2026 Best Value General English Language Literature Schools
Looking for the best-value General English Language Literature programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1514 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor evaluated schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value General English Language Literature Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Our analysis found University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez to be the best-value General English Language Literature school in the United States. Located in Mayaguez, PR, University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,274 in tuition and fees. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez General English Language Literature students take on a median of $7,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,992. Set against $7,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez has an acceptance rate of 56%. Get the full University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Brigham Young University Idaho earned it the #2 place in the United States. Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit school based in Rexburg, ID. Students from in state pay about $4,800 in tuition and fees. The median General English Language Literature program debt is $14,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,406 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,000 median debt. Brigham Young University Idaho admits about 96% of applicants. Get the full Brigham Young University Idaho report
You'll get strong value at American Public University System, which ranked #3 this year. American Public University System is a private for-profit school based in Charles Town, WV. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,400. Typical General English Language Literature student debt is $35,094. Median earnings reach $44,409 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $35,094 median debt. See the full American Public University System profile
Brigham Young University Provo came in at #4 on this year's best-value General English Language Literature ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. Students from in state pay about $6,688 in tuition and fees. Brigham Young University Provo General English Language Literature students take on a median of $11,248 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,790. That is a strong return on a $11,248 median debt. The acceptance rate is 68%. See the full Brigham Young University Provo profile
University Of Phoenix Arizona came in at #5 on this year's best-value General English Language Literature ranking in the United States. University Of Phoenix Arizona is a private for-profit school based in Phoenix, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,552. The median General English Language Literature program debt is $45,880. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,752 ten years after entry. Set against $45,880 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about University Of Phoenix Arizona
Arizona State University Skysong came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Arizona State University Skysong is a public school based in Scottsdale, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Arizona State University Skysong General English Language Literature students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Arizona State University Skysong has an acceptance rate of 67%. Get the full Arizona State University Skysong report
National University offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. National University is a private not-for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,284. Students borrow a median of $26,437 to complete their General English Language Literature program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,548. That is a strong return on a $26,437 median debt. Get the full National University report
University Of Maryland University College came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Adelphi, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,136, with out-of-state students paying around $12,336. Typical General English Language Literature student debt is $24,062. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,287. That is a strong return on a $24,062 median debt. Read the full report on University Of Maryland University College
Western Carolina University placed #9 among the best-value General English Language Literature schools in the United States. This public school is set in Cullowhee, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,630, compared with $8,630 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,458. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Western Carolina University
Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in New York, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $5,170, while out-of-state students pay about $8,050. Typical General English Language Literature student debt is $5,700. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,306. That is a strong return on a $5,700 median debt. Read more about Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College
Minnesota State University Mankato placed #11 among the best-value General English Language Literature schools in the United States. Based in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Typical General English Language Literature student debt is $25,000. Minnesota State University Mankato alumni report median earnings of $56,922 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Mankato
Northeastern University Global Network offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Located in Boston, MA, Northeastern University Global Network is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $50,688. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $92,538 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Read more about Northeastern University Global Network
Metropolitan State University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Metropolitan State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,840. Metropolitan State University General English Language Literature students take on a median of $26,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,705 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Metropolitan State University admits about 99% of applicants. More on Metropolitan State University
Cuny Graduate School And University Center ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value General English Language Literature schools. Based in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,235, with out-of-state students paying around $15,185. Typical General English Language Literature student debt is $17,921. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,991 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny Graduate School And University Center admits about 68% of applicants. See the full Cuny Graduate School And University Center profile
University Of Wisconsin Platteville placed #15 among the best-value General English Language Literature schools in the United States. Based in Platteville, WI, University Of Wisconsin Platteville is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,644 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,603. University Of Wisconsin Platteville General English Language Literature students take on a median of $23,677 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,760. That is a strong return on a $23,677 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Platteville
Western Illinois University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Macomb, IL. Students from in state pay about $14,572 in tuition and fees. The median General English Language Literature program debt is $23,750. Western Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $54,163 a decade after entry. Set against $23,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Illinois University admits about 71% of applicants. More on Western Illinois University
Fitchburg State University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Set in Fitchburg, MA, Fitchburg State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,346 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,426. Typical General English Language Literature student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $53,874 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. See the full Fitchburg State University profile
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Shippensburg, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $13,570, while out-of-state students pay about $15,824. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,351 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania report
University Of Wisconsin River Falls landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in River Falls, WI, University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,008, compared with $17,470 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,495 to complete their General English Language Literature program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,458. That is a strong return on a $24,495 median debt. University Of Wisconsin River Falls has an acceptance rate of 82%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin River Falls report
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value General English Language Literature schools. Located in Eau Claire, WI, University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,642, compared with $19,228 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,874 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,561. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire has an acceptance rate of 82%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire report
Miami University Hamilton placed #21 among the best-value General English Language Literature schools in the United States. Miami University Hamilton is a public school based in Hamilton, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $7,012, with out-of-state students paying around $18,811. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their General English Language Literature program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,076. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Miami University Hamilton report
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point placed #22 among the best-value General English Language Literature schools in the United States. Set in Stevens Point, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,228, compared with $18,248 for out-of-state students. The median General English Language Literature program debt is $24,930. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point alumni report median earnings of $52,021 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,930 median debt. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point
University Of Wisconsin La Crosse offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Located in La Crosse, WI, University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,070, compared with $19,517 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,378 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin La Crosse
Ashford University placed #24 among the best-value General English Language Literature schools in the United States. Ashford University is a private for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,960. Graduates carry a median of $40,559 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,404. Set against $40,559 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Ashford University
Winona State University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value General English Language Literature schools. Located in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,576, with out-of-state students paying around $17,308. The median General English Language Literature program debt is $23,750. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,532. Set against $23,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Winona State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value General English Language Literature Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Youngstown State University placed #26 among the best-value General English Language Literature schools in the United States. Located in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $28,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,544. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. More on Youngstown State University
