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Cheapest English Language and Literature Colleges in Tennessee

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

Le Moyne-Owen College offers the state's most affordable English Language and Literature program at just $8,992 net cost, nearly $5,000 less than the next cheapest option. This represents one of the most dramatic cost differences among Tennessee's 20 English programs, where expenses range from under $9,000 to over $19,000 annually. Tennessee State University graduates earn the highest median income at $33,993, significantly outpacing other programs in the field. The state's thriving music industry and healthcare sector provide unique opportunities for English majors, with Nashville's entertainment companies and Memphis medical institutions regularly seeking skilled writers and communications professionals. Public universities generally offer better value, with in-state tuition averaging around $9,500 compared to private institutions that can exceed $30,000 before aid. Graduation rates vary considerably, from Lane College's 17% to Christian Brothers University's 56%, suggesting significant differences in student support and program structure across institutions.
36
Programs
$8,992 – $32,096
Net Price Range
$26,894
Avg. Program Earnings
53.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

36 English Language and Literature, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $8,992 $12,076 24.7% 99.6%
2 $10,026 $8,568 33.0%
3 $10,299 $10,208 54.8% 88.4%
4 $10,896 $37,300 56.0% 87.5%
5 $12,599 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
6 $12,817 $10,144 53.1% 82.7%
7 $13,253 $10,344 49.4% 94.6%
8 $14,207 $10,084 54.2% 78.1%
9 $14,459 $29,790 54.8% 70.9%
10 $14,494 $11,790 17.0%
11 $14,846 $8,675 44.5% 93.8%
12 $14,879 $29,264 43.6% 60.7%
13 $15,133 $10,506 35.7% 80.3%
14 $15,794 $9,950 49.9% 85.3%
15 $16,494 $18,900 55.9%
16 $17,999 $26,150 53.9% 78.5%
17 $18,109 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
18 $18,292 $27,840 47.0% 66.2%
19 $18,661 $34,700 46.4% 79.8%
20 $19,040 $63,946 92.7% 6.7%
21 $19,983 $20,796 61.4%
22 $20,082 $25,000 68.4% 91.2%
23 $20,303 $20,318 62.2% 63.2%
24 $20,399 $22,690 60.7% 72.6%
25 $20,986 $38,514 47.2% 69.5%
26 $21,131 $39,350 60.3% 66.7%
27 $21,803 $18,168 34.9% 88.8%
28 $22,874 $28,500 30.5% 81.1%
29 $23,508 $34,800 46.4% 60.8%
30 $24,334 $25,590 51.4% 65.8%
31 $25,060 $54,892 81.6% 53.9%
32 $25,610 $38,824 68.7% 71.1%
33 $26,135 $24,298 43.5% 71.0%
34 $26,815 $38,450 70.9% 52.6%
35 $27,498 $53,698 82.4% 52.3%
36 $32,096 $41,320 71.7% 96.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive gap between Le Moyne-Owen College's $8,992 cost and other Tennessee English programs?

Le Moyne-Owen College's exceptionally low net price reflects its mission as a historically black institution serving students with significant financial need. The college's generous financial aid packages reduce the published tuition of $12,076 to under $9,000 for most students. This makes it nearly $1,000 cheaper than Tennessee State University and over $5,000 less expensive than most other options in the state.

How do earnings compare between Tennessee's cheapest and most expensive English programs?

Tennessee State University, the second cheapest option at $10,026, produces graduates earning $33,993 annually, the highest in the state. This contrasts sharply with Tennessee Tech graduates who earn just $20,140 despite paying $14,207 net cost. The data suggests that program cost doesn't correlate directly with post-graduation earning potential in Tennessee's English programs.

Does attending a public university guarantee lower costs for English majors in Tennessee?

Public universities typically offer better value, with schools like UT-Martin at $10,299 and Middle Tennessee State at $12,599 net cost. However, some private institutions compete effectively, with Le Moyne-Owen College beating all public options. Student debt loads at public schools average around $20,000, compared to higher amounts at most private institutions.

What makes Tennessee State University stand out among affordable English programs?

Tennessee State University combines the second-lowest net cost at $10,026 with the highest graduate earnings at $33,993 in the field. The university maintains a respectable 33% graduation rate while keeping in-state tuition at just $8,568. This combination of affordability and strong earning outcomes makes it particularly attractive for English majors seeking career advancement.

Where can English majors find the best graduation rates among Tennessee's most affordable programs?

Christian Brothers University leads with a 56% graduation rate, though at $10,896 net cost it's pricier than the cheapest options. Among truly budget-friendly choices, UT-Martin achieves 54.8% graduation rates at $10,299 net cost. Lane College shows concerning outcomes with only 17% of English students completing their degrees, despite reasonable costs.

More English Language and Literature, General Rankings

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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.