2026 Best Writing Studies Schools
Looking for the best Writing Studies programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 775 institutions by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor reviewed schools to build this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Writing Studies Schools in the United States
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
No school ranked higher than University Of Notre Dame this year in the United States. Based in Notre Dame, IN, University Of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit institution. About 95% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,025. University Of Notre Dame Writing Studies students take on a median of $19,891 in debt. See the full University Of Notre Dame profile
Out of the 775 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, University Of Pennsylvania landed the #2 spot. Based in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Pennsylvania posts a six-year graduation rate of 96%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,686. Typical Writing Studies student debt is $16,155. Read the full report on University Of Pennsylvania
You'll be in good company at University Of Washington Bothell Campus, which ranked #3 this year. Located in Bothell, WA, University Of Washington Bothell Campus is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 65%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,919, compared with $43,155 for out-of-state students. University Of Washington Bothell Campus Writing Studies students take on a median of $15,636 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Washington Bothell Campus
A rank of #4 makes University Of Chicago one of the top choices in the United States. Based in Chicago, IL, University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. About 96% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,324. University Of Chicago Writing Studies students take on a median of $15,854 in debt. Get the full University Of Chicago report
You'll be in good company at Wellesley College, which ranked #5 this year. Located in Wellesley, MA, Wellesley College is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 92%. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,176. The median Writing Studies program debt is $11,075. Read the full report on Wellesley College
Arizona State University Skysong placed #6 among Writing Studies schools in the United States. Located in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. The median Writing Studies program debt is $30,114. Read the full report on Arizona State University Skysong
Carnegie Mellon University did well this year, earning the #7 position. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 94%. In-state tuition and fees average $65,636. The median Writing Studies program debt is $23,529. Read the full report on Carnegie Mellon University
Johns Hopkins University came in at #8 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Baltimore, MD. About 94% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,730. Students borrow a median of $13,728 to complete their Writing Studies program here. Read more about Johns Hopkins University
Texas Christian University landed the #9 spot in the United States this year. Texas Christian University is a private not-for-profit school based in Fort Worth, TX. Texas Christian University graduates 85% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,740. The median Writing Studies program debt is $22,960. Get the full Texas Christian University report
University Of Maryland College Park did well this year, earning the #10 position. University Of Maryland College Park is a public school based in College Park, MD. University Of Maryland College Park graduates 89% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $11,809, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. Graduates carry a median of $20,836 in student loans. More on University Of Maryland College Park
University Of California Berkeley came in at #11 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Berkeley, CA. University Of California Berkeley graduates 93% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Typical Writing Studies student debt is $14,037. Get the full University Of California Berkeley report
Hobart William Smith Colleges came in at #12 in this year's ranking. Hobart William Smith Colleges is a private not-for-profit school based in Geneva, NY. The six-year graduation rate is 77%. In-state tuition and fees run about $64,928. Typical Writing Studies student debt is $26,700. Get the full Hobart William Smith Colleges report
Mcdaniel College landed the #13 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Westminster, MD. The six-year graduation rate is 63%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $52,081. Graduates carry a median of $23,247 in student loans. More on Mcdaniel College
Marquette University came in at #14 in this year's ranking. Located in Milwaukee, WI, Marquette University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 83%. In-state tuition and fees average $51,170. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Writing Studies program here. Get the full Marquette University report
Monmouth University placed #15 among Writing Studies schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in West Long Branch, NJ. Monmouth University posts a six-year graduation rate of 72%. In-state tuition and fees average $46,552. Monmouth University Writing Studies students take on a median of $26,847 in debt. See the full Monmouth University profile
Duquesne University did well this year, earning the #16 position. Set in Pittsburgh, PA, Duquesne University is a private not-for-profit institution. Duquesne University posts a six-year graduation rate of 77%. Students from in state pay about $48,986 in tuition and fees. Typical Writing Studies student debt is $26,297. More on Duquesne University
University Of Virginia Main Campus ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best Writing Studies schools. Based in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. University Of Virginia Main Campus graduates 96% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $23,118 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. Typical Writing Studies student debt is $18,627. See the full University Of Virginia Main Campus profile
