2026 Best Value Writing Studies Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Writing Studies graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 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.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor reviewed schools to build 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Leading the list is Arizona State University Skysong, our #1 best-value Writing Studies school in the United States. Arizona State University Skysong is a public school based in Scottsdale, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. Graduates carry a median of $30,114 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. That is a strong return on a $30,114 median debt. Arizona State University Skysong has an acceptance rate of 67%. Get the full Arizona State University Skysong report
Mcdaniel College came in at #2 on this year's best-value Writing Studies ranking in the United States. Located in Westminster, MD, Mcdaniel College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $52,081. Graduates carry a median of $23,247 in student loans. Mcdaniel College alumni report median earnings of $60,663 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,247 median debt. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Mcdaniel College report
You'll get strong value at Minnesota State University Mankato, which ranked #3 this year. This public school is set in Mankato, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,260 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,922 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,260 median debt. Minnesota State University Mankato has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about Minnesota State University Mankato
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Youngstown State University earned it the #4 place in the United States. Based in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,926 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,286. Students borrow a median of $26,169 to complete their Writing Studies program here. Median earnings reach $41,544 ten years out. Set against $26,169 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. See the full Youngstown State University profile
A rank of #5 makes Bowling Green State University Main Campus one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Bowling Green, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,912, with out-of-state students paying around $21,900. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,896 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Bowling Green State University Main Campus admits about 81% of applicants. Read the full report on Bowling Green State University Main Campus
Missouri State University Springfield offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Missouri State University Springfield is a public school based in Springfield, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,502, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,827. Set against $26,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. More on Missouri State University Springfield
Texas Tech University placed #7 among the best-value Writing Studies schools in the United States. Located 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. The median Writing Studies program debt is $21,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,454. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Texas Tech University
University Of North Texas placed #8 among the best-value Writing Studies schools in the United States. Set in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,309, while out-of-state students pay about $21,149. 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. Set against $19,424 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of North Texas
University Of Nebraska At Omaha offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Based in Omaha, NE, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,718, with out-of-state students paying around $23,206. Students borrow a median of $24,825 to complete their Writing Studies program here. University Of Nebraska At Omaha alumni report median earnings of $53,909 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nebraska At Omaha admits about 87% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska At Omaha
University Of Houston Downtown ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Writing Studies schools. This public school is set in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $7,582, while out-of-state students pay about $17,434. University Of Houston Downtown Writing Studies students take on a median of $23,925 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,551. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Houston Downtown has an acceptance rate of 90%. More on University Of Houston Downtown
Millersville University Of Pennsylvania came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Based in Millersville, PA, Millersville University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,128, while out-of-state students pay about $22,952. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania Writing Studies students take on a median of $26,486 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,246. Set against $26,486 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. Get the full Millersville University Of Pennsylvania report
East Carolina University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Greenville, NC. Students from in state pay about $7,361 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $23,638. East Carolina University Writing Studies students take on a median of $24,747 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,146 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. East Carolina University has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read more about East Carolina University
Indiana University East came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Indiana University East is a public school based in Richmond, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,424, with out-of-state students paying around $22,811. Students borrow a median of $24,098 to complete their Writing Studies program here. Indiana University East alumni report median earnings of $47,156 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana University East has an acceptance rate of 67%. See the full Indiana University East profile
Spalding University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Louisville, KY. Students from in state pay about $29,000 in tuition and fees. Typical Writing Studies student debt is $29,862. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,438. Set against $29,862 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Spalding University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Read more about Spalding University
Northern Arizona University placed #15 among the best-value Writing Studies schools in the United States. Set in Flagstaff, AZ, Northern Arizona University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,619, while out-of-state students pay about $20,044. The median Writing Studies program debt is $21,645. Median earnings reach $54,384 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Northern Arizona University report
University Of Iowa ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Writing Studies schools. Located in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,283 in tuition and fees, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. The median Writing Studies program debt is $24,862. University Of Iowa alumni report median earnings of $64,762 a decade after entry. Set against $24,862 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Iowa profile
Northern Kentucky University placed #17 among the best-value Writing Studies schools in the United States. Located in Highland Heights, KY, Northern Kentucky University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,088 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,912. Northern Kentucky University Writing Studies students take on a median of $25,572 in debt. Median earnings reach $50,220 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Northern Kentucky University report
Salem State University landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Salem, MA, Salem State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,338, compared with $19,531 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,176 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,662. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Salem State University
University Of Arkansas ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Writing Studies schools. This public school is set in Fayetteville, AR. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,104, compared with $29,966 for out-of-state students. University Of Arkansas Writing Studies students take on a median of $24,019 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,191. That is a strong return on a $24,019 median debt. University Of Arkansas admits about 74% of applicants. Read more about University Of Arkansas
Arizona State University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Writing Studies schools. This public school is set in Tempe, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Students borrow a median of $30,114 to complete their Writing Studies program here. Arizona State University alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. Set against $30,114 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Arizona State University
Auburn University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Located in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,890 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $34,922. The median Writing Studies program debt is $22,803. Median earnings reach $65,337 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,803 median debt. About 46% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Auburn University report
Eastern Illinois University placed #22 among the best-value Writing Studies schools in the United States. Located in Charleston, IL, Eastern Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,377 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,859 for out-of-state students. The median Writing Studies program debt is $24,293. Median earnings reach $51,989 ten years out. Set against $24,293 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Eastern Illinois University admits about 65% of applicants. See the full Eastern Illinois University profile
San Diego State University placed #23 among the best-value Writing Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in San Diego, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,728, while out-of-state students pay about $21,328. The median Writing Studies program debt is $16,417. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,909. That is a strong return on a $16,417 median debt. About 36% of those who apply are admitted. See the full San Diego State University profile
