Best Colleges for English Language and Literature 2026
20 schools ranked by graduate earnings — real data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
English Language and Literature is a field of study that develops specialized knowledge and skills applicable across a range of professional settings. Undergraduate programs typically combine foundational coursework with applied projects, laboratory work, or research experiences designed to prepare graduates for entry-level careers or advanced study.
Graduates are well-positioned for careers across multiple industries. Career paths and earning potential vary depending on the specific concentration, graduate degree attainment, and employer. The rankings below are based on actual graduate earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, which tracks median earnings for graduates of each school-major combination.
When evaluating English Language and Literature programs, consider accreditation status, research and internship opportunities, faculty expertise, and the school's alumni network in your target career field. The earnings data on this page provides an objective, evidence-based signal to help you compare programs by real-world financial outcomes.
Earnings shown are median graduate earnings 4 years after graduation (or 1 year if 4-year data is unavailable), sourced from the College Scorecard.See full major data
Top 20 English Language and Literature Programs by Graduate Earnings
| # | School | Earnings | Tuition | Accept Rate | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | College of the Holy Cross Worcester, MA | $69,556 | $60,850 | 21% | 3,015 |
| 2 | Southern Methodist University Dallas, TX | $65,722 | $64,460 | 61% | 7,106 |
| 3 | Duke University Durham, NC | $65,074 | $65,805 | 7% | 6,417 |
| 4 | Villanova University Villanova, PA | $64,967 | $64,701 | 25% | 7,005 |
| 5 | Barnard College New York, NY | $63,564 | $66,246 | 8% | 3,219 |
| 6 | Yale University New Haven, CT | $60,462 | $64,700 | 5% | 6,811 |
| 7 | Bucknell University Lewisburg, PA | $60,450 | $64,772 | 32% | 3,818 |
| 8 | University of Notre Dame Notre Dame, IN | $60,383 | $62,693 | 12% | 8,923 |
| 9 | Fairfield University Fairfield, CT | $59,811 | $56,360 | 45% | 4,938 |
| 10 | Bates College Lewiston, ME | $58,988 | $63,478 | 13% | 1,753 |
| 11 | Columbia University in the City of New York New York, NY | $58,459 | $69,045 | 4% | 8,899 |
| 12 | University of San Francisco San Francisco, CA | $57,848 | $58,222 | 51% | 5,697 |
| 13 | Boston College Chestnut Hill, MA | $57,075 | $67,680 | 16% | 9,865 |
| 14 | Saint Anselm College Manchester, NH | $57,001 | $46,810 | 78% | 2,032 |
| 15 | Georgetown University Washington, DC | $56,857 | $65,081 | 13% | 7,462 |
| 16 | Williams College Williamstown, MA | $56,571 | $64,860 | 10% | 2,060 |
| 17 | Dickinson College Carlisle, PA | $56,242 | $63,475 | 43% | 2,157 |
| 18 | Loyola Marymount University Los Angeles, CA | $56,111 | $58,974 | 40% | 7,171 |
| 19 | Syracuse University Syracuse, NY | $55,862 | $63,061 | 42% | 15,245 |
| 20 | George Washington University Washington, DC | $55,736 | $64,990 | 44% | 10,848 |
Explore All English Language and Literature Programs
See earnings data for all 493 schools offering English Language and Literature, including debt figures and graduate counts.
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Compare SchoolsFrequently Asked Questions
What should I look for in a English Language and Literature program?
Look for programs with relevant accreditation, strong research or internship opportunities, experienced faculty with industry connections, and alumni networks in the careers you want to pursue. Hands-on learning experiences and career placement rates are also important indicators of program quality.
What careers can I pursue with a English Language and Literature degree?
A English Language and Literature degree prepares graduates for a range of careers depending on the specific concentration and any graduate study pursued. Review the program's placement data and alumni outcomes to understand where graduates from a specific school tend to land after graduation.
How much do English Language and Literature graduates earn?
Earnings for English Language and Literature graduates vary by school, specialization, and career path. The rankings on this page reflect verified median graduate earnings from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, giving you a school-level view of real financial outcomes for this major.