2026 Best Value English Language Literature Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value English Language Literature certificate degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 1675 colleges 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 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 English Language Literature Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value English Language Literature certificate degree schools in the United States. Set in Slippery Rock, PA, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,568, while out-of-state students pay about $14,676. The median English Language Literature program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,032 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire earned it the #2 place in the United States. Based in Eau Claire, WI, University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,642, compared with $19,228 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,874 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,561. That is a strong return on a $23,874 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire has an acceptance rate of 82%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire report
University Of North Dakota came in at #3 on this year's best-value English Language Literature ranking in the United States. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $15,570. The median English Language Literature program debt is $25,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,552. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of North Dakota
Ferris State University came in at #4 on this year's best-value English Language Literature ranking in the United States. Set in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,778. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $21,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,735. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Ferris State University has an acceptance rate of 91%. More on Ferris State University
A rank of #5 makes University Of Wisconsin Whitewater one of the best values in the United States. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public school based in Whitewater, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $8,616, compared with $18,716 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,356 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Whitewater
Missouri State University Springfield placed #6 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Set in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,502 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $26,442. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,827. Set against $26,442 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Missouri State University Springfield report
Rowan University offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Located in Glassboro, NJ, Rowan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,574, compared with $26,932 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,752 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,988 ten years after entry. Set against $25,752 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read the full report on Rowan University
Central Michigan University came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Mount Pleasant, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,480. Students borrow a median of $27,500 to complete their English Language Literature program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,874. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Central Michigan University report
Weber State University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Set in Ogden, UT, Weber State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,557, while out-of-state students pay about $17,545. Weber State University English Language Literature students take on a median of $21,052 in debt. 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
Purdue University Northwest came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Purdue University Northwest is a public school based in Hammond, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,357, compared with $15,504 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,279 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Purdue University Northwest alumni report median earnings of $48,318 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. More on Purdue University Northwest
University Of Wisconsin Parkside ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. This public school is set in Kenosha, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,270, compared with $17,429 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin Parkside English Language Literature students take on a median of $24,485 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,129 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,485 median debt. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Wisconsin Parkside
Florida Atlantic University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Florida Atlantic University is a public school based in Boca Raton, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,879, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,912 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Florida Atlantic University alumni report median earnings of $56,746 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Florida Atlantic University report
East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Located in East Stroudsburg, PA, East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,236, compared with $19,202 for out-of-state students. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,148 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania admits about 92% of applicants. See the full East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania profile
Utah Valley University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Set in Orem, UT, Utah Valley University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,507 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,489. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $16,728. Utah Valley University alumni report median earnings of $55,486 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,728 median debt. Read more about Utah Valley University
Washington State University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Washington State University is a public school based in Pullman, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $13,391, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. Students borrow a median of $21,375 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,905. Set against $21,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Washington State University has an acceptance rate of 87%. Read the full report on Washington State University
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus placed #16 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Set 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. Graduates carry a median of $26,733 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $66,125 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,733 median debt. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus has an acceptance rate of 58%. See the full University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus profile
The University Of Texas At Arlington landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Arlington, TX, The University Of Texas At Arlington is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,950, with out-of-state students paying around $29,582. The University Of Texas At Arlington English Language Literature students take on a median of $17,655 in debt. Median earnings reach $63,199 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,655 median debt. The acceptance rate is 80%. More on The University Of Texas At Arlington
The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Austin, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $21,330. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,121. That is a strong return on a $21,330 median debt. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Austin
Arizona State University placed #19 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Located in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. The median English Language Literature program 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. Arizona State University admits about 90% of applicants. Get the full Arizona State University report
Wright State University Main Campus came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Located in Dayton, OH, Wright State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,991, compared with $20,691 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,140 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Wright State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $49,500 a decade after entry. Set against $24,140 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. See the full Wright State University Main Campus profile
University Of Pennsylvania placed #21 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $68,686. University Of Pennsylvania English Language Literature students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $111,371 a decade after entry. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 5% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Pennsylvania
