Cheapest English Language and Literature Colleges in Maryland

University of Maryland Eastern Shore stands out with the state's lowest net cost at $14,035 for English Language and Literature students, though graduates earn just $15,552 annually. This creates a stark contrast with Johns Hopkins University, where the same major costs $18,161 after aid but leads to significantly higher career prospects. Maryland's proximity to federal agencies and the nation's capital creates unique opportunities for English majors in government communications, policy writing, and congressional staffing roles. The 20 programs span from $14,035 to $29,095 in net costs, with public universities dominating the affordable end while private institutions like McDaniel College reach nearly $21,000. State schools benefit from Maryland's in-state tuition structure, with most charging under $12,000 before aid. The earnings gap between the lowest and highest-performing programs exceeds $19,000 annually, reflecting both institutional reputation and regional employment connections.

Programs

$14,035 – $29,633

Net Price Range

$29,184

Avg. Program Earnings

59.5%

Avg. Graduation Rate

21 English Language and Literature, General Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Maryland Eastern Shore Princess Anne, Maryland	$14,035	$8,898	34.6%	81.6%
2	University of Maryland Global Campus Adelphi, Maryland	$14,514	$7,992	29.6%
3	Morgan State University Baltimore, Maryland	$15,015	$8,118	41.6%	85.4%
4	Washington Adventist University Takoma Park, Maryland	$15,026	$25,200	40.0%	51.4%
5	Frostburg State University Frostburg, Maryland	$15,323	$9,998	52.1%	87.9%
6	University of Maryland-College Park College Park, Maryland	$15,590	$11,505	88.6%	44.6%
7	Salisbury University Salisbury, Maryland	$16,456	$10,638	67.4%	91.1%
8	Towson University Towson, Maryland	$16,791	$11,306	67.6%	78.6%
9	University of Baltimore Baltimore, Maryland	$17,546	$9,772	46.7%	89.3%
10	Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, Maryland	$18,161	$63,340	94.6%	7.3%
11	University of Maryland-Baltimore County Baltimore, Maryland	$18,328	$12,952	70.6%	80.6%
12	St. Mary's College of Maryland St. Mary's City, Maryland	$18,362	$15,236	68.0%	77.3%
13	Bowie State University Bowie, Maryland	$19,335	$8,999	38.1%	86.5%
14	McDaniel College Westminster, Maryland	$20,923	$49,647	63.8%	82.1%
15	Hood College Frederick, Maryland	$23,707	$45,870	55.3%	77.9%
16	Goucher College Baltimore, Maryland	$23,774	$51,250	60.0%	80.2%
17	Notre Dame of Maryland University Baltimore, Maryland	$24,536	$41,910	51.9%	69.6%
18	Mount St. Mary's University Emmitsburg, Maryland	$24,987	$47,240	58.0%	79.6%
19	Stevenson University Owings Mills, Maryland	$26,806	$39,708	66.4%	84.1%
20	Washington College Chestertown, Maryland	$29,095	$54,356	74.1%	74.7%
21	Loyola University Maryland Baltimore, Maryland	$29,633	$55,480	80.5%	83.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $19,864 earnings gap between English programs in Maryland?

University of Maryland-Baltimore County graduates earn $35,416 annually while University of Maryland Eastern Shore graduates start at $15,552. School location plays a major role, with Baltimore and College Park campuses benefiting from proximity to federal agencies, nonprofits, and media organizations. Graduate school preparation also differs significantly, as UMBC's 70.6% graduation rate versus UMES's 34.6% rate indicates stronger academic support systems.

How do Maryland's public universities compare on affordability for English majors?

Net costs range from $14,035 at University of Maryland Eastern Shore to $19,335 at Bowie State University among public institutions. In-state tuition stays remarkably consistent, with most charging between $8,000-$12,000 annually. University of Maryland-College Park offers the best value combination at $15,590 net cost with $33,604 graduate earnings and an 88.6% graduation rate.

Is Johns Hopkins University worth the cost for English Literature students?

Johns Hopkins charges $18,161 net cost after aid, just $4,126 more than the state average for this major. The university's 94.6% graduation rate significantly exceeds other Maryland schools, and its Baltimore location provides access to federal internships and think tank positions. However, the extremely selective 7.25% acceptance rate makes admission challenging for most students.

Does location within Maryland affect job prospects for English graduates?

Baltimore and College Park area schools typically produce higher-earning graduates due to proximity to federal agencies, congressional offices, and advocacy organizations. University of Maryland-College Park and Towson University graduates both earn over $33,000 annually, benefiting from Washington D.C. metro area opportunities. Rural campuses like Frostburg State show lower starting salaries at $27,488 despite solid 52.1% graduation rates.

What graduation debt should English majors expect in Maryland programs?

Student debt varies widely from $17,750 at University of Maryland-Baltimore County to $27,750 at University of Baltimore. Most graduates carry between $18,000-$22,000 in debt, which aligns with national averages for English majors. Private schools like McDaniel College keep debt reasonable at $20,000 despite higher sticker prices through generous aid packages.

More English Language and Literature, General Rankings

Best Value English Language and Literature, General in Maryland English Language and Literature, General Under $20,000 in Maryland

All English Language and Literature, General Programs Best Colleges in Maryland Best English Language and Literature, General in Maryland

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.