2026 Best Value General English Language Literature Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value General English Language Literature doctoral degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1514 schools 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 analyzed 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Illinois State University tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value General English Language Literature doctoral degree schools in the United States. Located in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,410, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. Typical General English Language Literature student debt is $23,125. Median earnings reach $62,117 ten years out. Set against $23,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Illinois State University admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on Illinois State University
You'll get strong value at Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus, which ranked #2 this year. Located 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. Typical General English Language Literature student debt is $27,280. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $51,019 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,280 median debt. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus admits about 91% of applicants. See the full Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus profile
Out of the 1514 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Cuny Graduate School And University Center landed the #3 spot. This public school is set in New York, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,235, with out-of-state students paying around $15,185. Cuny Graduate School And University Center General English Language Literature students take on a median of $17,921 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,991 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,921 median debt. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Cuny Graduate School And University Center profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Northern Illinois University earned it the #4 place in the United States. Based in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,060. The median General English Language Literature program debt is $25,375. Northern Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $57,808 a decade after entry. Set against $25,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants. Get the full Northern Illinois University report
You'll get strong value at Marquette University, which ranked #5 this year. Located in Milwaukee, WI, Marquette University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $51,170. The median General English Language Literature program debt is $24,122. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,257 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Marquette University report
University Of Houston placed #6 among the best-value General English Language Literature schools in the United States. University Of Houston is a public school based in Houston, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,717, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,375 to complete their General English Language Literature program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,377 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Houston
University Of Delaware ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value General English Language Literature schools. This public school is set in Newark, DE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,810, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. University Of Delaware General English Language Literature students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. University Of Delaware alumni report median earnings of $72,950 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Delaware has an acceptance rate of 71%. More on University Of Delaware
University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Based in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. University Of Nebraska Lincoln General English Language Literature students take on a median of $23,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,887. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nebraska Lincoln admits about 88% of applicants. More on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
University Of North Texas ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value General English Language Literature schools. Located in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,309, compared with $21,149 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,358 in student loans. University Of North Texas alumni report median earnings of $57,010 a decade after entry. Set against $21,358 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Texas has an acceptance rate of 72%. More on University Of North Texas
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Austin, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,121. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At Austin admits about 27% of applicants. See the full The University Of Texas At Austin profile
Bowling Green State University Main Campus landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Bowling Green, OH. Students from in state pay about $13,912 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,900. The median General English Language Literature program debt is $24,455. Median earnings reach $47,896 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bowling Green State University Main Campus admits about 81% of applicants. Read more about Bowling Green State University Main Campus
University Of Southern Mississippi placed #12 among the best-value General English Language Literature schools in the United States. This public school is set in Hattiesburg, MS. Students from in state pay about $9,998 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,998 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,415 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,140. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 99%. See the full University Of Southern Mississippi profile
Texas Tech University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value General English Language Literature schools. Located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,852 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,454. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 73%. More on Texas Tech University
Purdue University Main Campus placed #14 among the best-value General English Language Literature schools in the United States. Set in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,424. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Purdue University Main Campus
Texas A And M University College Station landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, with out-of-state students paying around $40,124. Texas A And M University College Station General English Language Literature students take on a median of $19,937 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,097 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas A And M University College Station has an acceptance rate of 57%. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile
Texas A And M University Commerce landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Commerce, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,026, compared with $22,326 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $13,407 in student loans. Median earnings reach $50,296 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas A And M University Commerce admits about 92% of applicants. See the full Texas A And M University Commerce profile
Duquesne University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value General English Language Literature schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Pittsburgh, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $48,986. Typical General English Language Literature student debt is $26,098. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,742. That is a strong return on a $26,098 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Duquesne University
University Of Wisconsin Madison placed #17 among the best-value General English Language Literature schools in the United States. Based in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $73,792 ten years out. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 45%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile
Murray State University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Murray State University is a public school based in Murray, KY. In-state tuition and fees average $9,900, with out-of-state students paying around $19,836. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Murray State University alumni report median earnings of $44,737 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Murray State University admits about 86% of applicants. Get the full Murray State University report
University Of Washington Seattle Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public school based in Seattle, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. The median General English Language Literature program debt is $18,017. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,466 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus report
Northeastern University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value General English Language Literature schools. Based in Boston, MA, Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $66,162. Northeastern University General English Language Literature students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,538. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northeastern University has an acceptance rate of 5%. Read more about Northeastern University
Loyola University Chicago ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value General English Language Literature schools. Based in Chicago, IL, Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,710. Loyola University Chicago General English Language Literature students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $71,530 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Loyola University Chicago
The University Of Texas At Arlington ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value General English Language Literature schools. Set in Arlington, TX, The University Of Texas At Arlington is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,950, compared with $29,582 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,613 to complete their General English Language Literature program here. The University Of Texas At Arlington alumni report median earnings of $63,199 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,613 median debt. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full The University Of Texas At Arlington report
Texas Christian University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Based in Fort Worth, TX, Texas Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,740. The median General English Language Literature program debt is $22,960. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,424. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 44% of those who apply are admitted. More on Texas Christian University
