2026 Best Value Literature Schools
Looking for the best-value Literature programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 120 institutions 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 help you make your decision, Course Advisor analyzed schools to build 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 Literature Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Our analysis found Cuny Graduate School And University Center to be the best-value Literature school in the United States. Located in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,235, while out-of-state students pay about $15,185. Typical Literature student debt is $17,921. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,991. That is a strong return on a $17,921 median debt. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Cuny Graduate School And University Center report
Out of the 120 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Rowan University landed the #2 spot. This public school is set in Glassboro, NJ. In-state tuition and fees average $16,574, while out-of-state students pay about $26,932. Students borrow a median of $24,488 to complete their Literature program here. Median earnings reach $59,988 ten years out. Set against $24,488 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%. Get the full Rowan University report
A rank of #3 makes Minnesota State University Mankato one of the best values in the United States. Set in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,260 to complete their Literature program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,922. Set against $25,260 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full Minnesota State University Mankato report
You'll get strong value at Lindenwood University, which ranked #4 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Charles, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,600. The median Literature program debt is $28,663. Lindenwood University alumni report median earnings of $53,278 a decade after entry. Set against $28,663 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 57%. Get the full Lindenwood University report
Out of the 120 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Central Michigan University landed the #5 spot. Central Michigan University is a public school based in Mount Pleasant, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,480. Central Michigan University Literature students take on a median of $27,857 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,874 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,857 median debt. Central Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 90%. See the full Central Michigan University profile
Stony Brook University placed #6 among the best-value Literature schools in the United States. This public school is set in Stony Brook, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $10,931, while out-of-state students pay about $32,741. Typical Literature student debt is $20,537. Median earnings reach $74,502 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,537 median debt. Stony Brook University admits about 49% of applicants. Read more about Stony Brook University
University Of Pittsburgh Greensburg came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Based in Greensburg, PA, University Of Pittsburgh Greensburg is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,710, while out-of-state students pay about $26,584. The median Literature program debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $66,125. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. University Of Pittsburgh Greensburg has an acceptance rate of 95%. More on University Of Pittsburgh Greensburg
York College Pennsylvania placed #7 among the best-value Literature schools in the United States. Set in York, PA, York College Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $25,588 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,537 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,012 ten years after entry. Set against $26,537 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Read more about York College Pennsylvania
American University placed #9 among the best-value Literature schools in the United States. Set in Washington, DC, American University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $58,771. American University Literature students take on a median of $26,105 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $77,370. Set against $26,105 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 62% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full American University report
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a public school based in Indianapolis, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,762, while out-of-state students pay about $34,891. Students borrow a median of $23,146 to complete their Literature program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,198 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,146 median debt. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis profile
Harvard University placed #11 among the best-value Literature schools in the United States. Located in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,676. Typical Literature student debt is $16,616. Graduates go on to earn a median of $101,817 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. See the full Harvard University profile
University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown placed #12 among the best-value Literature schools in the United States. University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown is a public school based in Johnstown, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,906, while out-of-state students pay about $26,780. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Literature program here. Median earnings reach $66,125 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown admits about 95% of applicants. Read more about University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown
Duke University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Located in Durham, NC, Duke University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $68,758 in tuition and fees. Typical Literature student debt is $13,296. Duke University alumni report median earnings of $97,800 a decade after entry. Set against $13,296 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 6% of applicants are accepted. See the full Duke University profile
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,926, while out-of-state students pay about $41,430. The median Literature program debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $66,125. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus admits about 58% of applicants. See the full University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus profile
Grand Canyon University came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Located in Phoenix, AZ, Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,508. Typical Literature student debt is $31,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,186. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 79%. Read more about Grand Canyon University
Cuny Hunter College offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Set in New York, NY, Cuny Hunter College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,382, while out-of-state students pay about $15,332. Students borrow a median of $11,091 to complete their Literature program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,163. That is a strong return on a $11,091 median debt. Cuny Hunter College has an acceptance rate of 54%. Get the full Cuny Hunter College report
George Mason University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Set in Fairfax, VA, George Mason University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,220, with out-of-state students paying around $38,688. Students borrow a median of $23,529 to complete their Literature program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $76,343. Set against $23,529 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. George Mason University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full George Mason University report
