2026 Best Value English Language Literature Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value English Language Literature bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1675 colleges 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.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor reviewed 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 English Language Literature Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Based in Mayaguez, PR, University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,274. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $7,500. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez alumni report median earnings of $48,992 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $7,500 median debt. University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez has an acceptance rate of 56%. Read more about University Of Puerto Rico Mayaguez
Out of the 1675 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Brigham Young University Idaho landed the #2 spot. Based in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,800. Brigham Young University Idaho English Language Literature students take on a median of $14,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,406. Set against $14,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Idaho admits about 96% of applicants. Read more about Brigham Young University Idaho
American Public University System came in at #3 on this year's best-value English Language Literature ranking in the United States. American Public University System is a private for-profit school based in Charles Town, WV. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,400. Graduates carry a median of $35,094 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,409 ten years after entry. Set against $35,094 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about American Public University System
You'll get strong value at Institute Of American Indian And Alaska Native Culture, which ranked #4 this year. This public school is set in Santa Fe, NM. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,920. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $24,505. Institute Of American Indian And Alaska Native Culture has an acceptance rate of 98%. Get the full Institute Of American Indian And Alaska Native Culture report
Brigham Young University Provo came in at #5 on this year's best-value English Language Literature ranking in the United States. Located in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. Students borrow a median of $11,248 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Median earnings reach $75,790 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo
National University placed #6 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. National University is a private not-for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $13,284. Students borrow a median of $26,437 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,548. That is a strong return on a $26,437 median debt. Read more about National University
University Of Phoenix Arizona offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Based in Phoenix, AZ, University Of Phoenix Arizona is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,552. Students borrow a median of $26,043 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,752. That is a strong return on a $26,043 median debt. Read more about University Of Phoenix Arizona
Western Carolina University came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Set in Cullowhee, NC, Western Carolina University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,630, while out-of-state students pay about $8,630. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Western Carolina University alumni report median earnings of $49,458 a decade after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Carolina University has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read more about Western Carolina University
Arizona State University Skysong landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $29,917. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Arizona State University Skysong report
University Of Maryland University College placed #10 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. University Of Maryland University College is a public school based in Adelphi, MD. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,136, with out-of-state students paying around $12,336. Students borrow a median of $24,062 to complete their English Language Literature program here. University Of Maryland University College alumni report median earnings of $65,287 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,062 median debt. See the full University Of Maryland University College profile
Metropolitan State University placed #11 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Metropolitan State University is a public school based in Saint Paul, MN. Students from in state pay about $9,840 in tuition and fees. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $26,673. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,705. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Metropolitan State University admits about 99% of applicants. Get the full Metropolitan State University report
Northeastern University Global Network landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Boston, MA, Northeastern University Global Network is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $50,688. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Northeastern University Global Network alumni report median earnings of $92,538 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Northeastern University Global Network
University Of Wisconsin Platteville landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Platteville, WI, University Of Wisconsin Platteville is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,644 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,603. Graduates carry a median of $23,677 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,760 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Platteville
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Set in Shippensburg, PA, Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,570, compared with $15,824 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Median earnings reach $56,351 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 86%. See the full Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania profile
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania placed #15 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Based in Slippery Rock, PA, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,568, with out-of-state students paying around $14,676. The median English Language Literature program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,032. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania admits about 72% of applicants. Read more about Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Set in Eau Claire, WI, University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,642, compared with $19,228 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,874 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,561 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire admits about 82% of applicants. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire
University Of Wisconsin River Falls offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Based in River Falls, WI, University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,008, with out-of-state students paying around $17,470. Graduates carry a median of $24,495 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,458 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin River Falls
Ferris State University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Set in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,778. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $21,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,735 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. More on Ferris State University
Western Illinois University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. This public school is set in Macomb, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,572. Graduates carry a median of $23,750 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,163. Set against $23,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Illinois University admits about 71% of applicants. Get the full Western Illinois University report
Miami University Hamilton came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Based in Hamilton, OH, Miami University Hamilton is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,012, with out-of-state students paying around $18,811. The median English Language Literature program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,076. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Miami University Hamilton
University Of North Dakota ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Set in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,951 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,552. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Dakota admits about 77% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of North Dakota
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Set in Stevens Point, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,228, compared with $18,248 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,930 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,021 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point has an acceptance rate of 92%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point profile
University Of Wisconsin La Crosse came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in La Crosse, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,070, compared with $19,517 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,378. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. More on University Of Wisconsin La Crosse
Ashford University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Based in San Diego, CA, Ashford University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,960. Ashford University English Language Literature students take on a median of $40,559 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,404 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Ashford University
University Of Wisconsin Stout placed #25 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Based in Menomonie, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stout is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,701, while out-of-state students pay about $19,265. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,084. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Stout report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value English Language Literature Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
University Of Houston Clear Lake offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Located in Houston, TX, University Of Houston Clear Lake is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,346, compared with $22,290 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,875 in student loans. A decade after starting, 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. Read the full report on University Of Houston Clear Lake
