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Cheapest English Language and Literature Colleges

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

Texas A&M University-Central Texas offers an English Language and Literature program with a net cost of just $1,113, making it the most affordable option among comparable programs nationwide. This remarkable affordability stands in stark contrast to private institutions like Berea College, where despite generous aid, students face significantly different financial circumstances. The CUNY system dominates the affordable education market with eight schools offering English programs under $4,000 annually, reflecting New York's commitment to accessible higher education. English literature graduates increasingly find opportunities in the digital content industry, where the Northeast corridor hosts major publishing houses and media companies requiring strong writing skills. Post-graduation earnings vary considerably across institutions, ranging from $18,315 to $41,565 annually, with location and institutional connections playing important roles in career outcomes. State funding models clearly impact accessibility, as public universities consistently deliver lower net costs while maintaining reasonable graduation rates between 29% and 72% across different institutional contexts.
50
Programs
$1,113 – $7,912
Net Price Range
$27,128
Avg. Program Earnings
43.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 English Language and Literature, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $1,113 $6,627 95.7%
2 $2,446 $7,382 61.0% 47.9%
3 $2,943 $7,452 56.6% 54.5%
4 $2,978 $7,464 72.1% 49.5%
5 $3,046 $7,470 55.5% 50.7%
6 $3,061 $7,846 48.9% 47.9%
7 $3,482 $7,410 49.3% 55.3%
8 $3,486 $7,340 54.7% 66.6%
9 $3,659 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
10 $3,830 $7,538 60.2% 69.5%
11 $4,113 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
12 $4,285 $5,986 37.9% 80.4%
13 $4,483 $49,326 62.0% 24.6%
14 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
15 $4,694 $3,283 29.6%
16 $4,734 $7,358 30.3% 59.1%
17 $5,115 $7,490 32.8%
18 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
19 $5,458 $3,148 26.8%
20 $5,646 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
21 $5,671 $7,826 58.0% 96.6%
22 $5,825 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
23 $5,881 $7,352 22.3% 87.7%
24 $5,918 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
25 $5,970 $8,179 36.9% 80.3%
26 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
27 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
28 $6,199 $6,863 39.8% 27.6%
29 $6,276 $8,179 44.7% 85.8%
30 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
31 $6,352 $7,200 33.3% 74.2%
32 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
33 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
34 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
35 $6,507 $5,324 52.5% 51.6%
36 $6,608 $10,646 46.4% 80.0%
37 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
38 $7,131 $4,656 55.1% 95.6%
39 $7,168 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
40 $7,233 $6,960 31.0% 62.7%
41 $7,237 $3,412 48.1% 74.2%
42 $7,349 $14,776 16.0% 45.1%
43 $7,360 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
44 $7,523 $3,855 51.5%
45 $7,557 $7,922 26.1%
46 $7,563 $5,612 28.6% 96.9%
47 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
48 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
49 $7,871 $26,300 23.5%
50 $7,912 $7,868 34.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Texas A&M-Central Texas so affordable for English students?

Texas A&M-Central Texas achieves its $1,113 net cost through substantial state funding and need-based aid packages. The university maintains a 95.71% acceptance rate, making admission accessible to most applicants. As a public institution serving the Killeen area, it benefits from Texas's commitment to affordable higher education for residents.

How do CUNY schools compare in terms of post-graduation earnings?

CUNY English graduates earn between $25,194 and $31,628 annually, with Baruch College leading at $31,038 despite a net cost of only $2,978. Lehman College follows closely at $31,628 with a net cost of $3,482. These earnings reflect the advantage of studying in New York City, where publishing and media opportunities abound.

Is Berea College worth considering despite its unique cost structure?

Berea College offers a distinctive model with no tuition charges, resulting in a net cost of $4,483 despite a sticker price of $49,326. However, graduates earn $18,315 annually, the lowest among schools with available data. The college maintains a 62% graduation rate with highly selective 24.58% acceptance.

What graduation rates can students expect at these affordable programs?

Graduation rates vary significantly, from Ohio University-Eastern's 20% to Baruch College's 72.1%. Most CUNY schools achieve rates between 49% and 61%, while California State universities typically graduate 46% to 53% of students. Higher graduation rates often correlate with more selective admissions processes.

Where do California State University English graduates typically find employment?

California State University graduates benefit from proximity to entertainment and tech industries requiring content creation skills. Cal State Los Angeles graduates earn $28,960 annually with a net cost of $4,113, while the state's growing digital media sector provides opportunities beyond traditional publishing. The $14,500 average debt load remains manageable compared to earnings potential.

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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.