Southern New Hampshire University offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Located in Manchester, NH, Southern New Hampshire University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $17,200 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $33,490 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,318 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern New Hampshire University admits about 100% of applicants. See the full Southern New Hampshire University profile
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Indianapolis, IN, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,762, with out-of-state students paying around $34,891. Typical Writing Studies student debt is $23,146. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,198 ten years after entry. Set against $23,146 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Writing Studies Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Weber State University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Writing Studies schools. Based in Ogden, UT, Weber State University is a public institution. 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,287 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,398 median debt. More on Weber State University
California State University Long Beach landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Long Beach, CA, California State University Long Beach is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,374 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,974. The median Writing Studies program debt is $15,394. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,403 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Long Beach has an acceptance rate of 46%. Get the full California State University Long Beach report
University Of Arkansas At Little Rock came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Set in Little Rock, AR, University Of Arkansas At Little Rock is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,911, with out-of-state students paying around $22,721. Typical Writing Studies student debt is $27,093. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,265 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,093 median debt. The acceptance rate is 59%. Get the full University Of Arkansas At Little Rock report
Old Dominion University placed #29 among the best-value Writing Studies schools in the United States. Located in Norfolk, VA, Old Dominion University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,750, compared with $33,780 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Writing Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,914. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full Old Dominion University profile
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Writing Studies schools. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public school based in Cincinnati, OH. Students from in state pay about $13,363 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,697. Students borrow a median of $23,530 to complete their Writing Studies program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,810 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,530 median debt. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Johns Hopkins University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Baltimore, MD. In-state tuition and fees run about $64,730. Graduates carry a median of $13,728 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $87,555. That is a strong return on a $13,728 median debt. Johns Hopkins University admits about 6% of applicants. Read more about Johns Hopkins University
George Mason University placed #31 among the best-value Writing Studies schools in the United States. Located in Fairfax, VA, George Mason University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,220, while out-of-state students pay about $38,688. The median Writing Studies program debt is $23,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $76,343. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full George Mason University profile
University Of Kentucky offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. This public school is set in Lexington, KY. In-state tuition and fees average $13,502, while out-of-state students pay about $34,140. The median Writing Studies program debt is $24,094. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,025. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Kentucky
University At Buffalo placed #34 among the best-value Writing Studies schools in the United States. University At Buffalo is a public school based in Buffalo, NY. Students from in state pay about $10,936 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $31,536. University At Buffalo Writing Studies students take on a median of $22,232 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $70,814. Set against $22,232 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University At Buffalo profile
The University Of Texas At San Antonio offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Located in San Antonio, TX, The University Of Texas At San Antonio is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,326, compared with $22,249 for out-of-state students. The median Writing Studies program debt is $23,312. Median earnings reach $57,131 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,312 median debt. The University Of Texas At San Antonio admits about 87% of applicants. Read more about The University Of Texas At San Antonio
Wright State University Main Campus landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Dayton, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,991, compared with $20,691 for out-of-state students. The median Writing Studies program debt is $25,836. Wright State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $49,500 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,836 median debt. Wright State University Main Campus admits about 96% of applicants. See the full Wright State University Main Campus profile
University Of Missouri St Louis ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Writing Studies schools. University Of Missouri St Louis is a public school based in Saint Louis, MO. Students from in state pay about $15,120 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $37,620. Students borrow a median of $25,943 to complete their Writing Studies program here. University Of Missouri St Louis alumni report median earnings of $53,037 a decade after entry. Set against $25,943 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 63% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Missouri St Louis
Kennesaw State University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Writing Studies schools. Located in Kennesaw, GA, Kennesaw State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,808, compared with $17,736 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,004 to complete their Writing Studies program here. Median earnings reach $57,552 ten years out. Set against $27,004 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Kennesaw State University
University Of Rhode Island landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Kingston, RI, University Of Rhode Island is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,942, while out-of-state students pay about $37,146. Students borrow a median of $22,195 to complete their Writing Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,743. That is a strong return on a $22,195 median debt. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Rhode Island profile
Northwestern State University Of Louisiana came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Based in Natchitoches, LA, Northwestern State University Of Louisiana is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,864, compared with $19,652 for out-of-state students. Typical Writing Studies student debt is $28,061. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,021. Set against $28,061 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Northwestern State University Of Louisiana
Antioch University Los Angeles placed #41 among the best-value Writing Studies schools in the United States. Located in Culver City, CA, Antioch University Los Angeles is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $26,460. Typical Writing Studies student debt is $33,752. Median earnings reach $51,541 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $33,752 median debt. Read more about Antioch University Los Angeles
University Of Massachusetts Dartmouth landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in North Dartmouth, MA, University Of Massachusetts Dartmouth is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,612, with out-of-state students paying around $32,567. Typical Writing Studies student debt is $27,106. Median earnings reach $68,804 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,106 median debt. University Of Massachusetts Dartmouth has an acceptance rate of 91%. Get the full University Of Massachusetts Dartmouth report
University Of Denver came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Set in Denver, CO, University Of Denver is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,398. Students borrow a median of $22,534 to complete their Writing Studies program here. Median earnings reach $71,155 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Denver
Estrella Mountain Community College came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. More on Estrella Mountain Community College
Macalester College came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. More on Macalester College
Massachusetts Institute Of Technology came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. More on Massachusetts Institute Of Technology
Missouri Southern State University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Writing Studies schools. Read more about Missouri Southern State University
Paradise Valley Community College placed #48 among the best-value Writing Studies schools in the United States. Read the full report on Paradise Valley Community College
University Of Idaho came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Read more about University Of Idaho
University Of Maryland College Park came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Read more about University Of Maryland College Park
Related Writing Studies Value Rankings
See value rankings for 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 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. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 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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