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Best Value English Language and Literature Colleges in Virginia

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

Virginia's English Language and Literature programs show remarkable earnings variation, with Virginia Military Institute graduates earning $46,087 annually compared to Virginia Commonwealth University's $24,962. This $21,000 gap reflects the state's economy where defense contractors like Northrop Grumman and federal agencies value the analytical and communication skills that English majors develop. Old Dominion University offers the lowest net price at $14,170, making it accessible for students who want to enter Virginia's government and defense sectors without heavy debt loads. The state's 20 programs range from $14,170 to $33,417 in net costs, with public universities generally providing better value propositions. William & Mary achieves a 91% graduation rate at $22,529 net cost, while Washington and Lee University maintains a 94.9% graduation rate but costs $23,911. Virginia's proximity to Washington D.C. creates opportunities for English graduates in federal communications, policy writing, and contractor positions that require strong writing abilities.
39
Programs
$11,180 – $33,417
Net Price Range
$32,585
Avg. Program Earnings
60.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

39 English Language and Literature, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,170 $35,060 $12,262 44.4% 95.1%
2 $18,849 $46,087 $20,484 81.8% 71.1%
3 $18,287 $36,914 $13,815 69.3% 90.0%
4 $20,173 $39,369 $41,350 49.4% 90.4%
5 $18,749 $34,704 $20,686 54.1% 32.3%
6 $25,153 $42,235 $39,050 57.9% 81.4%
7 $22,529 $36,401 $25,040 91.0% 33.5%
8 $16,640 $26,739 $12,286 49.6% 93.3%
9 $23,911 $37,593 $64,525 94.9% 17.0%
10 $20,814 $30,988 $15,200 61.6% 87.8%
11 $23,790 $33,993 $15,478 86.3% 57.0%
12 $22,881 $32,092 $20,986 95.3% 18.7%
13 $27,759 $38,289 $48,002 74.6% 85.5%
14 $22,197 $29,374 $16,351 75.1% 85.4%
15 $19,452 $24,962 $16,458 65.4% 91.0%
16 $21,816 $27,536 $13,576 80.9% 78.3%
17 $21,108 $25,856 $14,559 67.4% 85.8%
18 $22,263 $26,353 $42,260 69.7% 72.4%
19 $29,552 $32,653 $21,222 63.5% 99.3%
20 $33,417 $31,839 $62,600 87.8% 24.4%
21 $20,583 $19,227 $36,960 49.1% 81.4%
22 $32,145 $28,598 $29,162 55.7% 74.5%
23 $14,553 $9,755 40.7% 89.7%
24 $23,383 $25,110 48.1% 75.8%
25 $11,180 $11,656 49.8% 75.6%
26 $22,198 $29,696 27.1% 63.0%
27 $18,436 $29,010 51.5% 95.0%
28 $19,580 $14,880 41.3% 80.6%
29 $23,262 $38,550 43.6% 76.0%
30 $24,014 $20,040 38.3% 99.5%
31 $30,055 $36,028 70.5% 80.4%
32 $27,786 $36,774 65.9% 79.8%
33 $22,085 $38,320 28.9% 84.3%
34 $20,591 $35,280 53.8% 96.9%
35 $12,973 $9,910 32.7% 89.5%
36 $23,615 $41,860 47.1% 99.5%
37 $17,833 $33,157 55.7%
38 $20,187 $35,540 61.6% 95.9%
39 $24,668 $52,388 65.3% 39.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Virginia Military Institute unusual for English majors?

VMI graduates earn $46,087 annually, the highest among Virginia's English programs, despite having a relatively modest net cost of $18,849. The military structure likely appeals to defense contractors and federal agencies seeking disciplined communicators. VMI maintains an 81.8% graduation rate with 71% acceptance rate, suggesting selective but supportive academic environment.

How do Virginia's public universities compare in cost and outcomes?

Public institutions range from Old Dominion's $14,170 net cost to Virginia Tech's $23,790, with earnings spanning $24,962 to $36,914. University of Virginia achieves 95.3% graduation rates at $22,881 net cost, while George Mason offers strong value at $18,287 with $36,914 earnings. Most public programs maintain acceptance rates above 85%, making them accessible options.

Is the VTAG grant significant for private college affordability?

Virginia's Tuition Assistance Grant helps bridge the gap between private sticker prices and net costs significantly. Bridgewater College shows this effect with a $41,350 sticker price dropping to $20,173 net cost. However, private options like Washington and Lee still carry higher net costs despite substantial aid, making public universities more financially practical for most English majors.

Does location within Virginia affect English major job prospects?

Northern Virginia proximity to D.C. creates advantages for English graduates entering government and contractor roles. George Mason in Fairfax serves this market with $36,914 average earnings and reasonable $18,287 net cost. Marymount University in Arlington shows higher earnings at $42,235, reflecting the region's federal employment opportunities that value strong writing skills.

Where do Virginia English programs show the best graduation success?

Elite institutions dominate graduation rates, with University of Virginia at 95.3% and Washington and Lee at 94.9%. However, Virginia Tech achieves 86.3% graduation rates at a more accessible $23,790 net cost. Christopher Newport University reaches 75.1% graduation rates with $22,197 net cost, showing that mid-tier public universities can provide solid completion rates without premium pricing.

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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.