Loras College ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best Writing Studies schools. Located in Dubuque, IA, Loras College is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 68%. In-state tuition and fees run about $39,824. Typical Writing Studies student debt is $26,528. Read more about Loras College
Clemson University landed the #19 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Clemson, SC. About 87% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $15,554, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. Clemson University Writing Studies students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. Get the full Clemson University report
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities came in at #20 in this year's ranking. Set in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities graduates 85% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,214, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. Typical Writing Studies student debt is $22,375. More on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Brown University came in at #21 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Providence, RI. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. Students from in state pay about $71,312 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $10,500 in student loans. Read the full report on Brown University
Iowa State University landed the #22 spot in the United States this year. Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. About 75% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $10,787 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Iowa State University Writing Studies students take on a median of $23,495 in debt. Read the full report on Iowa State University
Northwestern University did well this year, earning the #23 position. Located in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 95% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $68,322. Typical Writing Studies student debt is $16,616. Read the full report on Northwestern University
University Of Iowa ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best Writing Studies schools. Set in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. About 75% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $11,283 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. University Of Iowa Writing Studies students take on a median of $24,862 in debt. See the full University Of Iowa profile
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus did well this year, earning the #25 position. Set in Pittsburgh, PA, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a public institution. About 86% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,926, compared with $41,430 for out-of-state students. The median Writing Studies program debt is $26,349. Read more about University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus
Rest of the Top 50 Best Writing Studies Schools in the United States
These schools also placed among the very best this year:
Vanderbilt University did well this year, earning the #26 position. Based in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. Vanderbilt University graduates 94% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,498. Graduates carry a median of $13,975 in student loans. Get the full Vanderbilt University report
Michigan State University came in at #27 in this year's ranking. Michigan State University is a public school based in East Lansing, MI. Michigan State University graduates 81% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,079, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. Michigan State University Writing Studies students take on a median of $25,750 in debt. See the full Michigan State University profile
Drake University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best Writing Studies schools. Set in Des Moines, IA, Drake University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 73% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $51,960. Typical Writing Studies student debt is $22,273. More on Drake University
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania placed #29 among Writing Studies schools in the United States. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in West Chester, PA. Roughly 70% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,775, while out-of-state students pay about $22,599. Get the full West Chester University Of Pennsylvania report
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #30 in this year's ranking. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. About 89% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. The University Of Texas At Austin Writing Studies students take on a median of $21,323 in debt. More on The University Of Texas At Austin
James Madison University landed the #31 spot in the United States this year. Located in Harrisonburg, VA, James Madison University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 80%. Students from in state pay about $13,966 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $31,312. Typical Writing Studies student debt is $22,714. Get the full James Madison University report
University Of Colorado Denver placed #32 among Writing Studies schools in the United States. Set in Denver, CO, University Of Colorado Denver is a public institution. About 46% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $10,383, while out-of-state students pay about $29,391. Students borrow a median of $33,000 to complete their Writing Studies program here. Get the full University Of Colorado Denver report
Seton Hall University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best Writing Studies schools. Set in South Orange, NJ, Seton Hall University is a private not-for-profit institution. Seton Hall University graduates 70% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,170. Seton Hall University Writing Studies students take on a median of $23,422 in debt. See the full Seton Hall University profile
Texas Tech University placed #34 among Writing Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Lubbock, TX. Texas Tech University graduates 69% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $11,852 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Texas Tech University Writing Studies students take on a median of $21,500 in debt. See the full Texas Tech University profile
Old Dominion University did well this year, earning the #36 position. Located in Norfolk, VA, Old Dominion University is a public institution. Old Dominion University posts a six-year graduation rate of 46%. In-state tuition and fees average $12,750, compared with $33,780 for out-of-state students. Typical Writing Studies student debt is $26,000. More on Old Dominion University
