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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value English Bachelor’s Degree Schools

481 Colleges in the United States
$22,484 Avg Student Debt
$58,330 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value English Bachelor's Degree Badge [English](/majors/english-language-literature/general-english-language-literature/english/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 1514 schools to find the best return on investment for english students.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value English Schools in the United States

If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the english degrees they offer, see the list below.

Best Value English Schools

1

Our analysis ranked Cuny Bernard M Baruch College the best value for a degree in english in the United States. Located in the city of New York, Cuny Bernard M Baruch College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $7,464 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,414. Typical student debt for english graduates is $15,000. English graduates of Cuny Bernard M Baruch College earn a median of $61,459 early in their careers. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 48% of applicants are accepted.

2
Cuny Hunter College crest
Cuny Hunter College
New York, NY

A rank of #2 makes Cuny Hunter College one of the best values for english. Set in the city of New York, Cuny Hunter College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,382, compared with $15,332 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for english graduates is $12,431. English graduates of Cuny Hunter College earn a median of $27,958 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $12,431 median debt. Cuny Hunter College admits about 54% of applicants.

3

A rank of #3 makes California State University Dominguez Hills one of the best values for english. California State University Dominguez Hills is a large public school located in the city of Carson. In-state tuition and fees average $7,454, while out-of-state students pay about $20,054. English graduates carry a median of $15,886 in student loans. Early-career english graduates make about $52,683. That is a strong return on a $15,886 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%.

4

Students looking for strong value in english will find it at Cuny Queens College, which ranked #4. Cuny Queens College is a very large public school located in the city of Queens. In-state tuition and fees average $7,538, while out-of-state students pay about $15,488. Typical student debt for english graduates is $9,500. English graduates of Cuny Queens College earn a median of $28,290 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted.

5
University Of Florida crest
University Of Florida
Gainesville, FL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Florida earned it the #5 place for english. Located in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $6,381 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. Students borrow a median of $16,950 to complete the english program here. Soon after graduation, english degree recipients from University Of Florida generally make around $26,917. That is a strong return on a $16,950 median debt. University Of Florida admits about 24% of applicants.

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6

Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value english schools. Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice is a large public school located in the city of New York. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,470, while out-of-state students pay about $15,420. Typical student debt for english graduates is $9,848. Soon after graduation, english degree recipients from Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice generally make around $31,842. Set against $9,848 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 57%.

7

California State University Fullerton landed the #7 spot for english value this year. Located in the suburb of Fullerton, California State University Fullerton is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $7,470 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,070. Students borrow a median of $13,812 to complete the english program here. Early-career english graduates make about $23,783. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Fullerton admits about 90% of applicants.

8
Cuny City College crest
Cuny City College
New York, NY

Cuny City College landed the #8 spot for english value this year. Cuny City College is a large public school located in the city of New York. Students from in state pay about $7,340 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,290. Typical student debt for english graduates is $13,782. Soon after graduation, english degree recipients from Cuny City College generally make around $27,082. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny City College admits about 60% of applicants.

9

California State University Stanislaus landed the #9 spot for english value this year. California State University Stanislaus is a large public school located in the suburb of Turlock. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,242, compared with $20,842 for out-of-state students. English graduates carry a median of $13,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, english degree recipients from California State University Stanislaus generally make around $14,407. That is a strong return on a $13,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 98%.

10

Cuny Lehman College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value english schools. Located in the city of Bronx, Cuny Lehman College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,410, compared with $15,360 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for english graduates is $11,391. Early-career english graduates make about $34,337. That is a strong return on a $11,391 median debt. The acceptance rate is 57%.

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11

California State University Los Angeles landed the #11 spot for english value this year. Located in the city of Los Angeles, California State University Los Angeles is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $7,164 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,764 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for english graduates is $14,750. Early-career english graduates make about $23,858. Set against $14,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

12

Cuny Brooklyn College earned the #12 position for value in english this year. Cuny Brooklyn College is a large public school located in the city of Brooklyn. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,452, with out-of-state students paying around $15,402. English graduates carry a median of $11,557 in student loans. Early-career english graduates make about $29,557. That is a strong return on a $11,557 median debt. Cuny Brooklyn College admits about 58% of applicants.

13

California State University Bakersfield placed #13 among the best values for english. Located in the city of Bakersfield, California State University Bakersfield is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $8,087 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,687. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,009. California State University Bakersfield admits about 94% of applicants.

14

Cuny College Of Staten Island placed #14 among the best values for english. Set in the city of Staten Island, Cuny College Of Staten Island is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,490, with out-of-state students paying around $15,440. Students borrow a median of $17,371 to complete the english program here. Early-career english graduates make about $26,548. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted.

15

Texas A And M University Central Texas earned the #15 position for value in english this year. Located in the rural area of Killeen, Texas A And M University Central Texas is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,363, while out-of-state students pay about $17,155. Students borrow a median of $23,160 to complete the english program here. Early-career english graduates make about $50,370. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted.

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16

Texas A And M International University earned the #16 position for value in english this year. Set in the city of Laredo, Texas A And M International University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,894, while out-of-state students pay about $19,454. English graduates carry a median of $15,727 in student loans. Early-career english graduates make about $25,077. That is a strong return on a $15,727 median debt. The acceptance rate is 44%.

17

California State University Long Beach landed the #17 spot for english value this year. Set in the city of Long Beach, California State University Long Beach is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,374 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,974. Typical student debt for english graduates is $13,749. Soon after graduation, english degree recipients from California State University Long Beach generally make around $22,933. Set against $13,749 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted.

18

The University Of Texas Pan American landed the #18 spot for english value this year. The University Of Texas Pan American is a very large public school located in the city of Edinburg. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,799, compared with $19,645 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for english graduates is $17,625. Soon after graduation, english degree recipients from The University Of Texas Pan American generally make around $24,187. That is a strong return on a $17,625 median debt. The University Of Texas Pan American admits about 94% of applicants.

