2026 Best Value Writing Studies Schools
Looking for the best-value Writing Studies programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 775 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor 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 Writing Studies Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Leading the list is Mcdaniel College, our #1 best-value Writing Studies school in the United States. Based in Westminster, MD, Mcdaniel College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,081. The median Writing Studies program debt is $23,247. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,663 ten years after entry. Set against $23,247 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Mcdaniel College
You'll get strong value at Columbia College Chicago, which ranked #2 this year. Based in Chicago, IL, Columbia College Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $34,088 in tuition and fees. Columbia College Chicago Writing Studies students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Columbia College Chicago alumni report median earnings of $42,195 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Columbia College Chicago admits about 90% of applicants. Get the full Columbia College Chicago report
Out of the 775 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Arizona State University Skysong landed the #3 spot. 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 $30,114 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arizona State University Skysong admits about 67% of applicants. See the full Arizona State University Skysong profile
Out of the 775 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Minnesota State University Mankato landed the #4 spot. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Minnesota State University Mankato Writing Studies students take on a median of $25,260 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,260 median debt. Minnesota State University Mankato has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full Minnesota State University Mankato report
Out of the 775 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Metropolitan State University landed the #5 spot. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Metropolitan State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,840. Graduates carry a median of $26,680 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,705. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. See the full Metropolitan State University profile
Lindenwood University offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Charles, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,600. The median Writing Studies program debt is $28,663. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,278. That is a strong return on a $28,663 median debt. The acceptance rate is 57%. See the full Lindenwood University profile
Brigham Young University Provo landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Located 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. The median Writing Studies program debt is $12,184. Median earnings reach $75,790 ten years out. Set against $12,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo
University Of Phoenix Arizona placed #8 among the best-value Writing Studies schools in the United States. Set in Phoenix, AZ, University Of Phoenix Arizona is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,552. Typical Writing Studies student debt is $25,250. Median earnings reach $37,752 ten years out. Set against $25,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about University Of Phoenix Arizona
North Dakota State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. This public school is set in Fargo, ND. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. Graduates carry a median of $25,153 in student loans. North Dakota State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $62,203 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,153 median debt. North Dakota State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 95%. More on North Dakota State University Main Campus
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania placed #10 among the best-value Writing Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Slippery Rock, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,568, with out-of-state students paying around $14,676. Graduates carry a median of $26,330 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,032 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,330 median debt. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania profile
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania placed #11 among the best-value Writing Studies schools in the United States. Based in Shippensburg, PA, Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,570, compared with $15,824 for out-of-state students. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania Writing Studies students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,351 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. More on Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania
Ferris State University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Located in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,778. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Writing Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,735 ten years after entry. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Ferris State University report
Institute Of American Indian And Alaska Native Culture offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Located in Santa Fe, NM, Institute Of American Indian And Alaska Native Culture is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,920 in tuition and fees. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $24,505. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. More on Institute Of American Indian And Alaska Native Culture
University Of Nebraska At Kearney came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a public school based in Kearney, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,564, compared with $16,484 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,173 to complete their Writing Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,105. That is a strong return on a $22,173 median debt. University Of Nebraska At Kearney has an acceptance rate of 90%. See the full University Of Nebraska At Kearney profile
University Of North Dakota offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. This public school is set in Grand Forks, ND. Students from in state pay about $10,951 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. The median Writing Studies program debt is $25,110. Median earnings reach $63,552 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Dakota has an acceptance rate of 77%. Get the full University Of North Dakota report
University Of North Alabama placed #16 among the best-value Writing Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Florence, AL. In-state tuition and fees average $12,120, while out-of-state students pay about $22,320. Students borrow a median of $24,291 to complete their Writing Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,415 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,291 median debt. University Of North Alabama has an acceptance rate of 87%. Read the full report on University Of North Alabama
Youngstown State University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Youngstown State University is a public school based in Youngstown, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Youngstown State University Writing Studies students take on a median of $26,169 in debt. Youngstown State University alumni report median earnings of $41,544 a decade after entry. Set against $26,169 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Youngstown State University has an acceptance rate of 84%. Read the full report on Youngstown State University
University Of Wisconsin Stout placed #17 among the best-value Writing Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Menomonie, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,084. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Stout report
Texas Tech University landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,852 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Writing Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,454. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Texas Tech University
University Of North Texas landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of North Texas is a public school based in Denton, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,309, compared with $21,149 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,424 in student loans. University Of North Texas alumni report median earnings of $57,010 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Texas has an acceptance rate of 72%. Get the full University Of North Texas report
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Set in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,092 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,917 to complete their Writing Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,346. Set against $23,917 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville admits about 98% of applicants. Get the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville report
Goucher College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Writing Studies schools. Goucher College is a private not-for-profit school based in Baltimore, MD. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,350. Students borrow a median of $25,406 to complete their Writing Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,023. Set against $25,406 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. More on Goucher College
National University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Located in San Diego, CA, National University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,284. Students borrow a median of $30,426 to complete their Writing Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,548. Set against $30,426 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about National University
University Of Akron Main Campus placed #24 among the best-value Writing Studies schools in the United States. Set in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,135, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,347 to complete their Writing Studies program here. University Of Akron Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $46,600 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,347 median debt. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Akron Main Campus
University Of Houston Downtown came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Based in Houston, TX, University Of Houston Downtown is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,582, while out-of-state students pay about $17,434. Typical Writing Studies student debt is $23,925. Median earnings reach $53,551 ten years out. Set against $23,925 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Houston Downtown admits about 90% of applicants. Read more about University Of Houston Downtown
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Writing Studies Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Towson University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Based in Towson, MD, Towson University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,728, while out-of-state students pay about $29,820. The median Writing Studies program debt is $21,241. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,390. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. See the full Towson University profile
