2026 Best Value Writing Studies Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Writing Studies master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 775 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect 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 analyzed 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Our analysis found Columbia College Chicago to be the best-value Writing Studies school in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,088. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,195. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full Columbia College Chicago profile
A rank of #2 makes Lindenwood University one of the best values in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Charles, MO. Students from in state pay about $21,600 in tuition and fees. The median Writing Studies program debt is $28,663. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,278 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,663 median debt. Lindenwood University admits about 57% of applicants. See the full Lindenwood University profile
You'll get strong value at Goucher College, which ranked #3 this year. Goucher College is a private not-for-profit school based in Baltimore, MD. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,350. Goucher College Writing Studies students take on a median of $25,406 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,023. That is a strong return on a $25,406 median debt. Goucher College admits about 78% of applicants. Read more about Goucher College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Minnesota State University Mankato earned it the #4 place in the United States. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. The median Writing Studies program debt is $25,260. 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%. Get the full Minnesota State University Mankato report
You'll get strong value at Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham, which ranked #5 this year. Located in Madison, NJ, Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham is a private not-for-profit institution. 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,273. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read more about Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham
Brigham Young University Provo landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. Graduates carry a median of $12,184 in student loans. Median earnings reach $75,790 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,184 median debt. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants. See the full Brigham Young University Provo profile
Metropolitan State University came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Metropolitan State University is a public school based in Saint Paul, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,840. Students borrow a median of $26,680 to complete their Writing Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,705. Set against $26,680 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Metropolitan State University has an acceptance rate of 99%. More on Metropolitan State University
Hamline University came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Hamline University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $50,004. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,106. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Hamline University admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on Hamline University
Texas Tech University came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,852 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Texas Tech University alumni report median earnings of $62,454 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Texas Tech University report
Missouri State University Springfield came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Springfield, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,502, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. Students borrow a median of $26,500 to complete their Writing Studies program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,827. That is a strong return on a $26,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read more about Missouri State University Springfield
University Of North Alabama came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Set in Florence, AL, University Of North Alabama is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,120, with out-of-state students paying around $22,320. Graduates carry a median of $24,291 in student loans. University Of North Alabama alumni report median earnings of $45,415 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of North Alabama profile
University Of Wisconsin Stout placed #12 among the best-value Writing Studies schools in the United States. Based in Menomonie, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stout is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,701, while out-of-state students pay about $19,265. The median Writing Studies program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $58,084 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Stout admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Stout
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville placed #13 among the best-value Writing Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Edwardsville, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,092. Typical Writing Studies student debt is $23,917. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,346 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,917 median debt. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville admits about 98% of applicants. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Writing Studies schools. This public school is set in West Chester, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $10,775, while out-of-state students pay about $22,599. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $61,258 a decade after entry. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on West Chester University Of Pennsylvania
Liberty University landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lynchburg, VA. Students from in state pay about $16,173 in tuition and fees. Typical Writing Studies student debt is $27,414. Median earnings reach $44,813 ten years out. Set against $27,414 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Liberty University admits about 99% of applicants. Get the full Liberty University report
Augsburg College placed #16 among the best-value Writing Studies schools in the United States. Set in Minneapolis, MN, Augsburg College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,452. Typical Writing Studies student debt is $26,319. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,829. That is a strong return on a $26,319 median debt. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Augsburg College profile
National University placed #16 among the best-value Writing Studies schools in the United States. Set in San Diego, CA, National University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,284. The median Writing Studies program debt is $30,426. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,548 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on National University
University Of Akron Main Campus came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Located in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Set against $25,347 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Akron Main Campus profile
Towson University placed #19 among the best-value Writing Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Towson, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $11,728, while out-of-state students pay about $29,820. Graduates carry a median of $21,241 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,390. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Towson University has an acceptance rate of 82%. More on Towson University
University Of Houston Downtown ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Writing Studies schools. Based in Houston, TX, University Of Houston Downtown is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,582, compared with $17,434 for out-of-state students. The median Writing Studies program debt is $23,925. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,551. That is a strong return on a $23,925 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. More on University Of Houston Downtown
Bowling Green State University Main Campus landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Bowling Green, OH, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,912, while out-of-state students pay about $21,900. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Bowling Green State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $47,896 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Bowling Green State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 81%. Get the full Bowling Green State University Main Campus report
University Of North Texas offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. 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. The median Writing Studies program debt is $19,424. 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. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of North Texas profile
Clemson University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Located in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,554, with out-of-state students paying around $40,866. Typical Writing Studies student debt is $23,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,513. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 38%. More on Clemson University
Fairfield University placed #24 among the best-value Writing Studies schools in the United States. Fairfield University is a private not-for-profit school based in Fairfield, CT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $58,400. Fairfield University Writing Studies students take on a median of $26,687 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $88,794 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,687 median debt. Fairfield University has an acceptance rate of 33%. Read the full report on Fairfield University
The University Of Texas Pan American came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Based in Edinburg, TX, The University Of Texas Pan American is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,799, with out-of-state students paying around $19,645. Typical Writing Studies student debt is $14,694. Median earnings reach $49,620 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. More on The University Of Texas Pan American
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Writing Studies Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
University Of Washington Bothell Campus ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Writing Studies schools. University Of Washington Bothell Campus is a public school based in Bothell, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Median earnings reach $78,466 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,636 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Washington Bothell Campus
