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Best Value English Language and Literature/Letters Colleges

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

Empire State University stands out among English programs with graduates earning $41,937 annually despite a net cost of just $11,147. This striking return on investment reflects the strong demand for English graduates in New York's media and publishing sectors, where companies like Penguin Random House and The New York Times maintain headquarters. The data reveals a stark divide between public and private options, with California State University-Dominguez Hills offering the lowest net cost at $3,659 while Occidental College commands $39,329. Public universities dominate the affordable end, yet graduation rates vary dramatically from Ohio University-Eastern Campus at 20% to UC San Diego at 87.6%. The Northeast corridor shows particular strength for English majors, with established literary networks and media companies creating pathways for recent graduates into editorial, content creation, and communications roles.
50
Programs
$2,065 – $39,329
Net Price Range
$29,787
Avg. Program Earnings
57.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 English Language and Literature/Letters, Other Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,659 $22,667 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
2 $11,147 $41,937 $7,630 29.3%
3 $10,916 $33,993 $11,436 53.7% 97.0%
4 $11,750 $27,642 $15,265 87.6% 23.7%
5 $25,934 $38,289 $65,280 92.6% 12.7%
6 $21,924 $29,685 $58,554 67.2% 65.9%
7 $22,185 $27,222 $15,700 68.3% 76.9%
8 $30,031 $28,055 $45,380 59.8% 86.8%
9 $29,981 $26,353 $40,940 68.7% 91.7%
10 $39,329 $31,670 $63,446 85.1% 39.4%
11 $25,885 $20,140 $37,420 56.0% 63.2%
12 $34,454 $65,805 95.8% 6.4%
13 $16,544 $7,824 25.6% 88.8%
14 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
15 $38,428 $60,663 77.1% 79.6%
16 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
17 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
18 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
19 $20,413 $13,746 66.4% 86.5%
20 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
21 $21,376 $31,250 39.0% 39.9%
22 $22,140 $34,899 68.9% 83.7%
23 $7,349 $14,776 16.0% 45.1%
24 $23,600 $34,100 53.9% 78.4%
25 $25,866 $48,290 64.0% 77.6%
26 $30,521 $40,880 72.9% 83.9%
27 $18,686 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%
28 $23,650 $21,450 53.5% 98.1%
29 $19,725 $9,633 49.3% 78.9%
30 $2,065 $2,684 11.5%
31 $18,109 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
32 $23,636 $51,384 64.2% 85.1%
33 $26,536 $41,416 69.4% 69.8%
34 $31,918 $64,644 66.7% 45.3%
35 $20,865 $11,400 48.9% 49.8%
36 $11,893 $19,920 39.8%
37 $26,067 $34,250 64.3% 70.4%
38 $6,507 $5,324 52.5% 51.6%
39 $6,007 $7,001 25.6% 45.0%
40 $15,288 $15,247 85.1% 37.3%
41 $16,607 $14,560 74.5% 46.9%
42 $14,317 $35,558 55.9% 75.0%
43 $26,217 $35,910 68.1% 91.9%
44 $31,198 $56,134 69.0% 87.9%
45 $27,888 $67,316 91.6% 14.4%
46 $27,818 $64,700 96.3% 4.6%
47 $8,829 $13,800 69.2% 92.1%
48 $18,467 $28,360 48.8% 80.1%
49 $30,209 $31,732 43.3% 60.9%
50 $24,516 $51,840 67.9% 73.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains Empire State University's high graduate earnings of $41,937?

Empire State University graduates benefit from proximity to New York's concentrated media industry. The university's location in Saratoga Springs places students within reach of Albany's government communications roles and New York City's publishing houses. However, the 29.3% graduation rate suggests the program demands significant commitment. The $11,147 net cost makes it accessible while delivering strong career outcomes.

How do public university costs compare to private institutions for English programs?

Public universities offer dramatic savings, with California State University-Dominguez Hills costing just $3,659 net compared to Occidental College's $39,329. Western Kentucky University provides middle ground at $10,916 with a solid 53.7% graduation rate. Even UC San Diego, with its competitive 23.71% acceptance rate, costs only $11,750 net while maintaining an 87.6% graduation rate.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in English studies?

Higher-cost programs generally show better graduation rates, but exceptions exist. Duke University achieves 95.8% graduation rates, while Middlebury College reaches 92.6% at $25,934 net cost. However, UC San Diego delivers 87.6% graduation rates at just $11,750 net cost. Ohio University-Eastern Campus struggles with only 20% graduation rates despite low costs.

Where do English graduates earn the most relative to program costs?

Empire State University offers the best earnings-to-cost ratio at nearly 4:1, with $41,937 earnings against $11,147 costs. Western Kentucky University also performs well, generating $33,993 earnings for $10,916 invested. California State University-Dominguez Hills provides decent returns at $22,667 earnings for minimal $3,659 investment. Private schools like Middlebury justify higher costs with $38,289 graduate earnings.

What factors explain the wide range in acceptance rates among these programs?

Acceptance rates span from Duke's selective 6.35% to Western Kentucky's open 96.95%, reflecting different institutional missions. UC San Diego's 23.71% rate indicates competitive admission despite public status, while Middlebury's 12.69% reflects liberal arts exclusivity. Regional public universities like California State University-Dominguez Hills maintain 89.13% acceptance rates, prioritizing accessibility over selectivity.

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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.