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2026 Best General English Language Literature Doctoral Degree Schools

2026 Best General English Language Literature Doctoral Degree Schools

Looking for the best General English Language Literature doctoral degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1514 schools by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.

So you can compare your options, Course Advisor evaluated schools to build this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.

Top 25 General English Language Literature Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States

Learn more about these excellent schools below:

#1

Stanford University

Stanford, CA

No school ranked higher than Stanford University this year in the United States. Set in Stanford, CA, Stanford University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 92%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,910. Stanford University General English Language Literature students take on a median of $10,492 in debt. Read more about Stanford University

#2

University Of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN

You'll be in good company at University Of Notre Dame, which ranked #2 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Notre Dame, IN. About 95% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $65,025. The median General English Language Literature program debt is $19,500. Read more about University Of Notre Dame

You'll be in good company at Cuny Graduate School And University Center, which ranked #3 this year. Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public school based in New York, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $7,235, compared with $15,185 for out-of-state students. The median General English Language Literature program debt is $17,921. Get the full Cuny Graduate School And University Center report

#4

Yale University

New Haven, CT

You'll be in good company at Yale University, which ranked #4 this year. Based in New Haven, CT, Yale University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,250. Students borrow a median of $14,357 to complete their General English Language Literature program here. Read the full report on Yale University

#5

Duke University

Durham, NC

A rank of #5 makes Duke University one of the top choices in the United States. Duke University is a private not-for-profit school based in Durham, NC. Roughly 97% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,758. Graduates carry a median of $15,362 in student loans. More on Duke University

#6

University Of Chicago

Chicago, IL

University Of Chicago did well this year, earning the #6 position. University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. University Of Chicago graduates 96% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,324. Typical General English Language Literature student debt is $15,854. See the full University Of Chicago profile

University Of Washington Seattle Campus placed #7 among General English Language Literature schools in the United States. This public school is set in Seattle, WA. About 85% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Students borrow a median of $18,017 to complete their General English Language Literature program here. See the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus profile

#8

Purdue University Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best General English Language Literature schools. This public school is set in West Lafayette, IN. About 83% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $9,992 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. The median General English Language Literature program debt is $19,500. Read more about Purdue University Main Campus

Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus came in at #9 in this year's ranking. Located in Indiana, PA, Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a public institution. About 54% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $11,380, while out-of-state students pay about $16,297. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus General English Language Literature students take on a median of $27,280 in debt. See the full Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus profile

#10

University Of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA

University Of Pennsylvania ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best General English Language Literature schools. Set in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,686. Typical General English Language Literature student debt is $19,500. More on University Of Pennsylvania

#11

Emory University

Atlanta, GA

Emory University came in at #11 in this year's ranking. Based in Atlanta, GA, Emory University is a private not-for-profit institution. Emory University posts a six-year graduation rate of 91%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,280. The median General English Language Literature program debt is $21,000. Read the full report on Emory University

#12

University Of Virginia Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA

University Of Virginia Main Campus landed the #12 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Charlottesville, VA. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. Students from in state pay about $23,118 in tuition and fees, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete their General English Language Literature program here. Get the full University Of Virginia Main Campus report

#13

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD

Johns Hopkins University placed #13 among General English Language Literature schools in the United States. Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit school based in Baltimore, MD. About 94% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $64,730 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $13,426 in student loans. Get the full Johns Hopkins University report

#14

Texas Christian University

Fort Worth, TX

Texas Christian University landed the #14 spot in the United States this year. Located in Fort Worth, TX, Texas Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 85% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,740. The median General English Language Literature program debt is $22,960. See the full Texas Christian University profile

#15

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN

Vanderbilt University did well this year, earning the #15 position. Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit school based in Nashville, TN. Vanderbilt University graduates 94% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $67,498 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $13,420 to complete their General English Language Literature program here. Read the full report on Vanderbilt University

#16

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL

Northwestern University came in at #16 in this year's ranking. Based in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 95% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $68,322 in tuition and fees. Typical General English Language Literature student debt is $15,564. Get the full Northwestern University report

