ADBLOCK #102
College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best English Language & Literature Schools in the Great Lakes Region

74 Colleges in the United States
4,235 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
$35,285 Avg Early-Career Salary

English Language & Literature is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. The schools below stand out for the quality of their english language & literature programs.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 247 schools to find the best for english language & literature students.

What’s on this page:

ADBLOCK #159
DEBUG: Raw major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Initial offers_url = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/english-language-literature/offers.json", major_slug = ""
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/english-language-literature/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/english-language-literature/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/english-language-literature/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/english-language-literature/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/english-language-literature/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/english-language-literature/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = ""
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: offers_data.offers found, count = 7
DEBUG: ROOT LEVEL MAJOR detected (no cip4), lowering min_relevance to 0.5
DEBUG: Starting relevance filtering - min_relevance = 0.5, max_relevance = 1
DEBUG: Checking offer "BA in English Language & Literature" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "BA in English Language & Literature" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "BA English in Literature" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "BA English in Literature" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MA in English" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "MA in English" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "English (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.9
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "English (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.9)
DEBUG: Checking offer "English (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 0.9
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "English (I Have a Bachelors)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.9)
DEBUG: Checking offer "BA English in Professional Writing" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "BA English in Professional Writing" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "English (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "English (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: relevant_offers count = 7
DEBUG: relevant_offers > 0, checking for ESYOH offers
DEBUG: ESYOH filtering - found 3 ESYOH offers with relevance >= 0.5
DEBUG: esyoh_offers count = 3
DEBUG: ESYOH offers found, rendering ESYOH widget
DEBUG: most_relevant_only = true, filtering for most relevant
DEBUG: Found 0 offers with relevance >= 1.0
DEBUG: Backfilling with 2 offers with relevance >= 0.9

Best Schools for English Language & Literature in the Great Lakes Region

If you are not interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the english language & literature degrees they offer, see the list below.

Top Schools in English Language & Literature

1

Our analysis ranked Northwestern University the best school in the country for a degree in english language & literature. This very large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Evanston. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. Northwestern University awarded about 62 english language & literature degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the english language & literature program make about $31,748 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $15,564 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in english language & literature from Northwestern University

2

Students looking for a strong english language & literature program will find one at University Of Michigan Ann Arbor, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Ann Arbor, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 93%. There were roughly 125 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at University Of Michigan Ann Arbor in the most recent data year. English Language & Literature graduates of University Of Michigan Ann Arbor earn a median of $31,452 early in their careers. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor graduates carry a median of $14,112 in student loans. Read more about the english language & literature program at University Of Michigan Ann Arbor

3

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best english language & literature schools. Located in the city of Champaign, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public university. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 129 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign in the most recent data year. Graduates of the english language & literature program make about $26,132 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $23,162 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in english language & literature from University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign

4

University Of Notre Dame is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in english language & literature, ranking #4. Set in the suburb of Notre Dame, University Of Notre Dame is a large private not-for-profit institution. About 95% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 63 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at University Of Notre Dame in the most recent data year. Graduates of the english language & literature program make about $40,345 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $19,500. Get the full english language & literature details for University Of Notre Dame

5
Butler University crest
Butler University
Indianapolis, IN

Butler University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best english language & literature schools. This moderately-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Indianapolis. Roughly 79% of students complete a degree within six years here. Butler University awarded about 32 english language & literature degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their english language & literature degree from Butler University earn around $68,222 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $25,351. Read more about the english language & literature program at Butler University

6

University Of Wisconsin Madison placed #6 among the best english language & literature schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Madison. Roughly 90% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 99 english language & literature degrees were awarded at University Of Wisconsin Madison in the most recent year. Students who receive their english language & literature degree from University Of Wisconsin Madison earn around $28,526 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete this degree. Get the full english language & literature details for University Of Wisconsin Madison

7

University Of Chicago placed #7 among the best english language & literature schools. University Of Chicago is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. About 96% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 77 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at University Of Chicago in the most recent data year. Graduates of the english language & literature program make about $44,397 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $15,854 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in english language & literature from University Of Chicago

8

Wheaton College Illinois ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best english language & literature schools. Set in the suburb of Wheaton, Wheaton College Illinois is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. About 85% of students finish within six years. About 38 english language & literature degrees were awarded at Wheaton College Illinois in the most recent year. Graduates of the english language & literature program make about $32,723 in their early career. Wheaton College Illinois graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. See the full english language & literature program report for Wheaton College Illinois

9
Purdue University Main Campus crest
Purdue University Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus placed #9 among the best english language & literature schools. Set in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue University Main Campus is a very large public institution. Roughly 83% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 107 english language & literature degrees were awarded at Purdue University Main Campus in the most recent year. English Language & Literature graduates of Purdue University Main Campus earn a median of $26,636 early in their careers. Purdue University Main Campus graduates carry a median of $20,017 in student loans. Get the full english language & literature details for Purdue University Main Campus

10

Indiana University Bloomington ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best english language & literature schools. Set in the city of Bloomington, Indiana University Bloomington is a very large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 80%. About 76 english language & literature degrees were awarded at Indiana University Bloomington in the most recent year. Students who receive their english language & literature degree from Indiana University Bloomington earn around $43,576 in the first couple years of their career. Indiana University Bloomington graduates carry a median of $18,948 in student loans. Get the full english language & literature details for Indiana University Bloomington

11

Illinois State University landed the #11 spot for english language & literature this year. Set in the suburb of Normal, Illinois State University is a very large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 64%. There were roughly 112 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at Illinois State University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the english language & literature program make about $39,563 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $23,125 to complete this degree. Read more about the english language & literature program at Illinois State University