Sewanee The University Of The South came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Sewanee The University Of The South is a private not-for-profit school based in Sewanee, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $56,120. Students borrow a median of $22,091 to complete their Writing Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,911. Set against $22,091 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Sewanee The University Of The South
Sam Houston State University placed #28 among the best-value Writing Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Huntsville, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,228, with out-of-state students paying around $19,068. The median Writing Studies program debt is $24,850. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,211. Set against $24,850 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. More on Sam Houston State University
University Of Nebraska At Omaha placed #29 among the best-value Writing Studies schools in the United States. Located 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. Typical Writing Studies student debt is $24,825. University Of Nebraska At Omaha alumni report median earnings of $53,909 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,825 median debt. The acceptance rate is 87%. Get the full University Of Nebraska At Omaha report
Saint Josephs University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Writing Studies schools. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Saint Josephs University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $53,260. Typical Writing Studies student debt is $26,426. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $86,881. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Josephs University admits about 89% of applicants. Read more about Saint Josephs University
Institute Of American Indian And Alaska Native Culture offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Based in Santa Fe, NM, Institute Of American Indian And Alaska Native Culture is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,920. Graduates go on to earn a median of $24,505 ten years after entry. The acceptance rate is 98%. Get the full Institute Of American Indian And Alaska Native Culture report
Spalding University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Set in Louisville, KY, Spalding University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $29,000. Graduates carry a median of $29,862 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,438. That is a strong return on a $29,862 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%. See the full Spalding University profile
San Jose State University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Set in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,988. San Jose State University admits about 85% of applicants. More on San Jose State University
Iowa State University placed #34 among the best-value Writing Studies schools in the United States. This public school is set in Ames, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Typical Writing Studies student debt is $23,495. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,386. Set against $23,495 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Iowa State University
Monmouth University placed #35 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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $46,552. Typical Writing Studies student debt is $26,847. Median earnings reach $67,991 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. More on Monmouth University
University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Based in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. University Of Washington Seattle Campus Writing Studies students take on a median of $17,872 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,466 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Washington Seattle Campus has an acceptance rate of 39%. Get the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus report
The University Of Texas At El Paso landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. The University Of Texas At El Paso is a public school based in El Paso, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,544, with out-of-state students paying around $25,502. Graduates carry a median of $19,819 in student loans. Median earnings reach $50,923 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At El Paso has an acceptance rate of 100%. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At El Paso
University Of Central Arkansas came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Located in Conway, AR, University Of Central Arkansas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,523, compared with $18,023 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Writing Studies program here. University Of Central Arkansas alumni report median earnings of $45,938 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Central Arkansas admits about 90% of applicants. See the full University Of Central Arkansas profile
The University Of Tampa ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Writing Studies schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Tampa, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $34,408. Graduates carry a median of $21,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,436. That is a strong return on a $21,000 median debt. The University Of Tampa has an acceptance rate of 40%. Read the full report on The University Of Tampa
Texas State University San Marcos offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Set in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $22,930. Typical Writing Studies student debt is $21,765. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,906 ten years after entry. Set against $21,765 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%. Get the full Texas State University San Marcos report
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Set in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. The median Writing Studies program debt is $21,813. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,792. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 45%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile
East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in East Stroudsburg, PA, East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,236, with out-of-state students paying around $19,202. Graduates carry a median of $26,527 in student loans. East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $56,148 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania admits about 92% of applicants. Get the full East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania report
Northeastern University Global Network came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Located in Boston, MA, Northeastern University Global Network is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $50,688. Students borrow a median of $27,055 to complete their Writing Studies program here. Median earnings reach $92,538 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,055 median debt. Read more about Northeastern University Global Network
Kean University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Writing Studies schools. This public school is set in Union, NJ. Students from in state pay about $14,299 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,446. Graduates carry a median of $26,703 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,237. That is a strong return on a $26,703 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Kean University
University Of Wyoming placed #45 among the best-value Writing Studies schools in the United States. Based in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,768, with out-of-state students paying around $24,178. University Of Wyoming Writing Studies students take on a median of $20,283 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,880 ten years out. Set against $20,283 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 97%. More on University Of Wyoming
Depaul University placed #45 among the best-value Writing Studies schools in the United States. Based in Chicago, IL, Depaul University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $45,405 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,310 to complete their Writing Studies program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,751. Set against $25,310 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Depaul University admits about 76% of applicants. Read the full report on Depaul University
University Of Maryland College Park placed #47 among the best-value Writing Studies schools in the United States. University Of Maryland College Park is a public school based in College Park, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $11,809, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. University Of Maryland College Park Writing Studies students take on a median of $20,836 in debt. University Of Maryland College Park alumni report median earnings of $82,860 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,836 median debt. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Maryland College Park
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public school based in Minneapolis, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. The median Writing Studies program debt is $22,375. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,020 ten years after entry. Set against $22,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%. Read more about University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
University Of San Francisco came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. University Of San Francisco is a private not-for-profit school based in San Francisco, CA. Students from in state pay about $60,522 in tuition and fees. Typical Writing Studies student debt is $23,935. Median earnings reach $89,812 ten years out. Set against $23,935 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 62% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of San Francisco
University Of Virginia Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Set in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $23,118, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. University Of Virginia Main Campus Writing Studies students take on a median of $18,627 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $86,863 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 17% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Virginia Main Campus
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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Writing Studies Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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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