2026 Best Value Writing Studies Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Writing Studies doctoral degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 775 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Our analysis found North Dakota State University Main Campus to be the best-value Writing Studies school in the United States. Based in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. Graduates carry a median of $25,153 in student loans. Median earnings reach $62,203 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,153 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Read more about North Dakota State University Main Campus
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Texas Tech University earned it the #2 place in the United States. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,454 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Texas Tech University admits about 73% of applicants. Get the full Texas Tech University report
Duquesne University came in at #3 on this year's best-value Writing Studies ranking in the United States. Duquesne University is a private not-for-profit school based in Pittsburgh, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $48,986. Typical Writing Studies student debt is $26,297. Median earnings reach $74,742 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,297 median debt. Duquesne University has an acceptance rate of 84%. Read more about Duquesne University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at The University Of Texas At Austin earned it the #4 place in the United States. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. The median Writing Studies program debt is $21,323. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,121 ten years after entry. Set against $21,323 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. More on The University Of Texas At Austin
Iowa State University came in at #5 on this year's best-value Writing Studies ranking in the United States. Iowa State University is a public school based in Ames, IA. Students from in state pay about $10,787 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. Iowa State University Writing Studies students take on a median of $23,495 in debt. 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. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read the full report on Iowa State University
Out of the 775 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, The University Of Texas At El Paso landed the #5 spot. Set in El Paso, TX, The University Of Texas At El Paso is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,544 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $25,502. The University Of Texas At El Paso Writing Studies students take on a median of $19,819 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,923 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At El Paso admits about 100% of applicants. Get the full The University Of Texas At El Paso report
Texas Christian University offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Texas Christian University is a private not-for-profit school based in Fort Worth, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $61,740. The median Writing Studies program debt is $22,960. Median earnings reach $68,424 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,960 median debt. Texas Christian University admits about 44% of applicants. Read more about Texas Christian University
University Of California Berkeley offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Set in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Students borrow a median of $14,037 to complete their Writing Studies program here. University Of California Berkeley alumni report median earnings of $92,446 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Berkeley admits about 11% of applicants. Get the full University Of California Berkeley report
University Of Houston landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,717, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. Typical Writing Studies student debt is $21,255. University Of Houston alumni report median earnings of $62,377 a decade after entry. Set against $21,255 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Houston report
Texas Womans University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Writing Studies schools. Texas Womans University is a public school based in Denton, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,640, compared with $18,480 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,211 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,544. Set against $24,211 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. See the full Texas Womans University profile
Michigan State University came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Located in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,079, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. The median Writing Studies program debt is $25,750. Michigan State University alumni report median earnings of $67,253 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,750 median debt. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Michigan State University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Writing Studies schools. Set in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,948, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. The median Writing Studies program debt is $23,393. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University alumni report median earnings of $81,698 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,393 median debt. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University has an acceptance rate of 55%. Get the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University report
University Of New Mexico Main Campus placed #13 among the best-value Writing Studies schools in the United States. University Of New Mexico Main Campus is a public school based in Albuquerque, NM. In-state tuition and fees average $10,140, with out-of-state students paying around $33,060. The median Writing Studies program debt is $14,363. University Of New Mexico Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $44,792 a decade after entry. Set against $14,363 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of New Mexico Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 95%. Get the full University Of New Mexico Main Campus report
Old Dominion University placed #14 among the best-value Writing Studies schools in the United States. Old Dominion University is a public school based in Norfolk, VA. Students from in state pay about $12,750 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,780. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $54,914 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Old Dominion University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read the full report on Old Dominion University
East Carolina University landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. East Carolina University is a public school based in Greenville, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,361, with out-of-state students paying around $23,638. Typical Writing Studies student debt is $24,747. East Carolina University alumni report median earnings of $55,146 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,747 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%. More on East Carolina University
Utah State University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Located in Logan, UT, Utah State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,560, while out-of-state students pay about $24,993. Students borrow a median of $16,191 to complete their Writing Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,022. That is a strong return on a $16,191 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%. Read more about Utah State University
