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Cheapest English Language and Literature Colleges in North Carolina

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

North Carolina's cheapest English programs create a stark divide between public and private costs, with Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary offering the lowest net price at $6,608 while most private institutions exceed $15,000. Public universities dominate the affordable options, though graduation rates tell a complex story. Elizabeth City State University delivers strong value with a $7,237 net cost and $28,598 median earnings for graduates. The state's growing Research Triangle region and Charlotte's banking sector increasingly value English majors for content creation, corporate communications, and digital marketing roles. UNC Chapel Hill stands out with a 92.10% graduation rate despite its $12,983 net cost, while several historically black colleges and universities provide accessible pathways into the field. North Carolina's expanding healthcare and technology industries create opportunities for English graduates in technical writing, grant writing, and communications roles that support the state's economic growth.
50
Programs
$6,608 – $41,048
Net Price Range
$27,470
Avg. Program Earnings
52.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 English Language and Literature, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $6,608 $10,646 46.4% 80.0%
2 $7,237 $3,412 48.1% 74.2%
3 $7,360 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
4 $9,918 $3,571 44.5% 89.7%
5 $10,170 $7,593 57.9% 91.9%
6 $10,980 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
7 $12,579 $4,532 59.1% 84.8%
8 $12,865 $7,461 55.0% 74.3%
9 $12,983 $8,989 92.1% 17.1%
10 $13,393 $6,735 48.6% 73.4%
11 $14,083 $17,176 20.2% 61.0%
12 $14,745 $7,214 67.7% 79.6%
13 $15,028 $6,542 46.0% 84.4%
14 $15,662 $18,296 27.1% 63.8%
15 $16,189 $27,110 28.5% 86.7%
16 $16,487 $7,541 73.1% 83.1%
17 $16,514 $7,361 62.1% 92.3%
18 $16,931 $8,895 84.6% 47.2%
19 $17,740 $16,896 33.2% 58.9%
20 $17,893 $25,950 47.5% 74.6%
21 $18,127 $60,300 91.9% 17.0%
22 $18,165 $35,536 40.4% 68.4%
23 $18,210 $33,400 52.1% 67.1%
24 $18,835 $32,236 56.3% 87.5%
25 $19,314 $20,400 40.8% 84.3%
26 $19,472 $7,317 70.7% 68.8%
27 $20,011 $20,480 34.1% 25.3%
28 $20,197 $43,936 65.0% 73.2%
29 $20,313 $37,270 41.9% 74.2%
30 $21,200 $41,140 47.7% 83.5%
31 $21,371 $40,196 46.8% 86.2%
32 $21,376 $31,250 39.0% 39.9%
33 $21,728 $33,150 44.3% 63.2%
34 $21,953 $33,930 42.6% 69.1%
35 $22,858 $19,140 20.6% 44.6%
36 $23,393 $30,900 51.0% 82.9%
37 $23,613 $19,500 46.4% 97.2%
38 $23,665 $35,600 51.5% 94.6%
39 $23,719 $40,290 43.2% 84.0%
40 $23,991 $40,410 55.9% 88.6%
41 $24,137 $33,450 61.7% 75.0%
42 $24,978 $39,664 40.1% 75.7%
43 $25,765 $31,140 44.2% 61.3%
44 $26,328 $33,860 40.6% 68.1%
45 $27,786 $43,285 65.9% 71.3%
46 $28,746 $64,758 90.9% 21.4%
47 $33,756 $30,800 27.1% 64.8%
48 $34,454 $65,805 95.8% 6.4%
49 $40,721 $44,208 70.0% 78.9%
50 $41,048 $44,536 83.0% 74.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary the cheapest option for English studies?

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary offers the lowest net price at $6,608 with an 80% acceptance rate, making it highly accessible. The seminary's religious mission helps subsidize costs for students. However, the 46.40% graduation rate suggests students should carefully consider their fit with the institution's specialized environment and academic expectations.

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

Public universities average under $13,000 in net costs, while private institutions like Shaw University reach $14,083 and Chowan University hits $16,189. Elizabeth City State University demonstrates strong value at $7,237 net cost with strong graduate earnings of $28,598. The cost gap between sectors can exceed $10,000 annually, making public options significantly more accessible.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in North Carolina English programs?

Higher-cost programs generally show better completion rates, with UNC Chapel Hill achieving 92.10% graduation at $12,983 net cost. However, Elizabeth City State University breaks this pattern with a reasonable 48.10% rate at just $7,237. Private colleges like Shaw University struggle with only 20.20% graduation despite higher costs, indicating that price alone doesn't guarantee success.

What earning potential do English graduates have in North Carolina's job market?

English program graduates earn between $21,964 and $32,315 annually, with UNC Charlotte graduates achieving the highest median at $32,315. The Research Triangle's tech companies and Charlotte's financial sector increasingly hire English majors for content strategy and communications roles. North Carolina A&T graduates start lower at $21,964 but enter a job market where writing skills command growing demand across industries.

Where can students find the best value combination of cost and outcomes?

Elizabeth City State University offers strong value with $7,237 net cost, $28,598 graduate earnings, and reasonable debt levels. UNC Greensboro provides another strong option at $10,170 with $29,374 median earnings and moderate debt of $17,583. UNC Chapel Hill delivers premium outcomes with 92.10% graduation rates, though at $12,983 net cost it requires careful financial planning.

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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.