2026 Best Value English Language Literature Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value English Language Literature master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 1675 institutions 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 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Columbia College Chicago earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Set in Chicago, IL, Columbia College Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,088. The median English Language Literature program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,195. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Columbia College Chicago has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read the full report on Columbia College Chicago
A rank of #2 makes Fitchburg State University one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Fitchburg, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,346, while out-of-state students pay about $17,426. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,874. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Fitchburg State University
Arizona State University Skysong came in at #3 on this year's best-value English Language Literature ranking in the United States. Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,627 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. Typical English Language Literature student 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. Arizona State University Skysong admits about 67% of applicants. Get the full Arizona State University Skysong report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Minnesota State University Mankato earned it the #4 place in the United States. Set in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. 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. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Mankato
The College Of New Jersey came in at #5 on this year's best-value English Language Literature ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Ewing, NJ. In-state tuition and fees average $19,632, while out-of-state students pay about $25,752. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their English Language Literature program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,323. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted. See the full The College Of New Jersey profile
Worcester State University came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Worcester State University is a public school based in Worcester, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,786, compared with $17,866 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,474 in student loans. Median earnings reach $60,624 ten years out. Set against $26,474 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on Worcester State University
Illinois State University placed #7 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. This public school is set in Normal, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,410, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. Illinois State University English Language Literature students take on a median of $23,125 in debt. Illinois State University alumni report median earnings of $62,117 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,125 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Illinois State University
Lindenwood University placed #8 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Based in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,600. Lindenwood University English Language Literature students take on a median of $28,663 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,278. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 57%. See the full Lindenwood University profile
Goucher College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Baltimore, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,350. The median English Language Literature program debt is $26,000. Median earnings reach $53,023 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%. Get the full Goucher College report
Brigham Young University Provo ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Set in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $6,688 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $11,248 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,790 ten years after entry. Set against $11,248 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants. See the full Brigham Young University Provo profile
Winona State University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Located in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,576, with out-of-state students paying around $17,308. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $23,750. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,532. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. More on Winona State University
Midwestern State University offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Located in Wichita Falls, TX, Midwestern State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,950 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,770. Midwestern State University English Language Literature students take on a median of $26,415 in debt. Midwestern State University alumni report median earnings of $55,747 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Midwestern State University has an acceptance rate of 94%. Get the full Midwestern State University report
Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham is a private not-for-profit school based in Madison, NJ. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,468. Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham English Language Literature students take on a median of $25,981 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,273. Set against $25,981 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%. More on Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham
St Marys University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Based in San Antonio, TX, St Marys University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,434. The median English Language Literature program debt is $26,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,955. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. Get the full St Marys University report
Metropolitan State University offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. This public school is set in Saint Paul, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,840. Metropolitan State University English Language Literature students take on a median of $26,673 in debt. Metropolitan State University alumni report median earnings of $64,705 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Metropolitan State University admits about 99% of applicants. Get the full Metropolitan State University report
Western Illinois University placed #16 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Set in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,572. Students borrow a median of $23,750 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Western Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $54,163 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,750 median debt. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. See the full Western Illinois University profile
Hamline University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Hamline University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $50,004. Hamline University English Language Literature students take on a median of $25,055 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,106. Set against $25,055 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on Hamline University
Youngstown State University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Based in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,926, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. Students borrow a median of $26,239 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Median earnings reach $41,544 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,239 median debt. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Youngstown State University
Northern Illinois University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Set 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,808. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Northern Illinois University
National University landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in San Diego, CA, National University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $13,284 in tuition and fees. The median English Language Literature program debt is $26,437. Median earnings reach $67,548 ten years out. Set against $26,437 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full National University report
Truman State University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. This public school is set in Kirksville, MO. Students from in state pay about $9,838 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,566. Graduates carry a median of $26,743 in student loans. Truman State University alumni report median earnings of $56,280 a decade after entry. Set against $26,743 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. More on Truman State University
Cuny Graduate School And University Center placed #22 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Located in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,235 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,185 for out-of-state students. The median English Language Literature program debt is $17,921. Median earnings reach $65,991 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny Graduate School And University Center has an acceptance rate of 68%. More on Cuny Graduate School And University Center
Trinity College came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Set in Hartford, CT, Trinity College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,770. Graduates carry a median of $22,592 in student loans. Trinity College alumni report median earnings of $90,779 a decade after entry. Set against $22,592 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 29% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Trinity College report
Villanova University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Villanova University is a private not-for-profit school based in Villanova, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,776. The median English Language Literature program debt is $26,899. Graduates go on to earn a median of $100,423 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,899 median debt. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. More on Villanova University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville placed #25 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Set in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,092. Graduates carry a median of $25,250 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,346 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 98%. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value English Language Literature Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of Dayton ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Located in Dayton, OH, University Of Dayton is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,140. Students borrow a median of $24,398 to complete their English Language Literature program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,537. That is a strong return on a $24,398 median debt. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Dayton
