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Cheapest English Language and Literature Colleges in Pennsylvania

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

Cheyney University offers the most affordable English program in Pennsylvania at just $9,837 net cost, while Swarthmore College charges $18,686 despite its $62,412 sticker price. This $8,849 gap between the cheapest and most expensive options reflects how financial aid can dramatically reshape college costs. Public universities dominate the affordable end, with four of the five cheapest programs coming from state schools. Pennsylvania's media market provides strong career paths for English graduates, with Comcast headquartered in Philadelphia and major publishing operations throughout the state. The earnings data reveals graduates typically earn between $24,421 and $35,600, with some programs like East Stroudsburg producing graduates who earn $31,762 annually. Private colleges like Holy Family University manage to keep net costs reasonable at $12,251 while maintaining a 60.40% graduation rate. The state's PA Grant program helps make these programs accessible to residents, contributing to the lower in-state costs at public institutions.
50
Programs
$9,837 – $27,700
Net Price Range
$29,219
Avg. Program Earnings
60.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 English Language and Literature, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $9,837 $10,904 16.2%
2 $12,251 $33,968 60.4% 77.4%
3 $12,912 $12,512 52.1% 80.6%
4 $15,089 $11,036 43.8% 93.6%
5 $16,630 $14,620 43.4% 93.6%
6 $17,216 $11,380 52.4% 91.9%
7 $18,686 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%
8 $19,173 $41,720 72.8% 73.1%
9 $19,258 $47,675 59.6% 75.2%
10 $19,524 $10,507 65.9% 74.3%
11 $19,600 $27,804 46.3% 80.0%
12 $19,685 $24,606 59.7% 95.6%
13 $20,231 $12,262 54.4% 92.4%
14 $20,356 $22,171 43.5% 75.6%
15 $20,748 $26,156 55.6% 86.0%
16 $20,800 $39,470 65.9% 75.3%
17 $20,822 $34,502 55.2% 92.7%
18 $21,043 $33,610 61.5% 79.1%
19 $21,205 $11,230 54.1% 96.1%
20 $21,241 $27,000 51.8% 94.1%
21 $21,409 $35,570 57.9% 94.3%
22 $21,664 $28,794 42.2% 84.9%
23 $21,900 $54,960 66.5% 69.7%
24 $21,972 $33,120 57.7% 97.4%
25 $22,222 $39,570 72.5% 80.8%
26 $22,558 $41,414 71.0% 78.3%
27 $22,673 $10,687 69.8% 87.9%
28 $22,746 $36,864 43.5% 82.3%
29 $22,909 $44,934 58.2% 84.3%
30 $23,281 $42,600 60.1% 96.0%
31 $23,331 $41,100 72.1% 73.4%
32 $23,553 $13,544 51.6% 87.8%
33 $24,051 $35,815 50.5% 78.5%
34 $24,791 $38,160 59.6% 82.1%
35 $24,829 $38,370 69.2% 88.7%
36 $25,157 $29,460 60.5% 75.6%
37 $25,210 $68,300 89.4% 14.2%
38 $25,544 $28,185 71.4% 88.1%
39 $25,717 $43,810 66.2% 66.3%
40 $25,747 $34,940 65.6% 93.8%
41 $25,866 $48,290 64.0% 77.6%
42 $26,198 $36,842 77.1% 81.1%
43 $26,539 $57,400 74.1% 76.7%
44 $27,141 $38,310 58.5% 58.4%
45 $27,243 $43,300 52.2% 95.4%
46 $27,263 $44,510 58.7% 80.6%
47 $27,499 $24,510 56.1% 82.4%
48 $27,663 $56,402 68.9% 76.2%
49 $27,686 $40,640 78.5% 79.4%
50 $27,700 $42,286 60.3% 94.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Cheyney University's English program so affordable compared to other Pennsylvania schools?

Cheyney University offers the lowest net cost at $9,837 for its English program, significantly below the state average. As a public historically black university, Cheyney provides substantial financial aid that brings costs down from the $10,904 in-state tuition. The school's 16.20% graduation rate reflects retention challenges, but the program remains accessible for students prioritizing affordability. This represents a $2,414 savings compared to the next cheapest option at Holy Family University.

How do graduation rates vary among Pennsylvania's most affordable English programs?

Graduation rates span from 16.20% at Cheyney University to 94.10% at Swarthmore College, showing dramatic differences in student outcomes. Public universities like East Stroudsburg (43.80%) and Indiana University of Pennsylvania (52.40%) fall in the middle range despite their affordability. Saint Francis University achieves a strong 72.80% graduation rate while maintaining a reasonable $19,173 net cost. These variations suggest that low cost doesn't always correlate with completion challenges across all institutions.

Is the earning potential worth the investment for English graduates in Pennsylvania?

English graduates from Pennsylvania programs earn between $24,421 and $35,600 annually, with most programs producing graduates around $30,000. East Stroudsburg graduates earn $31,762 while facing typical student debt of $27,000, creating a manageable debt-to-income ratio. Lycoming College graduates start at $24,421, which may challenge loan repayment despite the program's $19,258 net cost. Pennsylvania's media and healthcare sectors, including companies like Comcast and UPMC, provide career opportunities that can support salary growth over time.

Does attending a private college guarantee better value than public universities for English studies?

Private colleges in Pennsylvania show mixed value propositions for English programs, with costs ranging from $12,251 at Holy Family to $20,748 at Mount Aloysius. Holy Family University delivers strong value with 60.40% graduation rates at just $12,251 net cost, competing well against public options. However, public universities like Slippery Rock ($19,524) offer similar graduation rates at 65.90% with comparable net costs. The choice often depends on specific financial aid packages rather than institutional type alone.

Where can English majors find the best combination of affordability and academic outcomes in Pennsylvania?

Lincoln University provides an excellent balance with $12,912 net cost and 52.10% graduation rate, ranking as the third most affordable option. Slippery Rock University offers strong value at $19,524 with a 65.90% graduation rate and graduates earning $31,614 annually. Saint Francis University represents premium affordable education at $19,173 with an impressive 72.80% graduation rate. These schools demonstrate that students can find quality English programs without paying premium private college prices.

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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.