations in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, creates steady demand for English graduates in content creation, communications, and digital media roles. Public universities dominate the value rankings, with East Stroudsburg, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and Slippery Rock all delivering strong earnings potential below $20,000 net cost. Private colleges like Westminster and Allegheny command higher prices but show mixed results in graduate outcomes. The state's healthcare giants like UPMC also employ English majors in patient communications, grant writing, and marketing roles. Most programs maintain acceptance rates above 75%, making admission accessible for qualified students seeking affordable pathways into Pennsylvania's growing knowledge economy.
50
Programs
$15,089 – $44,876
Net Price Range
$31,238
Avg. Program Earnings
69.4%
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 $15,089 $31,762 $11,036 43.8% 93.6%
2 $17,216 $29,685 $11,380 52.4% 91.9%
3 $20,800 $35,600 $39,470 65.9% 75.3%
4 $19,524 $31,614 $10,507 65.9% 74.3%
5 $21,900 $33,993 $54,960 66.5% 69.7%
6 $20,231 $29,956 $12,262 54.4% 92.4%
7 $22,673 $33,535 $10,687 69.8% 87.9%
8 $21,205 $31,067 $11,230 54.1% 96.1%
9 $21,664 $29,685 $28,794 42.2% 84.9%
10 $30,528 $39,369 $52,309 80.8% 84.4%
11 $25,544 $32,925 $28,185 71.4% 88.1%
12 $19,258 $24,421 $47,675 59.6% 75.2%
13 $30,314 $36,848 $60,240 80.2% 65.5%
14 $24,051 $29,059 $35,815 50.5% 78.5%
15 $23,553 $28,443 $13,544 51.6% 87.8%
16 $30,485 $36,668 $59,196 76.6% 82.2%
17 $24,791 $29,685 $38,160 59.6% 82.1%
18 $28,132 $33,446 $50,320 72.5% 76.7%
19 $30,086 $34,348 $64,230 82.7% 56.3%
20 $34,978 $38,829 $47,146 75.5% 87.5%
21 $22,222 $24,615 $39,570 72.5% 80.8%
22 $27,263 $29,685 $44,510 58.7% 80.6%
23 $32,191 $33,993 $63,475 83.4% 34.9%
24 $31,229 $32,563 $66,104 96.8% 6.5%
25 $35,487 $36,848 $51,340 79.8% 88.7%
26 $32,496 $32,391 $62,574 88.1% 33.6%
27 $29,219 $29,081 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
28 $27,686 $26,353 $40,640 78.5% 79.4%
29 $44,876 $42,682 $64,701 92.4% 23.4%
30 $40,429 $36,668 $64,772 86.2% 32.6%
31 $25,866 $22,938 $48,290 64.0% 77.6%
32 $33,549 $25,194 $62,180 89.2% 37.0%
33 $27,700 $20,140 $42,286 60.3% 94.1%
34 $39,061 $25,194 $68,380 86.0% 36.2%
35 $40,690 $24,035 $62,560 85.6% 30.8%
36 $30,470 $53,638 63.5% 87.7%
37 $20,356 $22,171 43.5% 75.6%
38 $19,173 $41,720 72.8% 73.1%
39 $21,043 $33,610 61.5% 79.1%
40 $23,331 $41,100 72.1% 73.4%
41 $21,241 $27,000 51.8% 94.1%
42 $31,671 $63,829 92.5% 11.3%
43 $22,558 $41,414 71.0% 78.3%
44 $20,822 $34,502 55.2% 92.7%
45 $27,499 $24,510 56.1% 82.4%
46 $26,539 $57,400 74.1% 76.7%
47 $18,686 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%
48 $30,465 $44,800 71.0% 77.2%
49 $28,329 $42,810 58.5% 59.0%
50 $25,157 $29,460 60.5% 75.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes East Stroudsburg University the top value for English majors?

East Stroudsburg combines the lowest net cost at $15,089 with solid graduate earnings of $31,762, creating the best cost-to-earnings ratio in Pennsylvania. The university maintains a 44% graduation rate while accepting 94% of applicants. Students benefit from small class sizes and direct access to faculty mentorship in writing and literature studies.

How do public universities compare to private colleges for English value?

Public universities consistently deliver better value, with net costs ranging from $15,089 to $23,553 compared to private colleges at $19,258 to $30,528. Graduate earnings remain competitive, with public school graduates earning $28,443 to $33,535 annually. The PA State Grant further reduces costs for in-state students at public institutions.

Is University of Scranton worth the higher cost for English students?

University of Scranton justifies its $30,528 net cost with the highest graduate earnings at $39,369 and an impressive 81% graduation rate. The private Jesuit institution provides extensive networking opportunities and career services. However, students must weigh whether the $9,000+ earnings premium over public alternatives justifies the doubled educational investment.

Where do English graduates find employment in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania's major employers actively recruit English graduates, with Comcast hiring for content and communications roles in Philadelphia. Healthcare systems like UPMC employ English majors in patient communications, marketing, and grant writing positions. The state's pharmaceutical companies also value English graduates for regulatory writing and corporate communications roles.

Does graduation rate correlate with program value in Pennsylvania English programs?

Higher graduation rates generally indicate better student support but don't always translate to superior value. University of Scranton's 81% graduation rate pairs with top earnings of $39,369, while East Stroudsburg's 44% rate still produces competitive $31,762 earnings at much lower cost. West Chester University achieves 70% graduation rates with strong $33,535 earnings potential.

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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.