2026 Best Value English Language Literature Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value English Language Literature doctoral degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 1675 schools 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 evaluated 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Illinois State University earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Located in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,410, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. Graduates carry a median of $23,125 in student loans. Illinois State University alumni report median earnings of $62,117 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on Illinois State University
You'll get strong value at Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus, which ranked #2 this year. Located in Indiana, PA, Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,380, with out-of-state students paying around $16,297. 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. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus admits about 91% of applicants. See the full Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus profile
Out of the 1675 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Cuny Graduate School And University Center landed the #3 spot. Based in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,235, compared with $15,185 for out-of-state students. The median English Language Literature program debt is $17,921. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,991. Set against $17,921 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cuny Graduate School And University Center admits about 68% of applicants. More on Cuny Graduate School And University Center
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Northern Illinois University earned it the #4 place in the United States. Based in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. The median English Language Literature program debt is $25,375. Northern Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $57,808 a decade after entry. Set against $25,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Northern Illinois University
North Dakota State University Main Campus came in at #5 on this year's best-value English Language Literature ranking in the United States. Located in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. 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
Texas Tech University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,852 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Graduates carry a median of $21,462 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,454 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas Tech University admits about 73% of applicants. Read the full report on Texas Tech University
Marquette University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Based in Milwaukee, WI, Marquette University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $51,170 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,257. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Marquette University has an acceptance rate of 81%. Read more about Marquette University
University Of Delaware offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Located in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,810, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,950 ten years after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Delaware
University Of Nebraska Lincoln placed #9 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $23,000. Median earnings reach $56,887 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
University Of North Texas landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,309, compared with $21,149 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,498 in student loans. Median earnings reach $57,010 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Texas has an acceptance rate of 72%. Get the full University Of North Texas report
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,330 to complete their English Language Literature program here. The University Of Texas At Austin alumni report median earnings of $75,121 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,330 median debt. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Austin
Bowling Green State University Main Campus placed #12 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. This public school is set in Bowling Green, OH. Students from in state pay about $13,912 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,900. The median English Language Literature program debt is $26,902. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,896 ten years after entry. Set against $26,902 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 81%. Get the full Bowling Green State University Main Campus report
Duquesne University offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Duquesne University is a private not-for-profit school based in Pittsburgh, PA. Students from in state pay about $48,986 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,098 to complete their English Language Literature program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,742. Set against $26,098 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Duquesne University
University Of Southern Mississippi came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Located in Hattiesburg, MS, University Of Southern Mississippi is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,998, compared with $11,998 for out-of-state students. University Of Southern Mississippi English Language Literature students take on a median of $25,415 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,140. Set against $25,415 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Southern Mississippi
Purdue University Main Campus landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Students borrow a median of $20,017 to complete their English Language Literature program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,424. That is a strong return on a $20,017 median debt. Purdue University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 50%. Read the full report on Purdue University Main Campus
Texas A And M University College Station came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Located in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,937 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,097 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 57%. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile
University Of Houston came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Houston, TX. Students from in state pay about $9,717 in tuition and fees, 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. University Of Houston admits about 74% of applicants. See the full University Of Houston profile
Texas A And M University Commerce ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. This public school is set in Commerce, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,026, with out-of-state students paying around $22,326. Graduates carry a median of $13,407 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,296. That is a strong return on a $13,407 median debt. Texas A And M University Commerce has an acceptance rate of 92%. Get the full Texas A And M University Commerce report
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Madison, WI. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. University Of Wisconsin Madison English Language Literature students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,792. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of Washington Seattle Campus placed #20 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public school based in Seattle, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $17,878. Median earnings reach $78,466 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Washington Seattle Campus admits about 39% of applicants. See the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus profile
Iowa State University landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Students borrow a median of $24,000 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Median earnings reach $63,386 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read more about Iowa State University
Murray State University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Murray, KY. Students from in state pay about $9,900 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,836. Murray State University English Language Literature students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,737 ten years after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Murray State University has an acceptance rate of 86%. More on Murray State University
The University Of Texas At El Paso landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in El Paso, TX, The University Of Texas At El Paso is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,544, compared with $25,502 for out-of-state students. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $22,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,923. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full The University Of Texas At El Paso report
Northeastern University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Set in Boston, MA, Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $66,162. The median English Language Literature program debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,538. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 5% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Northeastern University
Texas Christian University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Fort Worth, TX. Students from in state pay about $61,740 in tuition and fees. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $22,960. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,424. That is a strong return on a $22,960 median debt. Roughly 44% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Texas Christian University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value English Language Literature Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Loyola University Chicago placed #26 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Set in Chicago, IL, Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,710. The median English Language Literature program debt is $26,000. Median earnings reach $71,530 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. See the full Loyola University Chicago profile
