2026 Best Value General English Language Literature Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value General English Language Literature bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 1514 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor analyzed schools to produce 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Set in Mayaguez, PR, University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,274. Students borrow a median of $7,500 to complete their General English Language Literature program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,992. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez profile
Brigham Young University Idaho came in at #2 on this year's best-value General English Language Literature ranking in the United States. Based in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,800. Typical General English Language Literature student debt is $14,000. Median earnings reach $53,406 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,000 median debt. Brigham Young University Idaho admits about 96% of applicants. More on Brigham Young University Idaho
A rank of #3 makes American Public University System one of the best values in the United States. Based in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,400. Typical General English Language Literature student debt is $35,094. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,409. That is a strong return on a $35,094 median debt. More on American Public University System
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Brigham Young University Provo earned it the #4 place in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,688. Brigham Young University Provo General English Language Literature students take on a median of $11,248 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,790. Set against $11,248 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants. See the full Brigham Young University Provo profile
You'll get strong value at National University, which ranked #5 this year. Located in San Diego, CA, National University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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 Phoenix Arizona ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value General English Language Literature schools. Set in Phoenix, AZ, University Of Phoenix Arizona is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,552. Graduates carry a median of $45,880 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,752. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on University Of Phoenix Arizona
Western Carolina University offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Set in Cullowhee, NC, Western Carolina University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,630, compared with $8,630 for out-of-state students. The median General English Language Literature program debt is $25,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,458 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Western Carolina University
Arizona State University Skysong ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value General English Language Literature schools. Set in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Arizona State University Skysong
University Of Maryland University College offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. This public school is set in Adelphi, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $8,136, with out-of-state students paying around $12,336. Graduates carry a median of $24,062 in student loans. University Of Maryland University College alumni report median earnings of $65,287 a decade after entry. Set against $24,062 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full University Of Maryland University College profile
Northeastern University Global Network ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value General English Language Literature schools. Located in Boston, MA, Northeastern University Global Network is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $50,688. Typical General English Language Literature student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,538 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Northeastern University Global Network
Metropolitan State University offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Metropolitan State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Set against $26,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Metropolitan State University admits about 99% of applicants. Get the full Metropolitan State University report
University Of Wisconsin Platteville offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Located in Platteville, WI, University Of Wisconsin Platteville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,644, while out-of-state students pay about $17,603. Typical General English Language Literature student debt is $23,677. Median earnings reach $61,760 ten years out. Set against $23,677 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Platteville admits about 89% of applicants. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Platteville report
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value General English Language Literature schools. Set in Shippensburg, PA, Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,570, with out-of-state students paying around $15,824. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania General English Language Literature students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,351 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Based in Eau Claire, WI, University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,642 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,228. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire General English Language Literature students take on a median of $23,874 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,561. Set against $23,874 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Based in Slippery Rock, PA, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,568, while out-of-state students pay about $14,676. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their General English Language Literature program here. Median earnings reach $53,032 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. See the full Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania profile
University Of Wisconsin River Falls offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Based in River Falls, WI, University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,008 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,470. The median General English Language Literature program debt is $24,495. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,458. That is a strong return on a $24,495 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin River Falls
Western Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Western Illinois University is a public school based 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,163 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 71%. Read more about Western Illinois University
Miami University Hamilton offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Based in Hamilton, OH, Miami University Hamilton is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,012, with out-of-state students paying around $18,811. Miami University Hamilton General English Language Literature students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,076 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Miami University Hamilton report
University Of North Dakota ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value General English Language Literature schools. University Of North Dakota is a public school based in Grand Forks, ND. In-state tuition and fees average $10,951, compared with $15,570 for out-of-state students. The median General English Language Literature program debt is $25,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,552. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. University Of North Dakota has an acceptance rate of 77%. More on University Of North Dakota
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Based 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, with out-of-state students paying around $18,248. Graduates carry a median of $24,930 in student loans. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point alumni report median earnings of $52,021 a decade after entry. Set against $24,930 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point report
University Of Wisconsin La Crosse offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Located in La Crosse, WI, University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,070 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,517 for out-of-state students. The median General English Language Literature program debt is $23,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,378. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin La Crosse report
Ashford University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Ashford University is a private for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,960. Students borrow a median of $40,559 to complete their General English Language Literature program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,404. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Ashford University
Grand Valley State University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value General English Language Literature schools. This public school is set in Allendale, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $15,502, while out-of-state students pay about $21,894. The median General English Language Literature program debt is $28,570. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,118. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 83% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Grand Valley State University
University Of Houston Clear Lake came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Set in Houston, TX, University Of Houston Clear Lake is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,346, with out-of-state students paying around $22,290. The median General English Language Literature program debt is $15,875. Median earnings reach $59,004 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read more about University Of Houston Clear Lake
University Of Northern Iowa placed #25 among the best-value General English Language Literature schools in the United States. University Of Northern Iowa is a public school based in Cedar Falls, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $9,936, compared with $21,712 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,274 to complete their General English Language Literature program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,177. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Northern Iowa profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value General English Language Literature Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Set in Whitewater, WI, University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,616, with out-of-state students paying around $18,716. Typical General English Language Literature student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,356. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Wisconsin Whitewater
