2026 Best Value General English Language Literature Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value General English Language Literature master’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 1514 schools 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.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor evaluated 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Fitchburg State University this year in the United States. Based in Fitchburg, MA, Fitchburg State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,346, while out-of-state students pay about $17,426. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their General English Language Literature program here. Median earnings reach $53,874 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Fitchburg State University has an acceptance rate of 87%. See the full Fitchburg State University profile
You'll get strong value at Arizona State University Skysong, which ranked #2 this year. 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. The median General English Language Literature program debt is $25,000. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 67%. Get the full Arizona State University Skysong report
You'll get strong value at Minnesota State University Mankato, which ranked #3 this year. Based in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Minnesota State University Mankato General English Language Literature students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,922 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants. See the full Minnesota State University Mankato profile
Out of the 1514 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, The College Of New Jersey landed the #4 spot. Based in Ewing, NJ, The College Of New Jersey is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $19,632, while out-of-state students pay about $25,752. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,323. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 62% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about The College Of New Jersey
You'll get strong value at Illinois State University, which ranked #5 this year. Illinois State University is a public school based in Normal, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $14,410, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. Typical General English Language Literature student debt is $23,125. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,117 ten years after entry. Set against $23,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on Illinois State University
National University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $13,284. Typical General English Language Literature student debt is $26,437. Median earnings reach $67,548 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,437 median debt. Read more about National University
Brigham Young University Provo placed #7 among the best-value General English Language Literature schools in the United States. Located in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. Typical General English Language Literature student debt is $11,248. Median earnings reach $75,790 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 68%. More on Brigham Young University Provo
Winona State University offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Set in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,576, compared with $17,308 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,750 to complete their General English Language Literature program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,532. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Winona State University has an acceptance rate of 76%. More on Winona State University
Midwestern State University placed #9 among the best-value General English Language Literature schools in the United States. Set in Wichita Falls, TX, Midwestern State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. Median earnings reach $55,747 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%. See the full Midwestern State University profile
St Marys University landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in San Antonio, TX, St Marys University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,434. St Marys University General English Language Literature students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,955 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. St Marys University admits about 98% of applicants. Get the full St Marys University report
Western Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. This public school is set in Macomb, IL. Students from in state pay about $14,572 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $23,750 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,163 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,750 median debt. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Western Illinois University report
Youngstown State University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value General English Language Literature schools. This public school is set in Youngstown, OH. Students from in state pay about $9,926 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. Youngstown State University General English Language Literature students take on a median of $28,000 in debt. Youngstown State University alumni report median earnings of $41,544 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. More on Youngstown State University
Northern Illinois University placed #13 among the best-value General English Language Literature schools in the United States. Located in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,060. Students borrow a median of $25,375 to complete their General English Language Literature program here. Northern Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $57,808 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,375 median debt. Northern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 70%. See the full Northern Illinois University profile
Truman State University landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Kirksville, MO, Truman State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,838, while out-of-state students pay about $18,566. Truman State University General English Language Literature students take on a median of $22,844 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,280. Set against $22,844 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Truman State University has an acceptance rate of 84%. More on Truman State University
Cuny Graduate School And University Center ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value General English Language Literature schools. Located in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,235 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,185. Graduates carry a median of $17,921 in student loans. Median earnings reach $65,991 ten years out. 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
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Located in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,092. Typical General English Language Literature student 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. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Villanova University placed #17 among the best-value General English Language Literature schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Villanova, PA. Students from in state pay about $67,776 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,899 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $100,423 ten years after entry. Set against $26,899 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 27%. See the full Villanova University profile
University Of Dayton landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Dayton, OH, University Of Dayton is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $49,140. Graduates carry a median of $24,398 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,537 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Dayton has an acceptance rate of 65%. Read more about University Of Dayton