Eastern Michigan University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Based in Ypsilanti, MI, Eastern Michigan University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,990. Eastern Michigan University Literature students take on a median of $28,781 in debt. Eastern Michigan University alumni report median earnings of $51,793 a decade after entry. Set against $28,781 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Eastern Michigan University profile
University Of California Los Angeles ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Literature schools. University Of California Los Angeles is a public school based in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. The median Literature program debt is $13,093. University Of California Los Angeles alumni report median earnings of $82,511 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of California Los Angeles
Suny At Purchase College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Literature schools. Set in Purchase, NY, Suny At Purchase College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,016, while out-of-state students pay about $19,266. Suny At Purchase College Literature students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,092 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Suny At Purchase College has an acceptance rate of 74%. Read the full report on Suny At Purchase College
Calvin College landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Grand Rapids, MI. Students from in state pay about $39,350 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $22,707 to complete their Literature program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,375. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Calvin College report
New York University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,796. The median Literature program debt is $21,897. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,509. Set against $21,897 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. New York University has an acceptance rate of 9%. See the full New York University profile
Pacific University landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Forest Grove, OR, Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $56,374. Typical Literature student debt is $26,170. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,583. That is a strong return on a $26,170 median debt. Pacific University admits about 90% of applicants. Get the full Pacific University report
Cornell College landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Cornell College is a private not-for-profit school based in Mount Vernon, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $52,660. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Literature program here. Median earnings reach $53,460 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Cornell College admits about 80% of applicants. More on Cornell College
Hamilton College landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Clinton, NY, Hamilton College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,960. Graduates carry a median of $16,131 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,411 ten years after entry. Set against $16,131 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 14%. More on Hamilton College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Literature Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Loyola University New Orleans landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in New Orleans, LA, Loyola University New Orleans is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $49,440. Students borrow a median of $26,606 to complete their Literature program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,927. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Loyola University New Orleans
The New School landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in New York, NY, The New School is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $58,730. Typical Literature student debt is $23,750. The New School alumni report median earnings of $52,901 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,750 median debt. The acceptance rate is 64%. See the full The New School profile
Bennington College landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Bennington College is a private not-for-profit school based in Bennington, VT. Students from in state pay about $66,262 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,289. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 44%. More on Bennington College
Erie Community College landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Read the full report on Erie Community College
The University Of Findlay ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Literature schools. More on The University Of Findlay
Indiana University Kokomo offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Read the full report on Indiana University Kokomo
Mississippi College ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Literature schools. Read more about Mississippi College
Dominican University came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. More on Dominican University
University Of Washington Seattle Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. More on University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Indiana University East came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Indiana University East
Michigan State University offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. See the full Michigan State University profile
Hamline University placed #37 among the best-value Literature schools in the United States. See the full Hamline University profile
Clarkson University placed #38 among the best-value Literature schools in the United States. Read more about Clarkson University
Allegheny College offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Read more about Allegheny College
Linfield College
Linfield College offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. See the full Linfield College profile
Oklahoma State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Read the full report on Oklahoma State University Main Campus
Chandler Gilbert Community College ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Literature schools. Read more about Chandler Gilbert Community College
Capital Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Read the full report on Capital Community College
Nassau Community College ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Literature schools. Read more about Nassau Community College
Ohio Northern University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Ohio Northern University profile
Paradise Valley Community College ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Literature schools. Get the full Paradise Valley Community College report
Judson University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Judson University
Davidson College
Davidson College offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. More on Davidson College
Stevens Institute Of Technology landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. More on Stevens Institute Of Technology
Vermont Technical College placed #50 among the best-value Literature schools in the United States. See the full Vermont Technical College profile
Best Value Literature Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Literature Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Literature Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Literature Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Literature Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Literature Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Literature Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Literature Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled 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 120 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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