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus placed #17 among the best-value Writing Studies schools in the United States. Located in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,363, while out-of-state students pay about $28,697. Typical Writing Studies student debt is $23,530. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $54,810 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,530 median debt. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Cincinnati Main Campus profile
Carnegie Mellon University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Pittsburgh, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,636. Students borrow a median of $23,529 to complete their Writing Studies program here. Median earnings reach $114,862 ten years out. Set against $23,529 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 12% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Carnegie Mellon University
University Of Louisville came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Located in Louisville, KY, University Of Louisville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,136, compared with $29,482 for out-of-state students. The median Writing Studies program debt is $21,910. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,899 ten years after entry. Set against $21,910 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 79%. Read the full report on University Of Louisville
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $21,926 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,430. Typical Writing Studies student debt is $26,349. Median earnings reach $66,125 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 58% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus
George Mason University landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Fairfax, VA. 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $76,343. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on George Mason University
University Of Central Florida ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Writing Studies schools. Set in Orlando, FL, University Of Central Florida is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,368, compared with $22,467 for out-of-state students. Typical Writing Studies student debt is $22,676. University Of Central Florida alumni report median earnings of $58,308 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 40%. See the full University Of Central Florida profile
University Of Arizona offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Set in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,573, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,822 in student loans. Median earnings reach $59,979 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Arizona profile
Western Michigan University placed #24 among the best-value Writing Studies schools in the United States. Set in Kalamazoo, MI, Western Michigan University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,987, compared with $19,952 for out-of-state students. The median Writing Studies program debt is $27,000. Western Michigan University alumni report median earnings of $53,562 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Michigan University admits about 85% of applicants. Read the full report on Western Michigan University
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Writing Studies schools. Based in Ann Arbor, MI, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,848 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $63,081. Graduates carry a median of $13,999 in student loans. Median earnings reach $83,648 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,999 median debt. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor has an acceptance rate of 16%. Read the full report on University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Writing Studies Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Art Academy Of Cincinnati landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full Art Academy Of Cincinnati report
Cedarville University placed #27 among the best-value Writing Studies schools in the United States. Get the full Cedarville University report
Delaware County Community College came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Delaware County Community College
Ohio University Chillicothe Campus ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Writing Studies schools. Get the full Ohio University Chillicothe Campus report
University Of Houston Victoria ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Writing Studies schools. Read more about University Of Houston Victoria
Coastal Carolina University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Writing Studies schools. Get the full Coastal Carolina University report
Cornell University landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Cornell University profile
Drake University
Drake University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. More on Drake University
Full Sail University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. More on Full Sail University
Immaculata University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Writing Studies schools. Read the full report on Immaculata University
George Washington University offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. See the full George Washington University profile
Mckendree University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Writing Studies schools. Read more about Mckendree University
Wellesley College offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Read the full report on Wellesley College
Long Island University C W Post Campus ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Writing Studies schools. See the full Long Island University C W Post Campus profile
Loyola University New Orleans placed #40 among the best-value Writing Studies schools in the United States. Read the full report on Loyola University New Orleans
University Of Alabama At Huntsville ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Writing Studies schools. See the full University Of Alabama At Huntsville profile
University Of Cincinnati Clermont College ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Writing Studies schools. Read the full report on University Of Cincinnati Clermont College
University Of Florida placed #43 among the best-value Writing Studies schools in the United States. Get the full University Of Florida report
University Of Mississippi Main Campus came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on University Of Mississippi Main Campus
Gateway Community College Phoenix placed #45 among the best-value Writing Studies schools in the United States. Get the full Gateway Community College Phoenix report
Northampton County Area Community College landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full Northampton County Area Community College report
Ohio University Lancaster Campus ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Writing Studies schools. See the full Ohio University Lancaster Campus profile
Salem State University placed #48 among the best-value Writing Studies schools in the United States. More on Salem State University
Wright State University Main Campus placed #49 among the best-value Writing Studies schools in the United States. Read more about Wright State University Main Campus
Ashland University placed #50 among the best-value Writing Studies schools in the United States. Read more about Ashland University
Related Writing Studies Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Writing Studies Schools (All Levels)
- 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
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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).
Course Advisor provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.