Towson University came in at #37 in this year's ranking. Towson University is a public school based in Towson, MD. Roughly 70% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,728, with out-of-state students paying around $29,820. Graduates carry a median of $21,241 in student loans. Read the full report on Towson University
North Central College ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best Writing Studies schools. Based in Naperville, IL, North Central College is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 64% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $45,726. Students borrow a median of $25,699 to complete their Writing Studies program here. Get the full North Central College report
Loyola University Baltimore did well this year, earning the #39 position. Loyola University Baltimore is a private not-for-profit school based in Baltimore, MD. About 79% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $57,150. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Writing Studies program here. See the full Loyola University Baltimore profile
University Of Wisconsin Stout did well this year, earning the #40 position. University Of Wisconsin Stout is a public school based in Menomonie, WI. Roughly 55% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $10,701, while out-of-state students pay about $19,265. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Writing Studies program here. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Stout
Rowan University landed the #41 spot in the United States this year. Rowan University is a public school based in Glassboro, NJ. About 67% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,574, compared with $26,932 for out-of-state students. Rowan University Writing Studies students take on a median of $24,488 in debt. See the full Rowan University profile
Denison University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best Writing Studies schools. Based in Granville, OH, Denison University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 79% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,000. Denison University Writing Studies students take on a median of $25,360 in debt. Read more about Denison University
North Carolina State University At Raleigh came in at #43 in this year's ranking. Located in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,799, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,113 to complete their Writing Studies program here. More on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
University Of Pittsburgh Greensburg placed #44 among Writing Studies schools in the United States. University Of Pittsburgh Greensburg is a public school based in Greensburg, PA. The six-year graduation rate is 40%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,710, with out-of-state students paying around $26,584. Typical Writing Studies student debt is $26,000. Get the full University Of Pittsburgh Greensburg report
University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown came in at #45 in this year's ranking. Set in Johnstown, PA, University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown is a public institution. University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown posts a six-year graduation rate of 56%. In-state tuition and fees average $14,906, while out-of-state students pay about $26,780. Typical Writing Studies student debt is $26,000. See the full University Of Pittsburgh Johnstown profile
Oberlin College did well this year, earning the #46 position. Oberlin College is a private not-for-profit school based in Oberlin, OH. Oberlin College graduates 81% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,366. The median Writing Studies program debt is $26,487. Read the full report on Oberlin College
Purdue University Main Campus came in at #47 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in West Lafayette, IN. The six-year graduation rate is 83%. Students from in state pay about $9,992 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Purdue University Main Campus Writing Studies students take on a median of $20,038 in debt. Read the full report on Purdue University Main Campus
Harvard University landed the #48 spot in the United States this year. Harvard University is a private not-for-profit school based in Cambridge, MA. Harvard University posts a six-year graduation rate of 98%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,676. The median Writing Studies program debt is $16,616. Get the full Harvard University report
University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #49 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Madison, WI. University Of Wisconsin Madison graduates 90% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. University Of Wisconsin Madison Writing Studies students take on a median of $21,813 in debt. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile
Emory University did well this year, earning the #50 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Atlanta, GA. The six-year graduation rate is 91%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,280. Emory University Writing Studies students take on a median of $21,000 in debt. Read the full report on Emory University
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best Writing Studies schools. Located in Slippery Rock, PA, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania posts a six-year graduation rate of 66%. In-state tuition and fees average $10,568, with out-of-state students paying around $14,676. The median Writing Studies program debt is $26,330. Read more about Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania
Best Writing Studies Schools by Degree Level
Explore rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Writing Studies Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Writing Studies Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Writing Studies Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Writing Studies Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Writing Studies Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Writing Studies Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Writing Studies Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 775 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).