University Of Maryland College Park came in at #17 in this year's ranking. University Of Maryland College Park is a public school based in College Park, MD. University Of Maryland College Park posts a six-year graduation rate of 89%. Students from in state pay about $11,809 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. University Of Maryland College Park General English Language Literature students take on a median of $21,500 in debt. Get the full University Of Maryland College Park report

#18

Marquette University

Milwaukee, WI

Marquette University came in at #18 in this year's ranking. Set in Milwaukee, WI, Marquette University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 83%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $51,170. Students borrow a median of $24,122 to complete their General English Language Literature program here. Get the full Marquette University report

#19

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University placed #19 among General English Language Literature schools in the United States. This public school is set in East Lansing, MI. The six-year graduation rate is 81%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,079, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. Michigan State University General English Language Literature students take on a median of $25,443 in debt. Read the full report on Michigan State University

#20

Rice University

Houston, TX

Rice University landed the #20 spot in the United States this year. Rice University is a private not-for-profit school based in Houston, TX. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,247. Students borrow a median of $11,904 to complete their General English Language Literature program here. More on Rice University

The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #21 in this year's ranking. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. The University Of Texas At Austin graduates 89% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. The median General English Language Literature program debt is $21,500. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report

#22

New York University

New York, NY

New York University placed #22 among General English Language Literature schools in the United States. Set in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 88% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,796. Typical General English Language Literature student debt is $22,625. More on New York University

University Of Wisconsin Madison placed #23 among General English Language Literature schools in the United States. Set in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 90%. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Typical General English Language Literature student debt is $20,500. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign landed the #24 spot in the United States this year. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public school based in Champaign, IL. About 85% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Typical General English Language Literature student debt is $20,961. Read more about University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

#25

Brown University

Providence, RI

Brown University landed the #25 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Providence, RI. Brown University posts a six-year graduation rate of 96%. In-state tuition and fees run about $71,312. Brown University General English Language Literature students take on a median of $13,500 in debt. Read more about Brown University

Rest of the Top 50 Best General English Language Literature Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States

These schools rounded out the top of this year’s ranking:

#26

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ

Princeton University came in at #26 in this year's ranking. Located in Princeton, NJ, Princeton University is a private not-for-profit institution. Princeton University posts a six-year graduation rate of 98%. In-state tuition and fees average $62,688. Graduates carry a median of $10,888 in student loans. Read the full report on Princeton University

Texas A And M University College Station did well this year, earning the #27 position. Texas A And M University College Station is a public school based in College Station, TX. Texas A And M University College Station posts a six-year graduation rate of 84%. Students from in state pay about $12,995 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Graduates carry a median of $19,937 in student loans. Get the full Texas A And M University College Station report

Columbia University In The City Of New York did well this year, earning the #28 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. Columbia University In The City Of New York posts a six-year graduation rate of 96%. Students from in state pay about $70,517 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,500 in student loans. More on Columbia University In The City Of New York

#29

Northeastern University

Boston, MA

Northeastern University ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best General English Language Literature schools. Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit school based in Boston, MA. Roughly 90% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $66,162. Typical General English Language Literature student debt is $27,000. See the full Northeastern University profile

#30

Duquesne University

Pittsburgh, PA

Duquesne University landed the #30 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Pittsburgh, PA. Duquesne University graduates 77% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $48,986 in tuition and fees. Duquesne University General English Language Literature students take on a median of $26,098 in debt. Read more about Duquesne University

#31

Tufts University

Medford, MA

Tufts University landed the #31 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Medford, MA. Tufts University posts a six-year graduation rate of 94%. In-state tuition and fees run about $70,704. The median General English Language Literature program debt is $14,670. Get the full Tufts University report

#32

Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA

Boston College ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best General English Language Literature schools. Boston College is a private not-for-profit school based in Chestnut Hill, MA. About 91% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $70,702 in tuition and fees. Typical General English Language Literature student debt is $18,832. Read the full report on Boston College

University Of California Berkeley placed #33 among General English Language Literature schools in the United States. University Of California Berkeley is a public school based in Berkeley, CA. About 93% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Graduates carry a median of $13,500 in student loans. More on University Of California Berkeley