Winona State University placed #27 among the best-value General English Language Literature schools in the United States. Winona State University is a public school based in Winona, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,576, with out-of-state students paying around $17,308. Winona State University General English Language Literature students take on a median of $23,750 in debt. Winona State University alumni report median earnings of $58,532 a decade after entry. Set against $23,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Winona State University has an acceptance rate of 76%. Read more about Winona State University
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value General English Language Literature schools. Set in Oshkosh, WI, University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,532, compared with $16,446 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their General English Language Literature program here. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh alumni report median earnings of $55,548 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. More on University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Northern Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Northern Illinois University is a public school based in Dekalb, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,060. Graduates carry a median of $25,375 in student loans. 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. The acceptance rate is 70%. More on Northern Illinois University
Miami University Middletown landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Middletown, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Miami University Middletown alumni report median earnings of $55,076 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Read more about Miami University Middletown
University Of Akron Main Campus placed #31 among the best-value General English Language Literature schools in the United States. This public school is set in Akron, OH. Students from in state pay about $13,135 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $28,250 to complete their General English Language Literature program here. University Of Akron Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $46,600 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Akron Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 60%. Read more about University Of Akron Main Campus
University Of North Georgia landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Dahlonega, GA, University Of North Georgia is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,444 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,956. Students borrow a median of $24,500 to complete their General English Language Literature program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,135. Set against $24,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 68%. Read the full report on University Of North Georgia
Midwestern State University landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Wichita Falls, TX, Midwestern State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,950 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,770. The median General English Language Literature program debt is $26,415. Median earnings reach $55,747 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Midwestern State University has an acceptance rate of 94%. Get the full Midwestern State University report
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Located in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,092 in tuition and fees. Typical General English Language Literature student debt is $25,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,346. Set against $25,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has an acceptance rate of 98%. Get the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville report
Dalton State College ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value General English Language Literature schools. Located in Dalton, GA, Dalton State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,336, compared with $10,656 for out-of-state students. Dalton State College General English Language Literature students take on a median of $14,955 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,251. That is a strong return on a $14,955 median debt. See the full Dalton State College profile
North Dakota State University Main Campus placed #36 among the best-value General English Language Literature schools in the United States. This public school is set in Fargo, ND. Students from in state pay about $10,910 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. The median General English Language Literature program debt is $25,025. North Dakota State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $62,203 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,025 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Read more about North Dakota State University Main Campus
University Of Nebraska At Kearney offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a public school based in Kearney, NE. Students from in state pay about $8,564 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $16,484. Typical General English Language Literature student debt is $24,422. University Of Nebraska At Kearney alumni report median earnings of $50,105 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nebraska At Kearney admits about 90% of applicants. See the full University Of Nebraska At Kearney profile
West Texas A And M University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Set in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,101, while out-of-state students pay about $10,996. Graduates carry a median of $21,839 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,741. Set against $21,839 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. West Texas A And M University has an acceptance rate of 99%. More on West Texas A And M University
Salisbury University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value General English Language Literature schools. Set in Salisbury, MD, Salisbury University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,084, while out-of-state students pay about $22,174. Typical General English Language Literature student debt is $21,875. Median earnings reach $61,515 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full Salisbury University profile
Youngstown State University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value General English Language Literature schools. Youngstown State University is a public school based in Youngstown, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Typical General English Language Literature student debt is $28,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,544. Set against $28,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. See the full Youngstown State University profile
University Of Southern Mississippi came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Hattiesburg, MS. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,998, while out-of-state students pay about $11,998. Graduates carry a median of $25,415 in student loans. Median earnings reach $44,140 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Southern Mississippi has an acceptance rate of 99%. Get the full University Of Southern Mississippi report
Athens State University landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Athens State University is a public school based in Athens, AL. In-state tuition and fees average $10,020, with out-of-state students paying around $17,700. Graduates carry a median of $26,833 in student loans. Athens State University alumni report median earnings of $50,273 a decade after entry. Set against $26,833 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Athens State University report
Kean University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value General English Language Literature schools. Kean University is a public school based in Union, NJ. In-state tuition and fees average $14,299, compared with $22,446 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $30,679 to complete their General English Language Literature program here. Median earnings reach $57,237 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read the full report on Kean University
University Of Houston came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Set in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,717, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. The median General English Language Literature program debt is $20,375. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,377. That is a strong return on a $20,375 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Houston
Rowan University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Based in Glassboro, NJ, Rowan University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,574 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $26,932. The median General English Language Literature program debt is $26,554. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,988. That is a strong return on a $26,554 median debt. Rowan University has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read more about Rowan University
Weber State University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Ogden, UT, Weber State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,557 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,545 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,399 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,287. Set against $12,399 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Weber State University
University Of Wisconsin Green Bay offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Set in Green Bay, WI, University Of Wisconsin Green Bay is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,700, while out-of-state students pay about $17,288. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their General English Language Literature program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,528. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Green Bay admits about 89% of applicants. More on University Of Wisconsin Green Bay
San Jose State University offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Based in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,988 ten years after entry. San Jose State University admits about 85% of applicants. See the full San Jose State University profile
Truman State University offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Based in Kirksville, MO, Truman State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,838, with out-of-state students paying around $18,566. Students borrow a median of $22,844 to complete their General English Language Literature program here. Truman State University alumni report median earnings of $56,280 a decade after entry. Set against $22,844 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%. Read more about Truman State University
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Located in West Chester, PA, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,775, compared with $22,599 for out-of-state students. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,258. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. More on West Chester University Of Pennsylvania
Related General English Language Literature Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value General English Language Literature Schools (All Levels)
- 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 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. Rankings consider 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).