2026 Best Value English Language Literature Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value English Language Literature graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 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 analyzed schools to produce 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Arizona State University Skysong earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Arizona State University Skysong is a public school based in Scottsdale, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Graduates carry a median of $29,917 in student loans. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $29,917 median debt. The acceptance rate is 67%. More on Arizona State University Skysong
You'll get strong value at Mcdaniel College, which ranked #2 this year. Based in Westminster, MD, Mcdaniel College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $52,081. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $22,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,663. That is a strong return on a $22,250 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Mcdaniel College
Out of the 1675 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Minnesota State University Mankato landed the #3 spot. Minnesota State University Mankato is a public school based in Mankato, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. The median English Language Literature program debt is $25,000. 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. See the full Minnesota State University Mankato profile
You'll get strong value at St Marys University, which ranked #4 this year. Set 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. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Median earnings reach $56,955 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 98%. Read the full report on St Marys University
Out of the 1675 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Youngstown State University landed the #5 spot. 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. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $26,239. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,544. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Youngstown State University
Bowling Green State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Located in Bowling Green, OH, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,912, while out-of-state students pay about $21,900. Graduates carry a median of $26,902 in student loans. Bowling Green State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $47,896 a decade after entry. Set against $26,902 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Bowling Green State University Main Campus
Missouri State University Springfield placed #7 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. This public school is set in Springfield, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,502, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. Missouri State University Springfield English Language Literature students take on a median of $26,442 in debt. 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. Read the full report on Missouri State University Springfield
Texas Tech University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Students borrow a median of $21,462 to complete their English Language Literature program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,454. Set against $21,462 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas Tech University has an acceptance rate of 73%. Read more about Texas Tech University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public school based in Edwardsville, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,092. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $25,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,346. That is a strong return on a $25,250 median debt. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
University Of North Texas ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. University Of North Texas is a public school based in Denton, TX. Students from in state pay about $11,309 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,149 for out-of-state students. University Of North Texas English Language Literature students take on a median of $19,498 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,010. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Texas has an acceptance rate of 72%. See the full University Of North Texas profile
University Of Nebraska At Omaha landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public school based in Omaha, NE. Students from in state pay about $8,718 in tuition and fees, compared with $23,206 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,543 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,909 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,543 median debt. University Of Nebraska At Omaha has an acceptance rate of 87%. Read more about University Of Nebraska At Omaha
Sam Houston State University placed #12 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Sam Houston State University is a public school based in Huntsville, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,228, compared with $19,068 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,250 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,211. That is a strong return on a $25,250 median debt. Sam Houston State University admits about 90% of applicants. Get the full Sam Houston State University report
Mesa State College placed #13 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Set in Grand Junction, CO, Mesa State College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,927, while out-of-state students pay about $25,124. Graduates carry a median of $22,412 in student loans. Median earnings reach $45,823 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,412 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Mesa State College report
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Set in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,161, while out-of-state students pay about $33,230. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $23,956. Median earnings reach $90,768 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 31% of those who apply are admitted. More on California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
Millersville University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Located in Millersville, PA, Millersville University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,128, compared with $22,952 for out-of-state students. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $25,934. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $55,246 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read more about Millersville University Of Pennsylvania
East Carolina University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Based in Greenville, NC, East Carolina University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,361, with out-of-state students paying around $23,638. The median English Language Literature program debt is $25,400. Median earnings reach $55,146 ten years out. Set against $25,400 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Read more about East Carolina University
Spalding University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Louisville, KY. In-state tuition and fees run about $29,000. Students borrow a median of $29,862 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,438. That is a strong return on a $29,862 median debt. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Spalding University report
University Of Houston Downtown came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,582, with out-of-state students paying around $17,434. Graduates carry a median of $28,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,551. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt. University Of Houston Downtown admits about 90% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Houston Downtown
Texas A And M University Commerce came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Commerce, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,026, compared with $22,326 for out-of-state students. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $13,407. Median earnings reach $50,296 ten years out. Set against $13,407 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas A And M University Commerce admits about 92% of applicants. More on Texas A And M University Commerce
Indiana University East placed #20 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Based in Richmond, IN, Indiana University East is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,424, while out-of-state students pay about $22,811. Graduates carry a median of $26,991 in student loans. Indiana University East alumni report median earnings of $47,156 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,991 median debt. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Indiana University East report
Northern Arizona University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Northern Arizona University is a public school based in Flagstaff, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $12,619, compared with $20,044 for out-of-state students. Northern Arizona University English Language Literature students take on a median of $18,981 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,384. Set against $18,981 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Northern Arizona University
University Of Iowa came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. University Of Iowa is a public school based in Iowa City, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,283, while out-of-state students pay about $33,371. University Of Iowa English Language Literature students take on a median of $24,738 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,762 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,738 median debt. The acceptance rate is 84%. Read the full report on University Of Iowa
Western Carolina University placed #23 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. This public school is set in Cullowhee, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,630, while out-of-state students pay about $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. The acceptance rate is 82%. Get the full Western Carolina University report
University Of Missouri Columbia landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $23,182. Median earnings reach $63,403 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,182 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Missouri Columbia report
Northern Kentucky University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Northern Kentucky University is a public school based in Highland Heights, KY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,088, while out-of-state students pay about $21,912. Students borrow a median of $24,585 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Northern Kentucky University alumni report median earnings of $50,220 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Northern Kentucky University report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value English Language Literature Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Salem State University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. This public school is set in Salem, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,338, with out-of-state students paying around $19,531. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,662. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. More on Salem State University
