2026 Best Writing Studies Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best Writing Studies master’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 775 schools 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 arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor analyzed 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools:
Leading the list is University Of Notre Dame, our #1 Writing Studies school in the United States. Located in Notre Dame, IN, University Of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Notre Dame posts a six-year graduation rate of 95%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,025. The median Writing Studies program debt is $19,891. Read more about University Of Notre Dame
Out of the 775 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, University Of Washington Bothell Campus landed the #2 spot. This public school is set in Bothell, WA. About 65% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,919, while out-of-state students pay about $43,155. Students borrow a median of $15,636 to complete their Writing Studies program here. Read the full report on University Of Washington Bothell Campus
You'll be in good company at Johns Hopkins University, which ranked #3 this year. Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit school based in Baltimore, MD. The six-year graduation rate is 94%. In-state tuition and fees average $64,730. Johns Hopkins University Writing Studies students take on a median of $13,728 in debt. Read the full report on Johns Hopkins University
University Of Maryland College Park came in at #4 on this year's Writing Studies ranking in the United States. Located in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. University Of Maryland College Park graduates 89% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,809, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. University Of Maryland College Park Writing Studies students take on a median of $20,836 in debt. Get the full University Of Maryland College Park report
A rank of #5 makes University Of Washington Seattle Campus one of the top choices in the United States. Located in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. About 85% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,872 to complete their Writing Studies program here. Read the full report on University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Monmouth University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best Writing Studies schools. Monmouth University is a private not-for-profit school based in West Long Branch, NJ. About 72% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $46,552. Monmouth University Writing Studies students take on a median of $26,847 in debt. Get the full Monmouth University report
University Of Virginia Main Campus placed #7 among Writing Studies schools in the United States. University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public school based in Charlottesville, VA. About 96% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,118, while out-of-state students pay about $61,591. Typical Writing Studies student debt is $18,627. Read the full report on University Of Virginia Main Campus
Carnegie Mellon University placed #8 among Writing Studies schools in the United States. Based in Pittsburgh, PA, Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 94% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $65,636. Typical Writing Studies student debt is $23,529. More on Carnegie Mellon University
Northwestern University landed the #9 spot in the United States this year. Set in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Northwestern University posts a six-year graduation rate of 95%. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,322. Typical Writing Studies student debt is $16,616. Get the full Northwestern University report
Iowa State University came in at #10 in this year's ranking. Set in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. About 75% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,495 to complete their Writing Studies program here. Get the full Iowa State University report
Vanderbilt University came in at #11 in this year's ranking. Based in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $67,498. Students borrow a median of $13,975 to complete their Writing Studies program here. Read the full report on Vanderbilt University
Clemson University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best Writing Studies schools. Clemson University is a public school based in Clemson, SC. The six-year graduation rate is 87%. In-state tuition and fees average $15,554, while out-of-state students pay about $40,866. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete their Writing Studies program here. More on Clemson University
Michigan State University landed the #13 spot in the United States this year. Based in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. About 81% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,079, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. The median Writing Studies program debt is $25,750. More on Michigan State University
University Of Iowa landed the #14 spot in the United States this year. Located in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. University Of Iowa posts a six-year graduation rate of 75%. In-state tuition and fees average $11,283, while out-of-state students pay about $33,371. Graduates carry a median of $24,862 in student loans. See the full University Of Iowa profile
Texas Tech University did well this year, earning the #15 position. Located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Roughly 69% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Typical Writing Studies student debt is $21,500. Get the full Texas Tech University report
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities did well this year, earning the #16 position. Based in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. About 85% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Graduates carry a median of $22,375 in student loans. See the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities profile
Brown University placed #17 among Writing Studies schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Providence, RI. Brown University posts a six-year graduation rate of 96%. In-state tuition and fees run about $71,312. Students borrow a median of $10,500 to complete their Writing Studies program here. Read more about Brown University
Towson University landed the #18 spot in the United States this year. Based in Towson, MD, Towson University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 70%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,728, with out-of-state students paying around $29,820. The median Writing Studies program debt is $21,241. Get the full Towson University report
North Carolina State University At Raleigh landed the #19 spot in the United States this year. Set in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. North Carolina State University At Raleigh Writing Studies students take on a median of $22,113 in debt. Read more about North Carolina State University At Raleigh
James Madison University placed #20 among Writing Studies schools in the United States. Set in Harrisonburg, VA, James Madison University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 80%. In-state tuition and fees average $13,966, while out-of-state students pay about $31,312. Students borrow a median of $22,714 to complete their Writing Studies program here. See the full James Madison University profile
University Of Wisconsin Stout did well this year, earning the #21 position. Set in Menomonie, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stout is a public institution. About 55% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,701, compared with $19,265 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin Stout Writing Studies students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. More on University Of Wisconsin Stout
Harvard University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best Writing Studies schools. Harvard University is a private not-for-profit school based in Cambridge, MA. About 98% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,676. Typical Writing Studies student debt is $16,616. Read the full report on Harvard University
University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #23 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. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,813 to complete their Writing Studies program here. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Madison report
University Of San Francisco placed #24 among Writing Studies schools in the United States. Based in San Francisco, CA, University Of San Francisco is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 70%. Students from in state pay about $60,522 in tuition and fees. Typical Writing Studies student debt is $23,935. See the full University Of San Francisco profile
Boston University came in at #25 in this year's ranking. Located in Boston, MA, Boston University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 89% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,102. Graduates carry a median of $25,232 in student loans. See the full Boston University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best Writing Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also placed among the very best this year:
