2026 Best Value English Language Literature Schools
Looking for the best-value English Language Literature programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 1675 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect 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 reviewed 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 English Language Literature Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Leading the list is University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez, our #1 best-value English Language Literature school in the United States. Located in Mayaguez, PR, University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,274. Graduates carry a median of $7,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $48,992 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $7,500 median debt. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez admits about 56% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez
You'll get strong value at Brigham Young University Idaho, which ranked #2 this year. Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit school based in Rexburg, ID. In-state tuition and fees average $4,800. Students borrow a median of $14,000 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,406 ten years after entry. Set against $14,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Brigham Young University Idaho
A rank of #3 makes American Public University System one of the best values in the United States. Set 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. Students borrow a median of $35,094 to complete their English Language Literature program here. American Public University System alumni report median earnings of $44,409 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full American Public University System report
Out of the 1675 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Columbia College Chicago landed the #4 spot. Based in Chicago, IL, Columbia College Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,088. The median English Language Literature program debt is $27,000. Columbia College Chicago alumni report median earnings of $42,195 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Columbia College Chicago report
Brigham Young University Provo came in at #5 on this year's best-value English Language Literature ranking in the United States. Based in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. The median English Language Literature program debt is $11,248. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,790 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,248 median debt. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. More on Brigham Young University Provo
University Of Phoenix Arizona came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. University Of Phoenix Arizona is a private for-profit school based in Phoenix, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $9,552. Students borrow a median of $26,043 to complete their English Language Literature program here. University Of Phoenix Arizona alumni report median earnings of $37,752 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,043 median debt. Read more about University Of Phoenix Arizona
Arizona State University Skysong offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Arizona State University Skysong is a public school based in Scottsdale, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $29,917. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arizona State University Skysong admits about 67% of applicants. Read more about Arizona State University Skysong
University Of Maryland University College came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. University Of Maryland University College is a public school based in Adelphi, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $8,136, compared with $12,336 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,062 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,287. Set against $24,062 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full University Of Maryland University College profile
Western Carolina University placed #9 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Based in Cullowhee, NC, Western Carolina University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,630, with out-of-state students paying around $8,630. The median 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 the full report on Western Carolina University
Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Based in New York, NY, Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,170, with out-of-state students paying around $8,050. Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College English Language Literature students take on a median of $5,700 in debt. Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College alumni report median earnings of $42,306 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College
Minnesota State University Mankato placed #11 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Set in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,922. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about Minnesota State University Mankato
Metropolitan State University offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. This public school is set in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $9,840. Metropolitan State University English Language Literature students take on a median of $26,673 in debt. Metropolitan State University alumni report median earnings of $64,705 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Metropolitan State University admits about 99% of applicants. See the full Metropolitan State University profile
National University offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. National University is a private not-for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,284. Students borrow a median of $26,437 to complete their English Language Literature program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,548. Set against $26,437 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on National University
Lindenwood University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Set in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,600. Lindenwood University English Language Literature students take on a median of $28,663 in debt. 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%. More on Lindenwood University
Cuny Graduate School And University Center offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Based 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, with out-of-state students paying around $15,185. The median English Language Literature program debt is $17,921. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,991. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny Graduate School And University Center admits about 68% of applicants. Read more about Cuny Graduate School And University Center
University Of Wisconsin Platteville came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Based in Platteville, WI, University Of Wisconsin Platteville is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,644, compared with $17,603 for out-of-state students. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $23,677. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,760 ten years after entry. Set against $23,677 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Platteville has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Platteville
Western Illinois University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Western Illinois University is a public school based in Macomb, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,572. Students borrow a median of $23,750 to complete their English Language Literature program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,163. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Illinois University admits about 71% of applicants. Get the full Western Illinois University report
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania placed #18 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Based in Shippensburg, PA, Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,570, while out-of-state students pay about $15,824. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Median earnings reach $56,351 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read the full report on Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Wisconsin River Falls came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Located in River Falls, WI, University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,008, compared with $17,470 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,495 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,458. That is a strong return on a $24,495 median debt. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin River Falls
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire placed #20 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. This public school is set in Eau Claire, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,642, compared with $19,228 for out-of-state students. The median English Language Literature program debt is $23,874. Median earnings reach $58,561 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Ferris State University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Located in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,778. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,735 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Ferris State University report
Miami University Hamilton came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Miami University Hamilton is a public school based in Hamilton, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $7,012, with out-of-state students paying around $18,811. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $55,076 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Miami University Hamilton report
Institute Of American Indian And Alaska Native Culture placed #23 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Institute Of American Indian And Alaska Native Culture is a public school based in Santa Fe, NM. Students from in state pay about $5,920 in tuition and fees. Graduates go on to earn a median of $24,505 ten years after entry. Institute Of American Indian And Alaska Native Culture admits about 98% of applicants. Read the full report on Institute Of American Indian And Alaska Native Culture
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public school based in Stevens Point, WI. Students from in state pay about $9,228 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,248. The median English Language Literature program debt is $24,930. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,021 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,930 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point admits about 92% of applicants. More on University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point
University Of Wisconsin La Crosse ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Based in La Crosse, WI, University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,070, while out-of-state students pay about $19,517. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $23,250. Median earnings reach $60,378 ten years out. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin La Crosse