North Dakota State University Main Campus came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Based in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. Graduates carry a median of $25,025 in student loans. 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. The acceptance rate is 95%. Read more about North Dakota State University Main Campus
West Texas A And M University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. West Texas A And M University is a public school based in Canyon, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,101, with out-of-state students paying around $10,996. West Texas A And M University General English Language Literature students take on a median of $21,839 in debt. West Texas A And M University alumni report median earnings of $50,741 a decade after entry. Set against $21,839 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. West Texas A And M University has an acceptance rate of 99%. See the full West Texas A And M University profile
Salisbury University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Set in Salisbury, MD, Salisbury University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,084, while out-of-state students pay about $22,174. Graduates carry a median of $21,875 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,515. Set against $21,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Salisbury University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about Salisbury University
University Of Houston Clear Lake came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Set in Houston, TX, University Of Houston Clear Lake is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,346, while out-of-state students pay about $22,290. Students borrow a median of $15,875 to complete their General English Language Literature program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,004. That is a strong return on a $15,875 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read the full report on University Of Houston Clear Lake
University Of North Alabama ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value General English Language Literature schools. This public school is set in Florence, AL. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,120, while out-of-state students pay about $22,320. Typical General English Language Literature student debt is $25,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,415. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of North Alabama
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in West Chester, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $10,775, with out-of-state students paying around $22,599. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,258. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read more about West Chester University Of Pennsylvania
Montclair State University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. This public school is set in Montclair, NJ. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,912, while out-of-state students pay about $26,022. Graduates carry a median of $25,092 in student loans. Median earnings reach $61,415 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,092 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full Montclair State University report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value General English Language Literature Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland placed #26 among the best-value General English Language Literature schools in the United States. Based in Baltimore, MD, College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $43,360. College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland General English Language Literature students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,344 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. See the full College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland profile
Saint Cloud State University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value General English Language Literature schools. This public school is set in Saint Cloud, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,245. The median General English Language Literature program debt is $21,482. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,813. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Cloud State University has an acceptance rate of 95%. More on Saint Cloud State University
Missouri State University Springfield came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Missouri State University Springfield is a public school based in Springfield, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,502, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. 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 $49,827. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Missouri State University Springfield admits about 90% of applicants. Read the full report on Missouri State University Springfield
Grand Valley State University ranked #29 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, 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,118. Set against $28,570 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Grand Valley State University has an acceptance rate of 83%. More on Grand Valley State University
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus placed #30 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, compared with $16,297 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,280 to complete their General English Language Literature program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,019. That is a strong return on a $27,280 median debt. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 91%. More on Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus
Texas Tech University placed #31 among the best-value General English Language Literature schools in the United States. Located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. Texas Tech University alumni report median earnings of $62,454 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Texas Tech University report
Marquette University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value General English Language Literature schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Milwaukee, WI. Students from in state pay about $51,170 in tuition and fees. Typical General English Language Literature student debt is $24,122. Median earnings reach $78,257 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Marquette University
Loyola Marymount University placed #33 among the best-value General English Language Literature schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Los Angeles, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,867. Graduates carry a median of $22,565 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,349 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Loyola Marymount University
Texas A And M University San Antonio placed #34 among the best-value General English Language Literature schools in the United States. Located in San Antonio, TX, Texas A And M University San Antonio is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,654, compared with $23,255 for out-of-state students. Typical General English Language Literature student debt is $19,000. Texas A And M University San Antonio alumni report median earnings of $54,338 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,000 median debt. Texas A And M University San Antonio has an acceptance rate of 93%. Get the full Texas A And M University San Antonio report
University Of Akron Main Campus placed #35 among the best-value General English Language Literature schools in the United States. Set in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,135, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. Graduates carry a median of $28,250 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,600. Set against $28,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Akron Main Campus profile
