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Best Value Literature Colleges

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

UCLA stands out dramatically in the Literature value market, offering a net cost of just $14,013 while maintaining a 92.70% graduation rate that towers above most competitors. This strong combination occurs at a time when California's entertainment and media industries actively recruit Literature graduates for content creation, screenwriting, and editorial positions. The stark contrast appears when comparing public versus private options. University of Pittsburgh campuses deliver strong earning potential at $33,687 annually, yet their graduation rates range from 39.60% to 84.30% depending on location. Meanwhile, elite institutions like Duke University charge significantly more despite missing earnings data, while The New School commands $55,359 in net costs for graduates earning just $21,703. Regional public universities consistently outperform expensive private colleges in this analysis, with SUNY Purchase offering Literature training for under $9,000 for in-state students. The data reveals that Literature students can achieve solid career outcomes without accumulating massive debt, particularly through strategic public university selection in states with strong publishing and media sectors.
50
Programs
$6,602 – $55,359
Net Price Range
$28,232
Avg. Program Earnings
60.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Literature Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $17,034 $33,687 $14,630 39.6% 97.6%
2 $14,013 $25,194 $13,747 92.7% 8.6%
3 $18,952 $33,687 $14,646 53.4% 97.4%
4 $21,931 $30,554 $17,450 43.0% 77.9%
5 $30,074 $33,687 $21,524 84.3% 49.1%
6 $19,067 $21,234 $8,953 61.6% 74.7%
7 $41,945 $32,563 $56,543 78.5% 40.6%
8 $31,046 $21,781 $51,424 61.4% 82.9%
9 $55,359 $21,703 $56,386 71.2% 57.2%
10 $7,349 $14,776 16.0% 45.1%
11 $21,409 $35,570 57.9% 94.3%
12 $27,663 $56,402 68.9% 76.2%
13 $23,206 $37,951 69.5% 80.9%
14 $21,873 $32,400 54.2% 65.2%
15 $35,350 $54,466 64.8% 92.3%
16 $27,341 $49,530 65.2% 88.7%
17 $29,981 $40,940 68.7% 91.7%
18 $23,600 $34,100 53.9% 78.4%
19 $21,814 $26,758 52.4% 64.4%
20 $21,619 $52,357 61.7% 52.2%
21 $25,727 $37,800 74.2% 54.4%
22 $23,731 $39,646 62.6% 86.0%
23 $23,156 $13,570 71.5% 86.2%
24 $18,835 $32,236 56.3% 87.5%
25 $34,454 $65,805 95.8% 6.4%
26 $18,127 $60,300 91.9% 17.0%
27 $24,334 $25,590 51.4% 65.8%
28 $6,602 $37,143 26.3% 83.0%
29 $23,655 $28,222 55.5% 44.2%
30 $23,341 $33,000 41.2% 71.6%
31 $8,327 $8,942 48.7% 96.9%
32 $22,618 $44,210 57.1% 95.0%
33 $20,865 $11,400 48.9% 49.8%
34 $31,918 $64,644 66.7% 45.3%
35 $25,910 $27,298 48.7% 81.6%
36 $47,560 $49,900 83.7% 63.2%
37 $15,133 $10,506 35.7% 80.3%
38 $20,303 $20,318 62.2% 63.2%
39 $25,610 $38,824 68.7% 71.1%
40 $19,300 $32,890 46.4% 74.8%
41 $19,685 $24,606 59.7% 95.6%
42 $18,686 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%
43 $29,664 $42,360 69.3% 56.6%
44 $20,893 $30,680 41.5% 64.4%
45 $36,684 $66,594 54.2% 95.5%
46 $21,034 $43,160 67.7% 96.8%
47 $18,609 $9,490 54.1% 70.7%
48 $12,280 $14,014 44.6% 66.4%
49 $14,368 $14,266 56.9% 76.9%
50 $17,084 $15,510 45.5% 83.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains UCLA's strong value in Literature programs?

UCLA combines a remarkably low net cost of $14,013 with an outstanding 92.70% graduation rate, creating unmatched value in Literature education. The university benefits from California's massive entertainment industry, providing Literature graduates with abundant opportunities in film, television, and digital media companies. UCLA's selectivity at 8.57% acceptance rate ensures strong academic peers, while the $13,328 average debt load remains manageable compared to private alternatives. This combination of affordability, outcomes, and industry access makes UCLA a standout choice for Literature students.

How do University of Pittsburgh campuses compare for Literature value?

All three University of Pittsburgh campuses offer identical $33,687 earning potential for Literature graduates, yet their educational outcomes vary significantly by location. The main Pittsburgh campus achieves 84.30% graduation rates with higher costs at $30,074 net price, while Greensburg and Johnstown campuses cost less but show graduation rates of 39.60% and 53.40% respectively. Students face a clear trade-off between lower upfront costs at regional campuses versus better completion rates at the flagship location. The $27,000 debt level remains consistent across all three campuses.

Is attending expensive private colleges worth it for Literature majors?

The data suggests expensive private Literature programs often deliver poor value compared to public alternatives. The New School charges $55,359 annually yet produces graduates earning only $21,703, creating a challenging return on investment scenario. American University costs $41,945 but generates $32,563 in graduate earnings, while UCLA achieves $25,194 earnings at one-third the price. Private colleges do offer higher graduation rates, with schools like George Fox and Linfield achieving 68-69% completion rates, but the financial mathematics rarely justify the premium pricing.

Does geographic location affect Literature program value significantly?

Geographic location creates substantial differences in both costs and career prospects for Literature graduates. California schools like UCLA benefit from proximity to entertainment industry employers, while New York institutions face higher living costs that impact net educational expenses. SUNY Purchase offers strong in-state value at $8,953, demonstrating how state residency dramatically affects affordability. Regional variations in publishing, media, and educational sectors also influence post-graduation earning potential, with some locations offering better entry-level opportunities than others.

What debt levels should Literature students expect after graduation?

Literature program debt loads vary dramatically, ranging from UCLA's manageable $13,328 to University of Pittsburgh's $27,000 across multiple campuses. Private institutions typically generate higher debt burdens, with schools like SUNY Purchase keeping debt around $24,400 while maintaining reasonable costs. The New School manages to keep debt at $22,497 despite extremely high tuition, suggesting strong financial aid programs. Students should carefully evaluate debt-to-earnings ratios, as Literature careers often start with modest salaries that make high debt burdens particularly challenging to manage.

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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.