University Of Arkansas came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. University Of Arkansas is a public school based in Fayetteville, AR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,104, while out-of-state students pay about $29,966. Graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,191 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Arkansas has an acceptance rate of 74%. See the full University Of Arkansas profile
Kansas State University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Set in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,221, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. Graduates carry a median of $21,750 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,262. Set against $21,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read the full report on Kansas State University
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public school based in Charlotte, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $7,239, compared with $22,492 for out-of-state students. The median English Language Literature program debt is $23,071. Median earnings reach $57,289 ten years out. Set against $23,071 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
Arizona State University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Set in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $29,917. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Set against $29,917 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University admits about 90% of applicants. Get the full Arizona State University report
Stony Brook University placed #31 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Set in Stony Brook, NY, Stony Brook University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,931, compared with $32,741 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,606 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,502 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 49% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Stony Brook University
Auburn University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Based in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,890, while out-of-state students pay about $34,922. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $25,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,337. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted. See the full Auburn University profile
Eastern Illinois University landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Eastern Illinois University is a public school based in Charleston, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,377, with out-of-state students paying around $15,859. Students borrow a median of $25,053 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Eastern Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $51,989 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,053 median debt. Eastern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 65%. See the full Eastern Illinois University profile
San Diego State University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,728, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $14,997. Median earnings reach $64,909 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 36% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on San Diego State University
Emporia State University placed #35 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Emporia State University is a public school based in Emporia, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $7,106, while out-of-state students pay about $15,419. Emporia State University English Language Literature students take on a median of $23,131 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,601 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. See the full Emporia State University profile
Southern New Hampshire University offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Located in Manchester, NH, Southern New Hampshire University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,200. Southern New Hampshire University English Language Literature students take on a median of $33,425 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,318. That is a strong return on a $33,425 median debt. The acceptance rate is 100%. Read the full report on Southern New Hampshire University
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Located in Indianapolis, IN, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,762, with out-of-state students paying around $34,891. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,198 ten years after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read more about Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
Weber State University placed #38 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Set in Ogden, UT, Weber State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,557, while out-of-state students pay about $17,545. The median English Language Literature program debt is $21,052. Weber State University alumni report median earnings of $56,287 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,052 median debt. More on Weber State University
California State University Long Beach placed #38 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Set in Long Beach, CA, California State University Long Beach is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,374, with out-of-state students paying around $19,974. Students borrow a median of $15,331 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,403. Set against $15,331 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 46%. More on California State University Long Beach
Harvard University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Harvard University is a private not-for-profit school based in Cambridge, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,676. The median English Language Literature program debt is $16,616. Graduates go on to earn a median of $101,817 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,616 median debt. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. More on Harvard University
University Of Arkansas At Little Rock landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Little Rock, AR. Students from in state pay about $9,911 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,721 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $29,153 to complete their English Language Literature program here. University Of Arkansas At Little Rock alumni report median earnings of $45,265 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Arkansas At Little Rock admits about 59% of applicants. Read more about University Of Arkansas At Little Rock
Old Dominion University offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Based in Norfolk, VA, Old Dominion University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,750, with out-of-state students paying around $33,780. Graduates carry a median of $26,103 in student loans. Median earnings reach $54,914 ten years out. Set against $26,103 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full Old Dominion University profile
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Located in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,363 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,697. Graduates carry a median of $22,625 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,810 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,625 median debt. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 85%. Get the full University Of Cincinnati Main Campus report
Johns Hopkins University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Baltimore, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $64,730. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $13,728. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $87,555. Set against $13,728 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 6% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Johns Hopkins University
George Mason University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Fairfax, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,220, while out-of-state students pay about $38,688. The median English Language Literature program debt is $23,221. Graduates go on to earn a median of $76,343 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about George Mason University
University Of Central Florida came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Orlando, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,368, with out-of-state students paying around $22,467. University Of Central Florida English Language Literature students take on a median of $22,631 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,308. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Central Florida admits about 40% of applicants. Read more about University Of Central Florida
Colorado State University Pueblo offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Based in Pueblo, CO, Colorado State University Pueblo is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,720, with out-of-state students paying around $17,944. The median English Language Literature program debt is $26,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,563. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Colorado State University Pueblo
University Of Kentucky offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Based in Lexington, KY, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,502 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $34,140. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $21,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,025 ten years after entry. Set against $21,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Kentucky has an acceptance rate of 93%. More on University Of Kentucky
University At Buffalo placed #49 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. This public school is set in Buffalo, NY. Students from in state pay about $10,936 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $31,536. Students borrow a median of $19,583 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $70,814. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University At Buffalo admits about 74% of applicants. Read the full report on University At Buffalo
The University Of Texas At San Antonio came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Located in San Antonio, TX, The University Of Texas At San Antonio is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,326, while out-of-state students pay about $22,249. The University Of Texas At San Antonio English Language Literature students take on a median of $25,267 in debt. Median earnings reach $57,131 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At San Antonio admits about 87% of applicants. Get the full The University Of Texas At San Antonio 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 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 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).
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