University Of Central Arkansas landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Central Arkansas is a public school based in Conway, AR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,523, while out-of-state students pay about $18,023. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. University Of Central Arkansas alumni report median earnings of $45,938 a decade after entry. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Central Arkansas admits about 90% of applicants. Get the full University Of Central Arkansas report
Texas A And M International University ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value General English Language Literature schools. This public school is set in Laredo, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,894, with out-of-state students paying around $19,454. Texas A And M International University General English Language Literature students take on a median of $15,727 in debt. Texas A And M International University alumni report median earnings of $48,386 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,727 median debt. Roughly 44% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Texas A And M International University
University Of Nebraska At Kearney ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value General English Language Literature schools. Set in Kearney, NE, University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,564, while out-of-state students pay about $16,484. Students borrow a median of $24,422 to complete their General English Language Literature program here. University Of Nebraska At Kearney alumni report median earnings of $50,105 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,422 median debt. University Of Nebraska At Kearney has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska At Kearney
The University Of Texas Pan American placed #39 among the best-value General English Language Literature schools in the United States. Located in Edinburg, TX, The University Of Texas Pan American is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,799, with out-of-state students paying around $19,645. Graduates carry a median of $17,625 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,620 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,625 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. See the full The University Of Texas Pan American profile
Liberty University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value General English Language Literature schools. Liberty University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lynchburg, VA. Students from in state pay about $16,173 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,850 to complete their General English Language Literature program here. Liberty University alumni report median earnings of $44,813 a decade after entry. Set against $24,850 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Liberty University admits about 99% of applicants. Get the full Liberty University report
University Of Nebraska Lincoln ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value General English Language Literature schools. University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. Typical General English Language Literature student debt is $23,000. Median earnings reach $56,887 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nebraska Lincoln admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Sam Houston State University landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Huntsville, TX, Sam Houston State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,228, while out-of-state students pay about $19,068. Graduates carry a median of $25,250 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,211 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,250 median debt. Sam Houston State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. More on Sam Houston State University
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. This public school is set in Eau Claire, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,642, while out-of-state students pay about $19,228. Students borrow a median of $23,874 to complete their General English Language Literature program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,561 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,874 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Bridgewater State University landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Bridgewater, MA, Bridgewater State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,734, compared with $17,874 for out-of-state students. Typical General English Language Literature student debt is $27,000. Bridgewater State University alumni report median earnings of $57,466 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bridgewater State University admits about 88% of applicants. See the full Bridgewater State University profile
University Of Houston came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Set in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,717, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. Typical General English Language Literature student debt is $20,375. Median earnings reach $62,377 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,375 median debt. The acceptance rate is 74%. Read the full report on University Of Houston
University Of Northern Iowa placed #46 among the best-value General English Language Literature schools in the United States. Located in Cedar Falls, IA, University Of Northern Iowa is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,936 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,712. Students borrow a median of $24,274 to complete their General English Language Literature program here. Median earnings reach $55,177 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,274 median debt. University Of Northern Iowa admits about 93% of applicants. See the full University Of Northern Iowa profile
University Of North Texas came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Located in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. Students borrow a median of $21,358 to complete their General English Language Literature program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,010 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. See the full University Of North Texas profile
Monmouth University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Monmouth University is a private not-for-profit school based in West Long Branch, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $46,552. The median General English Language Literature program debt is $27,000. Monmouth University alumni report median earnings of $67,991 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Monmouth University
University Of North Dakota placed #49 among the best-value General English Language Literature schools in the United States. This public school is set in Grand Forks, ND. Students from in state pay about $10,951 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,570. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their General English Language Literature program here. Median earnings reach $63,552 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Dakota admits about 77% of applicants. Get the full University Of North Dakota report
Millersville University Of Pennsylvania ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best-value General English Language Literature schools. This public school is set in Millersville, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,128, while out-of-state students pay about $22,952. Students borrow a median of $25,934 to complete their General English Language Literature program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,246 ten years after entry. Set against $25,934 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read more about Millersville University Of Pennsylvania
Related General English Language Literature Value Rankings
See value rankings for 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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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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