2023 Best English Language & Literature Schools in California
Finding the Best English Language & Literature School for You
In 2020-2021, 7,609 degrees and certificates were awarded to English language and literature students who went to a California college or university. This makes it the #19 most popular major in the state.
There are so many programs in today's world that it can tough to figure out which one is the right one for you. Along with traditional schools that require in-person attendence, you can attend one of many reputable online schools. Some programs even offer a hybrid experience. Alternatively, you may choose a trade school that prepares you to enter the workforce with knowledge in a specific field.
To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Course Advisor has developed this Best English Language & Literature Schools in California ranking. Our analysis looked at 38 schools in California to see which programs offered the best educational experiences for students.
View our full ranking methodology.
2023 Best English Language & Literature Schools in California
Check out the English language and literature programs at these schools if you want to get the best education that money can buy.
Top 10 Best English Language & Literature Schools
Our 2023 rankings named Stanford University the best school in California for English language and literature students. Located in the large suburb of Stanford, Stanford is a private not-for-profit college with a fairly large student population.
Full English Language & Literature at Stanford University Report
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You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of California - Berkeley. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Best English Language & Literature Schools in California list. UC Berkeley is a very large public school located in the city of Berkeley.
The average amount in student loans that English language and literature majors at UC Berkeley take out is $14,029. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $260, based on a 10-year repayment plan.
Full English Language & Literature at University of California - Berkeley Report
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A rank of #3 on this year’s list means Loyola Marymount University is a great place for English language and literature students. Located in the large city of Los Angeles, Loyola Marymount is a private not-for-profit school with a fairly large student population.
While working on their degree, English language and literature majors at Loyola Marymount accumulate an average of around $22,666 in student debt. When it comes time to repay the loan, graduates who are on a 10-year repayment plan pay an average monthly payment of $897.
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You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend National University. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Best English Language & Literature Schools in California list. Located in the large city of La Jolla, National University is a private not-for-profit college with a large student population.
While working on their degree, English language and literature majors at National University accumulate an average of around $28,180 in student debt.
Full English Language & Literature at National University Report
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Out of the 38 schools in California that were part of this year’s ranking, California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo landed the # 5 spot on the list. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is a fairly large public school located in the suburb of San Luis Obispo.
The average amount in student loans that English language and literature majors at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo take out is $19,000. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $246, based on a 10-year repayment plan.
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University of California - Santa Barbara came in at #6 in this year’s edition of the Best English Language & Literature Schools in California ranking. UCSB is a fairly large public school located in the medium-sized suburb of Santa Barbara.
English Language & Literature majors at UCSB take out an average of $18,200 in student loans while working on their egree. This translates to an average monthly loan payment of $277, based on a 10-year repayment plan.
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University of California - Los Angeles ranked #7 on this year’s Best English Language & Literature Schools in California list. UCLA is a very large public school located in the city of Los Angeles.
While working on their degree, English language and literature majors at UCLA accumulate an average of around $15,000 in student debt. Assuming that a graduate chooses a 10-year repayment plan, the average monthly loan payment is $195.
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With a ranking of #8, University of California - San Diego did quite well on this year’s best schools for English language and literature students. Located in the large city of La Jolla, UCSD is a public college with a fairly large student population.
On average, English language and literature graduates from UCSD take out $17,566 in student loans while working on their degree.
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University of San Francisco landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best English language and literature programs. Located in the city of San Francisco, USFCA is a private not-for-profit school with a fairly large student population.
After completing their degree, English language and literature graduates from USFCA carry an average student debtload of $24,344.
Full English Language & Literature at University of San Francisco Report
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San Jose State University landed the #10 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best English language and literature programs. San Jose State is a very large public school located in the city of San Jose.
Full English Language & Literature at San Jose State University Report
Request InformationBest English Language & Literature Colleges in the Far Western US Region
Explore all the Best English Language & Literature Schools in the Far Western US Area or other specific states within that region.
| State | Degrees Awarded |
|---|---|
| Washington | 896 |
| Oregon | 524 |
| Hawaii | 111 |
| Nevada | 290 |
| Alaska | 52 |
More English Language & Literature Rankings in California
Rankings in Majors Related to English Language & Literature
English Language & Literature Majors to Study
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| General English Literature | 40,481 |
| Writing Studies | 12,529 |
| English Literature (Other) | 942 |
| Literature | 683 |
Most Popular Majors Related to English Language & Literature
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities | 556,813 |
| Visual & Performing Arts | 149,215 |
| Foreign Languages & Linguistics | 33,333 |
| Theology & Religious Vocations | 27,459 |
| Philosophy & Religious Studies | 19,993 |
Notes and References
*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.
- Read more about our ranking methodology.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of the rest of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
- Credit for the banner image above goes to Mike Hazard.
More about our data sources and methodologies.