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in West Chester, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,775, while out-of-state students pay about $22,599. Median earnings reach $61,258 ten years out. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania admits about 78% of applicants. Read the full report on West Chester University Of Pennsylvania
Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Writing Studies schools. 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 Writing Studies students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $57,273 ten years out. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham admits about 95% of applicants. See the full Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham profile
Missouri State University Springfield placed #29 among the best-value Writing Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Springfield, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,502, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,500 to complete their Writing Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,827 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Missouri State University Springfield report
Fairfield University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Writing Studies schools. Located in Fairfield, CT, Fairfield University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $58,400. Graduates carry a median of $26,687 in student loans. Median earnings reach $88,794 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 33% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Fairfield University
The University Of Texas Pan American landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Edinburg, TX, The University Of Texas Pan American is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,799, while out-of-state students pay about $19,645. Students borrow a median of $14,694 to complete their Writing Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,620. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas Pan American has an acceptance rate of 94%. Get the full The University Of Texas Pan American report
Duquesne University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Set in Pittsburgh, PA, Duquesne University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $48,986. Graduates carry a median of $26,297 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,742 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,297 median debt. Duquesne University has an acceptance rate of 84%. Read the full report on Duquesne University
University Of Washington Bothell Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. This public school is set in Bothell, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,919, compared with $43,155 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,636 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,466 ten years after entry. Set against $15,636 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Washington Bothell Campus has an acceptance rate of 91%. More on University Of Washington Bothell Campus
Sewanee The University Of The South ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Writing Studies schools. Sewanee The University Of The South is a private not-for-profit school based in Sewanee, TN. In-state tuition and fees average $56,120. Graduates carry a median of $22,091 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,911. That is a strong return on a $22,091 median debt. The acceptance rate is 57%. Read more about Sewanee The University Of The South
Weber State University placed #35 among the best-value Writing Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Ogden, UT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,557, compared with $17,545 for out-of-state students. Weber State University Writing Studies students take on a median of $21,398 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,287. That is a strong return on a $21,398 median debt. Get the full Weber State University report
Liberty University landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Liberty University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lynchburg, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,173. Students borrow a median of $27,414 to complete their Writing Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,813. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 99%. See the full Liberty University profile
Bowling Green State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Based in Bowling Green, OH, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,912, while out-of-state students pay about $21,900. The median Writing Studies program debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,896. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. See the full Bowling Green State University Main Campus profile
Hamline University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Hamline University is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $50,004. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Writing Studies program here. Hamline University alumni report median earnings of $61,106 a decade after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Hamline University admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about Hamline University
Sam Houston State University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Writing Studies schools. Located in Huntsville, TX, Sam Houston State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,228 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,068. Students borrow a median of $24,850 to complete their Writing Studies program here. Median earnings reach $54,211 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,850 median debt. Sam Houston State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Get the full Sam Houston State University report
Millersville University Of Pennsylvania placed #40 among the best-value Writing Studies schools in the United States. Located in Millersville, PA, Millersville University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,128, compared with $22,952 for out-of-state students. Typical Writing Studies student debt is $26,486. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,246. Set against $26,486 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read more about Millersville University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Wisconsin Green Bay offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Set in Green Bay, WI, University Of Wisconsin Green Bay is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,700, with out-of-state students paying around $17,288. Students borrow a median of $24,477 to complete their Writing Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,528. That is a strong return on a $24,477 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Wisconsin Green Bay
Saint Josephs University came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Saint Josephs University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $53,260. Students borrow a median of $26,426 to complete their Writing Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $86,881. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Saint Josephs University
University Of Nebraska At Omaha ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Writing Studies schools. Set in Omaha, NE, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,718 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $23,206. Graduates carry a median of $24,825 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,909 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,825 median debt. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Nebraska At Omaha profile
Iowa State University landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Ames, IA. Students from in state pay about $10,787 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,495 to complete their Writing Studies program here. Iowa State University alumni report median earnings of $63,386 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. More on Iowa State University
Rowan University placed #45 among the best-value Writing Studies schools in the United States. Located in Glassboro, NJ, Rowan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,574, while out-of-state students pay about $26,932. The median Writing Studies program debt is $24,488. Rowan University alumni report median earnings of $59,988 a decade after entry. Set against $24,488 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Rowan University admits about 78% of applicants. More on Rowan University
San Jose State University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Based in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,410, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,988. San Jose State University has an acceptance rate of 85%. See the full San Jose State University profile
East Tennessee State University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Located in Johnson City, TN, East Tennessee State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,216, with out-of-state students paying around $13,726. Graduates carry a median of $21,301 in student loans. Median earnings reach $44,859 ten years out. Set against $21,301 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. East Tennessee State University admits about 86% of applicants. See the full East Tennessee State University profile
East Carolina University landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Greenville, NC, East Carolina University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,361, while out-of-state students pay about $23,638. The median Writing Studies program debt is $24,747. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,146. That is a strong return on a $24,747 median debt. East Carolina University has an acceptance rate of 89%. Get the full East Carolina University report
Truman State University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Writing Studies schools. Truman State University is a public school based in Kirksville, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,838, while out-of-state students pay about $18,566. Truman State University Writing Studies students take on a median of $26,899 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,280. Set against $26,899 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Truman State University
Monmouth University placed #50 among the best-value Writing Studies schools in the United States. Set in West Long Branch, NJ, Monmouth University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $46,552. Typical Writing Studies student debt is $26,847. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,991 ten years after entry. Set against $26,847 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%. Get the full Monmouth University report
Best Value Writing Studies Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Writing Studies Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Writing Studies Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Writing Studies Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Writing Studies Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Writing Studies Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Writing Studies Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Writing Studies Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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 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).
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