University Of Missouri Columbia landed the #34 spot in the United States this year. Set in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. University Of Missouri Columbia graduates 75% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,837, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. Typical General English Language Literature student debt is $23,182. See the full University Of Missouri Columbia profile

#35

University Of Rochester

Rochester, NY

University Of Rochester landed the #35 spot in the United States this year. Based in Rochester, NY, University Of Rochester is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Rochester graduates 85% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $67,080. Graduates carry a median of $21,000 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Rochester

#36

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA

Harvard University placed #36 among General English Language Literature schools in the United States. Based in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 98%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,676. The median General English Language Literature program debt is $16,616. Read the full report on Harvard University

#37

University Of Dallas

Irving, TX

University Of Dallas did well this year, earning the #37 position. Based in Irving, TX, University Of Dallas is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 73%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,930. Students borrow a median of $20,247 to complete their General English Language Literature program here. More on University Of Dallas

University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best General English Language Literature schools. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,926, with out-of-state students paying around $41,430. Typical General English Language Literature student debt is $24,958. Read the full report on University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus

University Of Nebraska Lincoln landed the #39 spot in the United States this year. Set in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. University Of Nebraska Lincoln posts a six-year graduation rate of 67%. In-state tuition and fees average $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. Typical General English Language Literature student debt is $23,000. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska Lincoln

University Of Minnesota Twin Cities placed #40 among General English Language Literature schools in the United States. Based in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities graduates 85% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Typical General English Language Literature student debt is $20,500. Get the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities report

#41

University Of Houston

Houston, TX

University Of Houston landed the #41 spot in the United States this year. Located in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. University Of Houston graduates 65% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $9,717, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. University Of Houston General English Language Literature students take on a median of $20,375 in debt. Get the full University Of Houston report

Illinois State University placed #42 among General English Language Literature schools in the United States. Illinois State University is a public school based in Normal, IL. Illinois State University graduates 64% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,410, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. The median General English Language Literature program debt is $23,125. Get the full Illinois State University report

University Of Massachusetts Amherst came in at #43 in this year's ranking. Based in Amherst, MA, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a public institution. About 83% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $17,772 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,449. University Of Massachusetts Amherst General English Language Literature students take on a median of $23,950 in debt. More on University Of Massachusetts Amherst

#44

Cornell University

Ithaca, NY

Cornell University did well this year, earning the #44 position. Based in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Cornell University posts a six-year graduation rate of 95%. In-state tuition and fees average $69,314. Typical General English Language Literature student debt is $16,275. Read the full report on Cornell University

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor came in at #45 in this year's ranking. Located in Ann Arbor, MI, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public institution. About 93% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,848, compared with $63,081 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,937 in student loans. See the full University Of Michigan Ann Arbor profile

#46

George Washington University

Washington, DC

George Washington University placed #46 among General English Language Literature schools in the United States. Set in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. In-state tuition and fees average $67,710. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their General English Language Literature program here. Read more about George Washington University

#47

University Of Delaware

Newark, DE

University Of Delaware landed the #47 spot in the United States this year. University Of Delaware is a public school based in Newark, DE. About 82% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,810, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their General English Language Literature program here. Read more about University Of Delaware

#48

Boston University

Boston, MA

Boston University came in at #48 in this year's ranking. Located in Boston, MA, Boston University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 89% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,102. Boston University General English Language Literature students take on a median of $26,395 in debt. See the full Boston University profile

The University Of Texas At Arlington did well this year, earning the #49 position. Set in Arlington, TX, The University Of Texas At Arlington is a public institution. About 54% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $11,950 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,582. Typical General English Language Literature student debt is $23,613. See the full The University Of Texas At Arlington profile

University Of California Los Angeles came in at #50 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Los Angeles, CA. University Of California Los Angeles posts a six-year graduation rate of 93%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. University Of California Los Angeles General English Language Literature students take on a median of $14,376 in debt. See the full University Of California Los Angeles profile

See rankings for other degree levels:

Ranking Methodology & Notes

These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 1514 ranked schools only.

References

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