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best Writing Studies schools. This public school is set in West Chester, PA. About 70% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $10,775 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,599. Read more about West Chester University Of Pennsylvania
Fairfield University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best Writing Studies schools. Based in Fairfield, CT, Fairfield University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $58,400 in tuition and fees. The median Writing Studies program debt is $26,687. Read the full report on Fairfield University
Auburn University placed #28 among Writing Studies schools in the United States. Auburn University is a public school based in Auburn, AL. The six-year graduation rate is 82%. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,890, with out-of-state students paying around $34,922. Graduates carry a median of $22,803 in student loans. Read more about Auburn University
Cornell University did well this year, earning the #29 position. Set in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 95% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $69,314 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $15,005 to complete their Writing Studies program here. Get the full Cornell University report
Northeastern University Global Network came in at #30 in this year's ranking. Set in Boston, MA, Northeastern University Global Network is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $50,688 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,055 in student loans. Read the full report on Northeastern University Global Network
Pacific Lutheran University came in at #31 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Tacoma, WA. Roughly 69% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $50,916. Pacific Lutheran University Writing Studies students take on a median of $23,667 in debt. Read the full report on Pacific Lutheran University
Syracuse University did well this year, earning the #32 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Syracuse, NY. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. In-state tuition and fees average $65,528. Typical Writing Studies student debt is $27,000. See the full Syracuse University profile
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University did well this year, earning the #33 position. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public school based in Blacksburg, VA. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University graduates 86% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Graduates carry a median of $23,393 in student loans. Read the full report on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Sewanee The University Of The South placed #34 among Writing Studies schools in the United States. Set in Sewanee, TN, Sewanee The University Of The South is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 80%. In-state tuition and fees average $56,120. Sewanee The University Of The South Writing Studies students take on a median of $22,091 in debt. Read more about Sewanee The University Of The South
Kean University placed #35 among Writing Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Union, NJ. Kean University graduates 47% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $14,299, while out-of-state students pay about $22,446. Typical Writing Studies student debt is $26,703. Read more about Kean University
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College came in at #36 in this year's ranking. Based in Baton Rouge, LA, Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public institution. Roughly 66% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $11,954 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,631 for out-of-state students. The median Writing Studies program debt is $21,348. Read the full report on Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College
George Mason University landed the #37 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Fairfax, VA. The six-year graduation rate is 68%. Students from in state pay about $14,220 in tuition and fees, compared with $38,688 for out-of-state students. George Mason University Writing Studies students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. More on George Mason University
Miami University Oxford ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best Writing Studies schools. Miami University Oxford is a public school based in Oxford, OH. Miami University Oxford posts a six-year graduation rate of 80%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,519, compared with $38,965 for out-of-state students. Miami University Oxford Writing Studies students take on a median of $23,750 in debt. More on Miami University Oxford
Pacific University came in at #39 in this year's ranking. Set in Forest Grove, OR, Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. Pacific University posts a six-year graduation rate of 67%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $56,374. The median Writing Studies program debt is $26,170. Read more about Pacific University
Temple University landed the #40 spot in the United States this year. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 75%. Students from in state pay about $23,005 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $38,805. Graduates carry a median of $26,259 in student loans. Get the full Temple University report
San Jose State University came in at #41 in this year's ranking. Set in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. Roughly 69% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. Read the full report on San Jose State University
University Of North Alabama did well this year, earning the #42 position. Based in Florence, AL, University Of North Alabama is a public institution. Roughly 55% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,120, while out-of-state students pay about $22,320. Typical Writing Studies student debt is $24,291. See the full University Of North Alabama profile
National University came in at #43 in this year's ranking. National University is a private not-for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. Roughly 50% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,284. Typical Writing Studies student debt is $30,426. See the full National University profile
Saint Josephs University did well this year, earning the #44 position. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Saint Josephs University is a private not-for-profit institution. Saint Josephs University graduates 79% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,260. Students borrow a median of $26,426 to complete their Writing Studies program here. See the full Saint Josephs University profile
University Of Houston Downtown came in at #45 in this year's ranking. University Of Houston Downtown is a public school based in Houston, TX. University Of Houston Downtown graduates 33% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $7,582 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,434. Graduates carry a median of $23,925 in student loans. More on University Of Houston Downtown
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #46 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Austin, TX. About 89% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. The University Of Texas At Austin Writing Studies students take on a median of $21,323 in debt. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Austin
Seattle Pacific University placed #47 among Writing Studies schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Seattle, WA. The six-year graduation rate is 62%. In-state tuition and fees average $40,407. Graduates carry a median of $25,188 in student loans. More on Seattle Pacific University
Bowling Green State University Main Campus placed #48 among Writing Studies schools in the United States. Based in Bowling Green, OH, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public institution. Roughly 61% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $13,912, while out-of-state students pay about $21,900. Bowling Green State University Main Campus Writing Studies students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Get the full Bowling Green State University Main Campus report
University Of Colorado Boulder ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best Writing Studies schools. Based in Boulder, CO, University Of Colorado Boulder is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 74%. In-state tuition and fees average $15,214, while out-of-state students pay about $42,970. Students borrow a median of $20,373 to complete their Writing Studies program here. Get the full University Of Colorado Boulder report
Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best Writing Studies schools. Set in Madison, NJ, Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham is a private not-for-profit institution. Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham posts a six-year graduation rate of 66%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,468. Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham Writing Studies students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Get the full Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham report
Related Writing Studies Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Writing Studies Schools (All Levels)
- 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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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).