19

California State University Northridge placed #19 among the best values for english. Located in the city of Northridge, California State University Northridge is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,458, compared with $20,058 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for english graduates is $18,000. English graduates of California State University Northridge earn a median of $27,452 early in their careers. Set against $18,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%.

20

California State University San Bernardino earned the #20 position for value in english this year. Set in the city of San Bernardino, California State University San Bernardino is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,088, while out-of-state students pay about $20,688. English graduates carry a median of $13,875 in student loans. English graduates of California State University San Bernardino earn a median of $23,250 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University San Bernardino admits about 94% of applicants.

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21

California State University Fresno placed #21 among the best values for english. Set in the city of Fresno, California State University Fresno is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,341 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,941. Typical student debt for english graduates is $15,000. Early-career english graduates make about $24,010. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.

22
Princeton University crest
Princeton University
Princeton, NJ

Princeton University earned the #22 position for value in english this year. Set in the city of Princeton, Princeton University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $62,688 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $10,888 to complete the english program here. Soon after graduation, english degree recipients from Princeton University generally make around $35,178. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Princeton University admits about 5% of applicants.

23

California State University Sacramento landed the #23 spot for english value this year. Located in the city of Sacramento, California State University Sacramento is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,018, with out-of-state students paying around $20,618. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete the english program here. English graduates of California State University Sacramento earn a median of $32,531 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%.

24

Cuny Medgar Evers College landed the #24 spot for english value this year. Set in the city of Brooklyn, Cuny Medgar Evers College is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,352, with out-of-state students paying around $15,302. English graduates carry a median of $12,531 in student loans. Soon after graduation, english degree recipients from Cuny Medgar Evers College generally make around $43,434. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny Medgar Evers College admits about 86% of applicants.

25

Florida Atlantic University landed the #25 spot for english value this year. Located in the city of Boca Raton, Florida Atlantic University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,879, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. English graduates carry a median of $17,912 in student loans. Soon after graduation, english degree recipients from Florida Atlantic University generally make around $23,264. That is a strong return on a $17,912 median debt. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted.

Rest of the Top 50 Best Value English Schools

These schools rounded out the top of this year’s english value ranking:

26
Florida State University crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
Rice University crest
Rice University
Houston, TX
41
42
43
44
Cuny York College crest
Cuny York College
Jamaica, NY
45
College Of The Ozarks crest
College Of The Ozarks
Point Lookout, MO
46
47
48
49
50
Stanford University crest
Stanford University
Stanford, CA

Rest of the Top 15% Best Value English Schools

These schools also placed among the best values for english this year:

Rank College Location
#51 Governors State University University Park, IL Full Report
#52 University Of North Carolina At Greensboro Greensboro, NC Full Report
#53 University Of California Irvine Irvine, CA Full Report
#54 San Francisco State University San Francisco, CA Full Report
#55 Northern Kentucky University Highland Heights, KY Full Report
#56 San Jose State University San Jose, CA Full Report
#57 New Mexico State University Main Campus Las Cruces, NM Full Report
#58 Fairmont State University Fairmont, WV Full Report
#59 East Central University Ada, OK Full Report
#60 University Of California San Diego La Jolla, CA Full Report
#61 University Of Washington Seattle Campus Seattle, WA Full Report
#62 University Of Wyoming Laramie, WY Full Report
#63 Louisiana State University Alexandria Alexandria, LA Full Report
#64 University Of North Georgia Dahlonega, GA Full Report
#65 Louisiana Tech University Ruston, LA Full Report
#66 University Of California Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA Full Report
#67 California State University East Bay Hayward, CA Full Report
#68 Marshall University Huntington, WV Full Report
#69 University Of Houston Victoria Victoria, TX Full Report
#70 University Of Alaska Fairbanks Fairbanks, AK Full Report
#71 University Of Nevada Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV Full Report
#72 Murray State University Murray, KY Full Report
#73 University Of The Cumberlands Williamsburg, KY Full Report

Honorable Mentions

Also worth considering for value in english:

Rank College Location
#74 The University Of Texas At El Paso El Paso, TX Full Report
#75 University Of Missouri St Louis Saint Louis, MO Full Report
#76 New Jersey City University Jersey City, NJ Full Report
#77 Lamar University Beaumont, TX Full Report
#78 Sonoma State University Rohnert Park, CA Full Report
#79 University Of California Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA Full Report
#80 Purdue University Main Campus West Lafayette, IN Full Report
#81 Purdue University Northwest Hammond, IN Full Report
#82 University Of Utah Salt Lake City, UT Full Report
#83 Texas A And M University Commerce Commerce, TX Full Report
#84 University Of Michigan Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI Full Report
#85 Truman State University Kirksville, MO Full Report
#86 University Of Wisconsin Parkside Kenosha, WI Full Report
#87 University Of California Riverside Riverside, CA Full Report
#88 Mcneese State University Lake Charles, LA Full Report
#89 Kean University Union, NJ Full Report
#90 Rhode Island College Providence, RI Full Report
#91 University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign Champaign, IL Full Report
#92 Williams College Williamstown, MA Full Report
#93 Northern Illinois University Dekalb, IL Full Report
#94 Morehead State University Morehead, KY Full Report
#95 Texas Womans University Denton, TX Full Report
#96 Northeastern Illinois University Chicago, IL Full Report
#97 The University Of Texas At San Antonio San Antonio, TX Full Report

Other English Degree Levels

Looking for a different degree level? Compare best-value English rankings across degree levels:

All Degree Levels in English
Associate's Degrees in English
Master's Degrees in English
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View All English Rankings >

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Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 1514 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 481 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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