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value English Language Literature Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Winona State University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Located in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,576, with out-of-state students paying around $17,308. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $23,750. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,532. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%. See the full Winona State University profile
Ashford University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Based in San Diego, CA, Ashford University is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,960. Students borrow a median of $40,559 to complete their 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. Get the full Ashford University report
University Of North Dakota landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Grand Forks, ND. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,951, with out-of-state students paying around $15,570. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $25,000. University Of North Dakota alumni report median earnings of $63,552 a decade after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of North Dakota
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. This public school is set in Slippery Rock, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,568, with out-of-state students paying around $14,676. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $53,032 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%. Get the full Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania report
Youngstown State University landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,926 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,239 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,544. That is a strong return on a $26,239 median debt. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Youngstown State University report
University Of Wisconsin Stout offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Located in Menomonie, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stout is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,701, while out-of-state students pay about $19,265. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,084. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Stout
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Based in Indiana, PA, Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,380 in tuition and fees, compared with $16,297 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,280 in student loans. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $51,019 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. More on Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus
University Of Houston Clear Lake landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Houston, TX, University Of Houston Clear Lake is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,346 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,290. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $15,875. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,004. Set against $15,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Houston Clear Lake
Northern Illinois University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,060 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,375 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,808. Set against $25,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants. Read more about Northern Illinois University
College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Located in Baltimore, MD, College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $43,360 in tuition and fees. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $27,000. College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland alumni report median earnings of $65,344 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland
Fitchburg State University placed #36 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Located in Fitchburg, MA, Fitchburg State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,346, while out-of-state students pay about $17,426. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Median earnings reach $53,874 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%. Get the full Fitchburg State University report
University Of Northern Iowa came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Located in Cedar Falls, IA, University Of Northern Iowa is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,936, compared with $21,712 for out-of-state students. University Of Northern Iowa English Language Literature students take on a median of $24,274 in debt. University Of Northern Iowa alumni report median earnings of $55,177 a decade after entry. 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 Wisconsin Whitewater ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public school based in Whitewater, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,616, with out-of-state students paying around $18,716. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Median earnings reach $55,356 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Whitewater
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Based in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,092. The median English Language Literature program debt is $25,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,346. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. More on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
University Of Nebraska At Kearney came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Set in Kearney, NE, University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,564, with out-of-state students paying around $16,484. University Of Nebraska At Kearney English Language Literature students take on a median of $24,422 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,105. Set against $24,422 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Nebraska At Kearney report
Miami University Middletown came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Middletown, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $7,012, with out-of-state students paying around $18,811. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $55,076 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Miami University Middletown
Midwestern State University offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. This public school is set in Wichita Falls, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $9,950, while out-of-state students pay about $11,770. The median English Language Literature program debt is $26,415. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,747 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,415 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. See the full Midwestern State University profile
North Dakota State University Main Campus ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Located in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. Students borrow a median of $25,025 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,203 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,025 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full North Dakota State University Main Campus report
University Of Akron Main Campus came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. University Of Akron Main Campus is a public school based in Akron, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,135, with out-of-state students paying around $20,815. Students borrow a median of $28,250 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,600. That is a strong return on a $28,250 median debt. University Of Akron Main Campus admits about 60% of applicants. See the full University Of Akron Main Campus profile
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh placed #44 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Based in Oshkosh, WI, University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,532 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,446. The median English Language Literature program debt is $26,000. 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. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh admits about 86% of applicants. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh report
Salisbury University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Located in Salisbury, MD, Salisbury University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,084, while out-of-state students pay about $22,174. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $21,875. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,515 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,875 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Salisbury University report
University Of North Georgia ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. University Of North Georgia is a public school based in Dahlonega, GA. Students from in state pay about $5,444 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $16,956. Graduates carry a median of $24,500 in student loans. University Of North Georgia alumni report median earnings of $50,135 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of North Georgia
St Marys University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Based in San Antonio, TX, St Marys University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,434. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $26,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,955. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. St Marys University has an acceptance rate of 98%. Read the full report on St Marys University
Grand Valley State University offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. 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. Graduates carry a median of $25,137 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,118 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Grand Valley State University admits about 83% of applicants. More on Grand Valley State University
West Texas A And M University landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Canyon, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $9,101, with out-of-state students paying around $10,996. The median English Language Literature program debt is $21,839. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,741. Set against $21,839 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. Read more about West Texas A And M University
Best Value English Language Literature Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value English Language Literature Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value English Language Literature Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value English Language Literature Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value English Language Literature Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value English Language Literature Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value English Language Literature Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value English Language Literature Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled 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 1675 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).
Course Advisor provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.