University Of Virginia Main Campus placed #25 among the best-value General English Language Literature schools in the United States. Located in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $23,118 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. Typical General English Language Literature student debt is $15,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $86,863. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. Roughly 17% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Virginia Main Campus profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value General English Language Literature Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Ohio University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Located in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,158, with out-of-state students paying around $24,838. Students borrow a median of $24,546 to complete their General English Language Literature program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,581. That is a strong return on a $24,546 median debt. Ohio University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 85%. See the full Ohio University Main Campus profile
Yale University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Located in New Haven, CT, Yale University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,250. The median General English Language Literature program debt is $14,357. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $100,533. That is a strong return on a $14,357 median debt. The acceptance rate is 4%. Read the full report on Yale University
University Of Missouri Columbia placed #28 among the best-value General English Language Literature schools in the United States. Set in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,837 in tuition and fees, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,182 to complete their General English Language Literature program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,403 ten years after entry. Set against $23,182 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Missouri Columbia has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read more about University Of Missouri Columbia
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Graduates carry a median of $20,961 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,054. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
University Of California Berkeley offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. This public school is set in Berkeley, CA. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,446. That is a strong return on a $13,500 median debt. University Of California Berkeley has an acceptance rate of 11%. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
Oklahoma State University Main Campus landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,110, compared with $25,630 for out-of-state students. Typical General English Language Literature student debt is $22,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,413. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Oklahoma State University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants. Read the full report on Oklahoma State University Main Campus
Arizona State University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Located in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Typical General English Language Literature student debt is $25,000. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arizona State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. More on Arizona State University
Stanford University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Stanford University is a private not-for-profit school based in Stanford, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,910. Stanford University General English Language Literature students take on a median of $10,492 in debt. Stanford University alumni report median earnings of $124,080 a decade after entry. Set against $10,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Stanford University report
Temple University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $23,005 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $38,805. Temple University General English Language Literature students take on a median of $25,949 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,727. Set against $25,949 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Temple University
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Based in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,797, with out-of-state students paying around $27,377. Typical General English Language Literature student debt is $20,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,126. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%. More on University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities placed #36 among the best-value General English Language Literature schools in the United States. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public school based in Minneapolis, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,020. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities has an acceptance rate of 80%. Get the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities report
University Of Utah came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. University Of Utah is a public school based in Salt Lake City, UT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,620, compared with $30,860 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,000 to complete their General English Language Literature program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,170 ten years after entry. Set against $20,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Utah report
University Of Maryland College Park ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value General English Language Literature schools. Set in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,809, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. Graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,860 ten years after entry. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 45%. Read more about University Of Maryland College Park
Morgan State University landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Baltimore, MD, Morgan State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,229, with out-of-state students paying around $19,124. Graduates carry a median of $30,309 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,698 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. See the full Morgan State University profile
University Of California Los Angeles landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,511 ten years after entry. Set against $14,376 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Los Angeles admits about 9% of applicants. Get the full University Of California Los Angeles report
Cornell University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Set in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $69,314. The median General English Language Literature program debt is $16,275. Graduates go on to earn a median of $104,043 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Cornell University
Boston College came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Located in Chestnut Hill, MA, Boston College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $70,702. Graduates carry a median of $18,832 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $103,937. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 16% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Boston College report
Suny At Binghamton landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Vestal, NY, Suny At Binghamton is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,567, while out-of-state students pay about $30,447. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their General English Language Literature program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $80,596. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 39%. Read the full report on Suny At Binghamton
University Of California Santa Barbara ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value General English Language Literature schools. University Of California Santa Barbara is a public school based in Santa Barbara, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,444, compared with $47,332 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,550 in student loans. Median earnings reach $74,915 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 33% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of California Santa Barbara profile
University Of Nevada Reno landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Reno, NV. In-state tuition and fees average $9,578, with out-of-state students paying around $27,720. University Of Nevada Reno General English Language Literature students take on a median of $26,155 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,614. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nevada Reno has an acceptance rate of 74%. Read the full report on University Of Nevada Reno
Saint Louis University Main Campus came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Based in Saint Louis, MO, Saint Louis University Main Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $55,760. Graduates carry a median of $26,546 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $70,783. That is a strong return on a $26,546 median debt. Saint Louis University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 75%. See the full Saint Louis University Main Campus profile
University Of Notre Dame offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Notre Dame, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,025. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $99,980 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Notre Dame admits about 11% of applicants. Get the full University Of Notre Dame report
University Of South Florida Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Based in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,410, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their General English Language Literature program here. Median earnings reach $57,743 ten years out. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of South Florida Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 43%. Read more about University Of South Florida Main Campus
University Of Pennsylvania ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value General English Language Literature schools. Located in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,686. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $111,371. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Pennsylvania admits about 5% of applicants. Read more about University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Dallas ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value General English Language Literature schools. University Of Dallas is a private not-for-profit school based in Irving, TX. 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,285. Set against $20,247 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Dallas has an acceptance rate of 53%. Get the full University Of Dallas report
Related General English Language Literature Value Rankings
Explore 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General English Language Literature Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General English Language Literature Master’s Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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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