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Best Value English Language and Literature Colleges in Tennessee

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

Tennessee State University delivers the most affordable English Language and Literature education in the state at just $10,026 net cost, while graduates earn $33,993 annually. This creates an unusual value proposition in a state where private institutions like Vanderbilt charge $19,040 net despite similar starting salaries of $30,891. The 20 programs across Tennessee show dramatic cost variations, from TSU's bargain rate to The University of the South at $27,498. English majors in Tennessee benefit from the state's growing healthcare communications sector, with HCA Healthcare headquartered in Nashville requiring content specialists and technical writers. The state's music industry also creates opportunities for English graduates in marketing, journalism, and media relations. Public universities dominate the value equation, with six of the top seven most affordable options being state institutions. Middle Tennessee State University combines reasonable costs at $12,599 with solid outcomes, graduating 54% of students compared to the state average. Tennessee's lack of state income tax means graduates keep more of their earnings, making even modest starting salaries more valuable than in other states.
36
Programs
$8,992 – $32,096
Net Price Range
$26,894
Avg. Program Earnings
53.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

36 English Language and Literature, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,026 $33,993 $8,568 33.0%
2 $12,599 $30,409 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
3 $10,299 $21,964 $10,208 54.8% 88.4%
4 $20,399 $39,009 $22,690 60.7% 72.6%
5 $12,817 $24,325 $10,144 53.1% 82.7%
6 $13,253 $23,571 $10,344 49.4% 94.6%
7 $14,846 $26,121 $8,675 44.5% 93.8%
8 $19,040 $30,891 $63,946 92.7% 6.7%
9 $18,109 $26,933 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
10 $14,207 $20,140 $10,084 54.2% 78.1%
11 $15,794 $22,055 $9,950 49.9% 85.3%
12 $25,060 $30,119 $54,892 81.6% 53.9%
13 $22,874 $25,194 $28,500 30.5% 81.1%
14 $26,815 $25,194 $38,450 70.9% 52.6%
15 $27,498 $25,194 $53,698 82.4% 52.3%
16 $32,096 $25,194 $41,320 71.7% 96.3%
17 $14,459 $29,790 54.8% 70.9%
18 $14,879 $29,264 43.6% 60.7%
19 $24,334 $25,590 51.4% 65.8%
20 $21,131 $39,350 60.3% 66.7%
21 $20,986 $38,514 47.2% 69.5%
22 $15,133 $10,506 35.7% 80.3%
23 $17,999 $26,150 53.9% 78.5%
24 $8,992 $12,076 24.7% 99.6%
25 $14,494 $11,790 17.0%
26 $23,508 $34,800 46.4% 60.8%
27 $20,303 $20,318 62.2% 63.2%
28 $20,082 $25,000 68.4% 91.2%
29 $19,983 $20,796 61.4%
30 $26,135 $24,298 43.5% 71.0%
31 $25,610 $38,824 68.7% 71.1%
32 $18,292 $27,840 47.0% 66.2%
33 $10,896 $37,300 56.0% 87.5%
34 $18,661 $34,700 46.4% 79.8%
35 $16,494 $18,900 55.9%
36 $21,803 $18,168 34.9% 88.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Tennessee State University such a strong value for English majors?

Tennessee State University offers the lowest net cost at $10,026 while producing graduates who earn $33,993 annually, creating the best return on investment ratio in the state. The 33% graduation rate is lower than some competitors, but the affordability and solid earnings make it attractive for budget-conscious students. TSU's location in Nashville provides access to healthcare, music, and publishing industry internships.

How do public universities compare to private colleges for English programs in Tennessee?

Public universities dominate the value rankings, with costs ranging from $10,026 to $18,109 compared to private institutions at $19,040 to $27,498. However, private schools like Lee University produce the highest-earning graduates at $39,009 annually. The University of Tennessee-Knoxville offers the best balance among publics with a 73.5% graduation rate and $26,933 average earnings at $18,109 net cost.

Does Vanderbilt University justify its higher costs for English majors?

Vanderbilt charges $19,040 net cost but graduates earn only $30,891, which is less than Lee University graduates who pay slightly more. The 92.7% graduation rate is strong, and the 6.67% acceptance rate creates exclusivity. However, the earnings premium doesn't match the cost difference compared to public alternatives like UT-Knoxville.

Where do English graduates find the best job opportunities in Tennessee?

Nashville offers the most opportunities with HCA Healthcare, music industry companies, and publishing houses requiring content creators and communications specialists. Memphis provides media and logistics industry positions, while Knoxville serves the university and government sectors. The state's lack of income tax means graduates keep more of their $20,140 to $39,009 starting salaries compared to other states.

What graduation rates should English majors expect at Tennessee colleges?

Graduation rates vary dramatically from 30.5% at Tusculum University to 92.7% at Vanderbilt University. Public universities average around 50-55%, with UT-Knoxville leading at 73.5% and Rhodes College achieving 81.6% among private institutions. Students at Tennessee State University face a 33% graduation rate, but the low cost minimizes financial risk for those who complete the program.

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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.