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Cheapest English Language and Literature Colleges in Alabama

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Alabama's cheapest English Language and Literature programs show dramatic cost differences, with University of North Alabama at $11,024 versus Spring Hill College at $19,514. The state's 15 programs reveal a concerning pattern where the most affordable options often struggle with completion rates below 40%, while mid-tier schools like Jacksonville State University deliver both reasonable costs at $14,850 and solid outcomes with 51% graduation rates. English majors find opportunities in Alabama's expanding aerospace sector, where technical writing and communications roles support companies like Airbus and NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. The earnings data tells a mixed story, ranging from $18,315 at Troy University to $32,284 at Jacksonville State, suggesting program choice significantly impacts career prospects. Public universities dominate the affordable end, with eight of the ten cheapest options being state institutions, though private historically black colleges like Stillman and Miles offer competitive net prices through substantial financial aid packages.
24
Programs
$11,024 – $32,977
Net Price Range
$26,893
Avg. Program Earnings
51.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

24 English Language and Literature, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,024 $11,990 54.0% 95.7%
2 $12,272 $11,392 41.0% 64.5%
3 $13,461 $15,650 65.0%
4 $13,832 $10,990 38.0% 68.9%
5 $13,869 $9,792 46.8% 94.8%
6 $13,889 $11,248 30.2% 96.6%
7 $14,514 $12,714 25.7%
8 $14,559 $10,024 28.7% 68.4%
9 $14,596 $9,436 35.7% 92.2%
10 $14,850 $12,426 51.1% 78.5%
11 $15,142 $9,676 52.6% 65.4%
12 $17,053 $13,710 49.4% 59.8%
13 $17,727 $8,832 62.4% 86.7%
14 $19,514 $23,270 56.1% 72.6%
15 $19,603 $26,120 55.5% 84.1%
16 $19,880 $11,770 61.9% 78.1%
17 $21,165 $23,920 37.7% 82.4%
18 $21,401 $28,650 46.9% 66.0%
19 $22,150 $11,900 73.7% 80.1%
20 $23,351 $22,750 64.2% 57.2%
21 $23,384 $21,838 49.9% 68.1%
22 $23,897 $12,536 79.2% 43.7%
23 $30,795 $38,144 79.9% 83.3%
24 $32,977 $23,440 57.1% 29.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of North Alabama the cheapest option for English majors?

University of North Alabama offers the lowest net price at $11,024 with an in-state tuition of $11,990 and accepts 96% of applicants. The school maintains a 54% graduation rate, above the state average for affordable programs. Students earn a median of $30,409 after graduation, making it both accessible and financially viable for English majors seeking affordable education.

How do graduation rates compare across Alabama's cheapest English programs?

Graduation rates vary dramatically among affordable programs, from Miles College's concerning 26% to Talladega College's strong 65%. Most schools under $15,000 struggle with completion rates below 45%, including Alabama State at 30% and Alabama A&M at 29%. This pattern suggests students should weigh both cost and support systems when choosing programs.

Is there a significant earnings difference between public and private English programs?

Earnings data shows Jacksonville State University leads at $32,284 despite being a public institution, while Troy University graduates earn just $18,315. The University of Alabama at Birmingham produces graduates earning $27,497, demonstrating that public schools can deliver strong career outcomes. Private school earnings data remains limited among the most affordable options in the state.

Does attending a historically black college affect program costs for English majors?

Several HBCUs offer competitive pricing through generous aid packages, with Stillman College at $12,272 and Miles College at $14,514. Alabama State University costs $13,889 but struggles with a 30% graduation rate, while Alabama A&M charges $14,559 with similar completion challenges. These institutions provide affordable access but require careful consideration of support services and outcomes.

Where do Alabama English graduates find the best career opportunities?

Alabama's aerospace and automotive sectors create demand for technical writers and communications specialists at companies like Airbus, Hyundai, and NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. The state's manufacturing growth generates opportunities for corporate communications and documentation roles. English majors also find positions in Birmingham's financial sector and Mobile's port-related industries, with earnings ranging from $18,315 to $32,284 depending on program choice and location.

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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.