University Of Northern Iowa landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Northern Iowa is a public school based in Cedar Falls, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,936, while out-of-state students pay about $21,712. Graduates carry a median of $24,274 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,177 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Northern Iowa has an acceptance rate of 93%. More on University Of Northern Iowa
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. This public school is set in Whitewater, WI. Students from in state pay about $8,616 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,716. The median English Language Literature program debt is $27,000. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater alumni report median earnings of $55,356 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater has an acceptance rate of 86%. More on University Of Wisconsin Whitewater
Youngstown State University ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. This public school is set in Youngstown, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,926, while out-of-state students pay about $10,286. Students borrow a median of $26,239 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Youngstown State University alumni report median earnings of $41,544 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. More on Youngstown State University
Winona State University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Set in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,576, while out-of-state students pay about $17,308. The median English Language Literature program debt is $23,750. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,532. That is a strong return on a $23,750 median debt. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. More on Winona State University
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Oshkosh, WI, University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,532 in tuition and fees, compared with $16,446 for out-of-state students. 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. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh admits about 86% of applicants. More on University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Northern Illinois University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Located in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,060. Northern Illinois University English Language Literature students take on a median of $25,375 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. Set against $25,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 70%. See the full Northern Illinois University profile
University Of Nebraska At Kearney placed #33 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a public school based in Kearney, NE. Students from in state pay about $8,564 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,484. Students borrow a median of $24,422 to complete their English Language Literature program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,105. Set against $24,422 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. More on University Of Nebraska At Kearney
Miami University Middletown placed #34 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Located in Middletown, OH, Miami University Middletown is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,012, compared with $18,811 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,076 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Get the full Miami University Middletown report
University Of Akron Main Campus came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Located in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,135, with out-of-state students paying around $20,815. The median English Language Literature program debt is $28,250. University Of Akron Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $46,600 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,250 median debt. University Of Akron Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 60%. More on University Of Akron Main Campus
University Of North Georgia placed #36 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. University Of North Georgia is a public school based in Dahlonega, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,444, compared with $16,956 for out-of-state students. University Of North Georgia English Language Literature students take on a median of $24,500 in debt. University Of North Georgia alumni report median earnings of $50,135 a decade after entry. Set against $24,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of North Georgia
Grand Valley State University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Based in Allendale, MI, Grand Valley State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,502, with out-of-state students paying around $21,894. The median English Language Literature program debt is $25,137. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,118. 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
Midwestern State University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Based in Wichita Falls, TX, Midwestern State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,950, compared with $11,770 for out-of-state students. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $26,415. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,747. Set against $26,415 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Midwestern State University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. This public school is set in Edwardsville, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,092. The median English Language Literature program debt is $25,250. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumni report median earnings of $56,346 a decade after entry. Set against $25,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%. Read more about Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Dalton State College came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Dalton State College is a public school based in Dalton, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,336, with out-of-state students paying around $10,656. Dalton State College English Language Literature students take on a median of $14,955 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,251 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,955 median debt. Read the full report on Dalton State College
North Dakota State University Main Campus came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Fargo, ND. In-state tuition and fees average $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $25,025. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,203. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. See the full North Dakota State University Main Campus profile
West Texas A And M University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Set in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,101, with out-of-state students paying around $10,996. Students borrow a median of $21,839 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,741 ten years 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%. Read the full report on West Texas A And M University
Salisbury University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Located in Salisbury, MD, Salisbury University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,084 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,174. Students borrow a median of $21,875 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Salisbury University alumni report median earnings of $61,515 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Salisbury University has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full Salisbury University profile
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Set in West Chester, PA, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,775, while out-of-state students pay about $22,599. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,258 ten years after entry. The acceptance rate is 78%. Get the full West Chester University Of Pennsylvania report
Athens State University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Based in Athens, AL, Athens State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,020, with out-of-state students paying around $17,700. Athens State University English Language Literature students take on a median of $26,833 in debt. Athens State University alumni report median earnings of $50,273 a decade after entry. Set against $26,833 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Athens State University report
University Of Southern Mississippi placed #45 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. This public school is set in Hattiesburg, MS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,998, while out-of-state students pay about $11,998. 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. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Southern Mississippi
Weber State University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Based in Ogden, UT, Weber State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,557, with out-of-state students paying around $17,545. Students borrow a median of $21,052 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,287 ten years after entry. Set against $21,052 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Weber State University
Kean University placed #48 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Kean University is a public school based in Union, NJ. Students from in state pay about $14,299 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,446 for out-of-state students. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $30,679. Kean University alumni report median earnings of $57,237 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Kean University profile
University Of Houston offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Set in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,717, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $20,375. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,377 ten years after entry. Set against $20,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Houston
San Jose State University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Based in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. San Jose State University alumni report median earnings of $78,988 a decade after entry. The acceptance rate is 85%. Read the full report on San Jose State University
Related English Language Literature Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value English Language Literature Schools (All Levels)
- 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value English Language Literature Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value English Language Literature Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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).
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