University Of North Dakota placed #27 among the best-value General English Language Literature schools in the United States. University Of North Dakota is a public school based in Grand Forks, ND. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,951, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. Typical General English Language Literature student debt is $25,000. University Of North Dakota alumni report median earnings of $63,552 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Dakota admits about 77% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of North Dakota
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania placed #28 among the best-value General English Language Literature schools in the United States. Set in Slippery Rock, PA, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,568, compared with $14,676 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their General English Language Literature program here. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $53,032 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus placed #29 among the best-value General English Language Literature schools in the United States. Based in Indiana, PA, Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,380, with out-of-state students paying around $16,297. Graduates carry a median of $27,280 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,019 ten years after entry. Set against $27,280 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. More on Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus
Grand Valley State University offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Set in Allendale, MI, Grand Valley State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,502 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,894 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $28,570 to complete their General English Language Literature program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,118. That is a strong return on a $28,570 median debt. Grand Valley State University has an acceptance rate of 83%. Get the full Grand Valley State University report
University Of Houston Clear Lake landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Houston, TX, University Of Houston Clear Lake is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,346, with out-of-state students paying around $22,290. Students borrow a median of $15,875 to complete their General English Language Literature program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,004 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,875 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full University Of Houston Clear Lake profile
Northern Illinois University placed #32 among the best-value General English Language Literature schools in the United States. This public school is set in Dekalb, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,060. Typical General English Language Literature student debt is $25,375. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. More on Northern Illinois University
College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Baltimore, MD, College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $43,360. College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland General English Language Literature students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $65,344 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%. See the full College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland profile
University Of Northern Iowa ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value General English Language Literature schools. Located in Cedar Falls, IA, University Of Northern Iowa is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,936, with out-of-state students paying around $21,712. Graduates carry a median of $24,274 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,177. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%. Read more about University Of Northern Iowa
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value General English Language Literature schools. Set in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,092 in tuition and fees. The median General English Language Literature program debt is $25,250. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumni report median earnings of $56,346 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,250 median debt. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value General English Language Literature schools. This public school is set in Whitewater, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,616, while out-of-state students pay about $18,716. Typical General English Language Literature student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,356 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Whitewater
Miami University Middletown offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Miami University Middletown is a public school based in Middletown, OH. Students from in state pay about $7,012 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,811. Typical General English Language Literature student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,076. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Miami University Middletown
University Of Akron Main Campus came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Set in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,135 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. The median General English Language Literature program debt is $28,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,600. That is a strong return on a $28,250 median debt. University Of Akron Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 60%. See the full University Of Akron Main Campus profile
Midwestern State University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value General English Language Literature schools. Midwestern State University is a public school based in Wichita Falls, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,950, with out-of-state students paying around $11,770. Midwestern State University General English Language Literature students take on a median of $26,415 in debt. Midwestern State University alumni report median earnings of $55,747 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,415 median debt. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Midwestern State University
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh placed #40 among the best-value General English Language Literature schools in the United States. This public school is set in Oshkosh, WI. Students from in state pay about $8,532 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,446. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh alumni report median earnings of $55,548 a decade after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh profile
University Of North Georgia landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Dahlonega, GA, University Of North Georgia is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,444 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $16,956. Typical General English Language Literature student debt is $24,500. Median earnings reach $50,135 ten years out. Set against $24,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Georgia has an acceptance rate of 68%. More on University Of North Georgia
Salisbury University landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Salisbury, MD. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,084, while out-of-state students pay about $22,174. The median General English Language Literature program debt is $21,875. Median earnings reach $61,515 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,875 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Salisbury University report
St Marys University landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in San Antonio, TX, St Marys University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,434. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,955. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. More on St Marys University
North Dakota State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Located in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. North Dakota State University Main Campus General English Language Literature students take on a median of $25,025 in debt. North Dakota State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $62,203 a decade after entry. Set against $25,025 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Dakota State University Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants. More on North Dakota State University Main Campus
West Texas A And M University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Based in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,101 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,996. Graduates carry a median of $21,839 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,741. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. West Texas A And M University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Read more about West Texas A And M University
University Of Nebraska At Kearney landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Kearney, NE, University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,564, with out-of-state students paying around $16,484. Students borrow a median of $24,422 to complete their General English Language Literature program here. Median earnings reach $50,105 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,422 median debt. University Of Nebraska At Kearney has an acceptance rate of 90%. See the full University Of Nebraska At Kearney profile
The College Of New Jersey offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Located in Ewing, NJ, The College Of New Jersey is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,632, while out-of-state students pay about $25,752. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their General English Language Literature program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,323 ten years after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The College Of New Jersey has an acceptance rate of 62%. See the full The College Of New Jersey profile
Dalton State College offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. This public school is set in Dalton, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,336, with out-of-state students paying around $10,656. The median General English Language Literature program debt is $14,955. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,251. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Dalton State College profile
Illinois State University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value General English Language Literature schools. Set in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Students borrow a median of $23,125 to complete their General English Language Literature program here. Illinois State University alumni report median earnings of $62,117 a decade after entry. Set against $23,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Illinois State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about Illinois State University
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value General English Language Literature schools. Set in West Chester, PA, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,775 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,599. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,258. The acceptance rate is 78%. See the full West Chester University Of Pennsylvania profile
Best Value General English Language Literature Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value General English Language Literature Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General English Language Literature Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General English Language Literature Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General English Language Literature Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General English Language Literature Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General English Language Literature Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General English Language Literature Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 1514 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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