North Dakota State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. North Dakota State University Main Campus English Language Literature students take on a median of $25,025 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,203 ten years out. Set against $25,025 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about North Dakota State University Main Campus
West Texas A And M University offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. West Texas A And M University is a public school based in Canyon, TX. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,741. That is a strong return on a $21,839 median debt. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. See the full West Texas A And M University profile
Salisbury University ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. This public school is set in Salisbury, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,084, while out-of-state students pay about $22,174. The median English Language Literature program debt is $21,875. 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. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full Salisbury University report
University Of Houston Clear Lake landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Houston, TX, University Of Houston Clear Lake is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,346, while out-of-state students pay about $22,290. Graduates carry a median of $15,875 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,004. Set against $15,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Houston Clear Lake has an acceptance rate of 90%. See the full University Of Houston Clear Lake profile
Rowan University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Glassboro, NJ, Rowan University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,574, while out-of-state students pay about $26,932. Rowan University English Language Literature students take on a median of $25,752 in debt. Median earnings reach $59,988 ten years out. Set against $25,752 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. More on Rowan University
Montclair State University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Montclair State University is a public school based in Montclair, NJ. In-state tuition and fees average $15,912, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. Montclair State University English Language Literature students take on a median of $25,092 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,415. That is a strong return on a $25,092 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full Montclair State University profile
College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Baltimore, MD. In-state tuition and fees run about $43,360. The median English Language Literature program debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,344. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland admits about 82% of applicants. Read the full report on College Of Notre Dame Of Maryland
University Of North Alabama ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Set in Florence, AL, University Of North Alabama is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,120 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,320. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,415. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of North Alabama profile
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania placed #35 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Based 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,258. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 78%. Get the full West Chester University Of Pennsylvania report
Saint Cloud State University ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Saint Cloud State University is a public school based in Saint Cloud, MN. Students from in state pay about $10,245 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $21,482 in student loans. Saint Cloud State University alumni report median earnings of $55,813 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,482 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Saint Cloud State University
Missouri State University Springfield placed #37 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Located in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,502, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. Students borrow a median of $26,442 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Median earnings reach $49,827 ten years out. Set against $26,442 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Missouri State University Springfield has an acceptance rate of 90%. Get the full Missouri State University Springfield report
Grand Valley State University landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Grand Valley State University is a public school based in Allendale, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,502, compared with $21,894 for out-of-state students. Grand Valley State University English Language Literature students take on a median of $25,137 in debt. Grand Valley State University alumni report median earnings of $56,118 a decade after entry. Set against $25,137 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Grand Valley State University report
University Of Wisconsin Stout offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. This public school is set in Menomonie, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,701, with out-of-state students paying around $19,265. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their English Language Literature program here. Median earnings reach $58,084 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Stout
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus placed #40 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Located in Indiana, PA, Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,380, compared with $16,297 for out-of-state students. The median English Language Literature program debt is $27,280. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,019. Set against $27,280 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%. Get the full Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus report
Texas Tech University came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Texas Tech University English Language Literature students take on a median of $21,462 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,454 ten years out. Set against $21,462 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. More on Texas Tech University
Marquette University placed #42 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Located in Milwaukee, WI, Marquette University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $51,170. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $26,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,257. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Marquette University admits about 81% of applicants. More on Marquette University
Loyola Marymount University placed #43 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Los Angeles, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,867. Graduates carry a median of $22,565 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,349. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. See the full Loyola Marymount University profile
Texas A And M University San Antonio placed #44 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Located in San Antonio, TX, Texas A And M University San Antonio is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,654, with out-of-state students paying around $23,255. Graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $54,338 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas A And M University San Antonio admits about 93% of applicants. More on Texas A And M University San Antonio
Texas A And M International University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Set in Laredo, TX, Texas A And M International University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,894, with out-of-state students paying around $19,454. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $15,727. Texas A And M International University alumni report median earnings of $48,386 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,727 median debt. About 44% of those who apply are admitted. More on Texas A And M International University
University Of Nebraska At Kearney ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value English Language Literature schools. Set in Kearney, NE, University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,564, with out-of-state students paying around $16,484. University Of Nebraska At Kearney English Language Literature students take on a median of $24,422 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,105. That is a strong return on a $24,422 median debt. University Of Nebraska At Kearney admits about 90% of applicants. Read more about University Of Nebraska At Kearney
Liberty University offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Set in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $16,173 in tuition and fees. The median English Language Literature program debt is $24,850. Liberty University alumni report median earnings of $44,813 a decade after entry. Set against $24,850 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Liberty University admits about 99% of applicants. See the full Liberty University profile
Augsburg College landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Augsburg College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,452. Graduates carry a median of $26,319 in student loans. Median earnings reach $58,829 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Augsburg College has an acceptance rate of 82%. Get the full Augsburg College report
University Of Akron Main Campus placed #48 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. Located in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,135 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,815. Typical English Language Literature student debt is $28,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,600. That is a strong return on a $28,250 median debt. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Akron Main Campus
The University Of Texas Pan American placed #50 among the best-value English Language Literature schools in the United States. The University Of Texas Pan American is a public school based in Edinburg, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,799, while out-of-state students pay about $19,645. Students borrow a median of $17,625 to complete their English Language Literature program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,620. Set against $17,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas Pan American admits about 94% of applicants. Read more about The University Of Texas Pan American
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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value English Language Literature Graduate Certificate 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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