Temple University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Philadelphia, PA. Students from in state pay about $23,005 in tuition and fees, compared with $38,805 for out-of-state students. Temple University English Language Literature students take on a median of $25,949 in debt. Median earnings reach $63,727 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,949 median debt. Temple University has an acceptance rate of 80%. Read more about Temple University
Ohio University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Set in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,158, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $26,462. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,581. That is a strong return on a $26,462 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%. Get the full Ohio University Main Campus report
Northern Arizona University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Located in Flagstaff, AZ, Northern Arizona University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,619, compared with $20,044 for out-of-state students. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $18,981. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,384. That is a strong return on a $18,981 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. More on Northern Arizona University
University Of Georgia came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Located in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,726. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Georgia profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value English Language Literature Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus placed #25 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Set in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,363, with out-of-state students paying around $28,697. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus English Language Literature students take on a median of $22,625 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,810. That is a strong return on a $22,625 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%. Read more about University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
University Of Missouri Columbia landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Columbia, MO. Students from in state pay about $14,837 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. University Of Missouri Columbia English Language Literature students take on a median of $23,182 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,403. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Missouri Columbia
Webster University offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Louis, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,750. Graduates carry a median of $25,939 in student loans. Webster University alumni report median earnings of $50,876 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Webster University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Get the full Webster University report
University Of Michigan Dearborn landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Dearborn, MI, University Of Michigan Dearborn is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,640, compared with $32,896 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,649. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 56%. Read the full report on University Of Michigan Dearborn
Kansas State University landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Manhattan, KS. Students from in state pay about $11,221 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,568 for out-of-state students. The median English Language Literature program debt is $21,750. Median earnings reach $57,262 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Kansas State University
Indiana University East offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Set in Richmond, IN, Indiana University East is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,424 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,811 for out-of-state students. Indiana University East English Language Literature students take on a median of $26,991 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,156. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 67%. More on Indiana University East
Dixie State College Of Utah landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Saint George, UT, Dixie State College Of Utah is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,306 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,246 for out-of-state students. Dixie State College Of Utah English Language Literature students take on a median of $16,530 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,570. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Dixie State College Of Utah report
Boise State University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Based in Boise, ID, Boise State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,048, with out-of-state students paying around $27,788. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $21,223. Median earnings reach $51,658 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,223 median debt. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. More on Boise State University
University Of Arizona landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,573 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. University Of Arizona English Language Literature students take on a median of $24,593 in debt. University Of Arizona alumni report median earnings of $59,979 a decade after entry. Set against $24,593 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Arizona has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read more about University Of Arizona
Full Sail University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. This private for-profit school is set in Winter Park, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $26,906. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $37,879. Median earnings reach $38,219 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Full Sail University report
University Of Massachusetts Lowell came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Based in Lowell, MA, University Of Massachusetts Lowell is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,966, while out-of-state students pay about $36,264. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,874 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 83% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Massachusetts Lowell
University Of Southern Maine offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. University Of Southern Maine is a public school based in Portland, ME. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,090, while out-of-state students pay about $29,940. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $25,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,958. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Southern Maine report
University Of Massachusetts Amherst placed #38 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Set in Amherst, MA, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,772, while out-of-state students pay about $40,449. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $23,950. University Of Massachusetts Amherst alumni report median earnings of $71,631 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Massachusetts Amherst
Washington University In St Louis came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Based in St. Louis, MO, Washington University In St Louis is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $65,790. Students borrow a median of $17,553 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $86,182. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Washington University In St Louis admits about 12% of applicants. Read more about Washington University In St Louis
Manhattan School Of Computer Technology landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Manhattan School Of Computer Technology is a private not-for-profit school based in Brooklyn, NY. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $4,900. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $26,020. Set against $4,900 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Manhattan School Of Computer Technology
Bridgewater State University placed #41 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. More on Bridgewater State University
College Of The Desert came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on College Of The Desert
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. More on Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania
Lone Star College System landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Lone Star College System
Los Angeles Mission College landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full Los Angeles Mission College report
Saint Marys College offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. See the full Saint Marys College profile
San Diego Miramar College placed #47 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. See the full San Diego Miramar College profile
Shawnee State University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Read more about Shawnee State University
Siena Heights University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Read more about Siena Heights University
University Of Houston Clear Lake offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Get the full University Of Houston Clear Lake report
Related English Language Literature Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value English Language Literature Schools (All Levels)
- 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
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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