The University Of Texas At Arlington placed #27 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. The University Of Texas At Arlington is a public school based in Arlington, TX. Students from in state pay about $11,950 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,582. The median English Language Literature program debt is $17,655. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,199. That is a strong return on a $17,655 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Get the full The University Of Texas At Arlington report
University Of California Berkeley placed #28 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Located in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. The median English Language Literature program debt is $14,016. Median earnings reach $92,446 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,016 median debt. University Of California Berkeley admits about 11% of applicants. Read more about University Of California Berkeley
University Of Virginia Main Campus ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Set in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,118, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. University Of Virginia Main Campus English Language Literature students take on a median of $15,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $86,863 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Virginia Main Campus admits about 17% of applicants. Read more about University Of Virginia Main Campus
Ohio University Main Campus ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Set in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,158, compared with $24,838 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,462 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,581. That is a strong return on a $26,462 median debt. Ohio University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 85%. See the full Ohio University Main Campus profile
Yale University placed #31 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in New Haven, CT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,250. Graduates carry a median of $14,357 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $100,533. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Yale University has an acceptance rate of 4%. See the full Yale University profile
Texas Womans University placed #32 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Based in Denton, TX, Texas Womans University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,640, compared with $18,480 for out-of-state students. Texas Womans University English Language Literature students take on a median of $28,395 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,544 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Texas Womans University
University Of Missouri Columbia ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Based in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,837 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. Students borrow a median of $23,182 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,403 ten years after entry. Set against $23,182 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Missouri Columbia
University Of California San Diego placed #34 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Based in La Jolla, CA, University Of California San Diego is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,788, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. University Of California San Diego English Language Literature students take on a median of $17,041 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $84,943. Set against $17,041 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California San Diego has an acceptance rate of 27%. Read more about University Of California San Diego
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Champaign, IL. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,162 in student loans. Median earnings reach $81,054 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,162 median debt. The acceptance rate is 42%. More on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Oklahoma State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Set in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,110, compared with $25,630 for out-of-state students. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $22,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,413. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus report
Stanford University placed #37 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Stanford, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,910. Stanford University English Language Literature students take on a median of $10,492 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $124,080. Set against $10,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Stanford University report
Arizona State University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Located in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. The median English Language Literature program debt is $29,917. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. That is a strong return on a $29,917 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Arizona State University report
Temple University landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,005, compared with $38,805 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,949 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Median earnings reach $63,727 ten years out. Set against $25,949 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Temple University has an acceptance rate of 80%. More on Temple University
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,797, compared with $27,377 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their English Language Literature program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,126. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus admits about 77% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Based in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $22,303. Median earnings reach $69,020 ten years out. Set against $22,303 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
University Of Utah placed #42 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. This public school is set in Salt Lake City, UT. In-state tuition and fees average $9,620, while out-of-state students pay about $30,860. University Of Utah English Language Literature students take on a median of $20,000 in debt. University Of Utah alumni report median earnings of $67,170 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. Get the full University Of Utah report
Morgan State University offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Located in Baltimore, MD, Morgan State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,229 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,124. Graduates carry a median of $30,309 in student loans. Median earnings reach $50,698 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Morgan State University
University Of Maryland College Park offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Located in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,809, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their English Language Literature program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,860. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. University Of Maryland College Park admits about 45% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Maryland College Park
University Of California Los Angeles offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Based in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,233, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $13,128. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,511 ten years after entry. Set against $13,128 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Los Angeles admits about 9% of applicants. See the full University Of California Los Angeles profile
Cornell University landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,314. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $16,275. Median earnings reach $104,043 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,275 median debt. Cornell University has an acceptance rate of 9%. Read more about Cornell University
Boston College placed #47 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Set in Chestnut Hill, MA, Boston College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $70,702. Boston College English Language Literature students take on a median of $18,832 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $103,937. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Boston College admits about 16% of applicants. More on Boston College
Suny At Binghamton ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. This public school is set in Vestal, NY. Students from in state pay about $10,567 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $30,447. Graduates carry a median of $20,538 in student loans. Suny At Binghamton alumni report median earnings of $80,596 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,538 median debt. The acceptance rate is 39%. See the full Suny At Binghamton profile
University Of California Santa Barbara placed #49 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Based in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,444, with out-of-state students paying around $47,332. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $17,550. University Of California Santa Barbara alumni report median earnings of $74,915 a decade after entry. Set against $17,550 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 33% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of California Santa Barbara report
University Of Nevada Reno came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Based in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,578, while out-of-state students pay about $27,720. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $26,155. Median earnings reach $60,614 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%. Read more about University Of Nevada Reno
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 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
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 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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