12

University Of Illinois At Chicago placed #12 among the best english language & literature schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Chicago. The six-year graduation rate is 62%. About 80 english language & literature degrees were awarded at University Of Illinois At Chicago in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, english language & literature degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Chicago generally make around $31,066. University Of Illinois At Chicago graduates carry a median of $18,750 in student loans. See the full english language & literature program report for University Of Illinois At Chicago

13

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus placed #13 among the best english language & literature schools. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Cincinnati. The six-year graduation rate is 74%. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus awarded about 105 english language & literature degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, english language & literature degree recipients from University Of Cincinnati Main Campus generally make around $58,659. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus graduates carry a median of $22,625 in student loans. Get the full english language & literature details for University Of Cincinnati Main Campus

14
Cedarville University crest
Cedarville University
Cedarville, OH

Cedarville University came in at #14 for english language & literature this year. Cedarville University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Cedarville. About 72% of students finish within six years. Cedarville University awarded about 20 english language & literature degrees in the most recent data year. English Language & Literature graduates of Cedarville University earn a median of $57,104 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $22,110 to complete this degree. Read more about the english language & literature program at Cedarville University

15

Miami University Oxford landed the #15 spot for english language & literature this year. This large public university is located in the town of Oxford. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 92 english language & literature degrees were awarded at Miami University Oxford in the most recent year. Students who receive their english language & literature degree from Miami University Oxford earn around $43,502 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $23,875 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in english language & literature from Miami University Oxford

16

University Of Wisconsin Platteville landed the #16 spot for english language & literature this year. Located in the town of Platteville, University Of Wisconsin Platteville is a moderately-sized public university. Roughly 61% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 11 english language & literature degrees were awarded at University Of Wisconsin Platteville in the most recent year. Students who receive their english language & literature degree from University Of Wisconsin Platteville earn around $56,998 in the first couple years of their career. University Of Wisconsin Platteville graduates carry a median of $23,677 in student loans. Read more about the english language & literature program at University Of Wisconsin Platteville

17
Marquette University crest
Marquette University
Milwaukee, WI

Marquette University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best english language & literature schools. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Milwaukee. Marquette University graduates 83% of students within six years. About 34 english language & literature degrees were awarded at Marquette University in the most recent year. English Language & Literature graduates of Marquette University earn a median of $60,443 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $26,000. Read more about the english language & literature program at Marquette University

18
Kenyon College crest
Kenyon College
Gambier, OH

Kenyon College earned the #18 position for english language & literature this year. Kenyon College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Gambier. Roughly 82% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 55 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at Kenyon College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, english language & literature degree recipients from Kenyon College generally make around $29,962. Typical student debt for the program is $19,000. More information about a degree in english language & literature from Kenyon College

19

University Of Dayton came in at #19 for english language & literature this year. University Of Dayton is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Dayton. The six-year graduation rate is 80%. There were roughly 29 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at University Of Dayton in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, english language & literature degree recipients from University Of Dayton generally make around $30,063. University Of Dayton graduates carry a median of $24,398 in student loans. Get the full english language & literature details for University Of Dayton

20

Loyola University Chicago landed the #20 spot for english language & literature this year. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Chicago. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 69 english language & literature degrees were awarded at Loyola University Chicago in the most recent year. Graduates of the english language & literature program make about $28,640 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in english language & literature from Loyola University Chicago

21
Elmhurst College crest
Elmhurst College
Elmhurst, IL

Elmhurst College earned the #21 position for english language & literature this year. Located in the suburb of Elmhurst, Elmhurst College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 70%. About 27 english language & literature degrees were awarded at Elmhurst College in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, english language & literature degree recipients from Elmhurst College generally make around $33,575. Students borrow a median of $23,106 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in english language & literature from Elmhurst College

22

Ohio State University Main Campus placed #22 among the best english language & literature schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Columbus. Ohio State University Main Campus graduates 88% of students within six years. About 158 english language & literature degrees were awarded at Ohio State University Main Campus in the most recent year. Graduates of the english language & literature program make about $44,055 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $23,500. More information about a degree in english language & literature from Ohio State University Main Campus

23
Dominican University crest
Dominican University
River Forest, IL

Dominican University placed #23 among the best english language & literature schools. Set in the suburb of River Forest, Dominican University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 55%. About 15 english language & literature degrees were awarded at Dominican University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, english language & literature degree recipients from Dominican University generally make around $45,546. Dominican University graduates carry a median of $26,236 in student loans. More information about a degree in english language & literature from Dominican University

24
Depaul University crest
Depaul University
Chicago, IL

Depaul University came in at #24 for english language & literature this year. Depaul University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. The six-year graduation rate is 68%. About 93 english language & literature degrees were awarded at Depaul University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, english language & literature degree recipients from Depaul University generally make around $48,336. Students borrow a median of $23,499 to complete this degree. See the full english language & literature program report for Depaul University

25

University Of Wisconsin La Crosse placed #25 among the best english language & literature schools. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a large public school located in the city of La Crosse. About 71% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 25 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at University Of Wisconsin La Crosse in the most recent data year. English Language & Literature graduates of University Of Wisconsin La Crosse earn a median of $37,748 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in english language & literature from University Of Wisconsin La Crosse

Rest of the Top 50 English Language & Literature Schools

Not far behind, these schools also delivered a strong english language & literature education:

26
Michigan State University crest
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
27
Denison University crest
Denison University
Granville, OH
28
Aurora University crest
Aurora University
Aurora, IL
29
30
31
Depauw University crest
Depauw University
Greencastle, IN
32
Lawrence University crest
Lawrence University
Appleton, WI
33
College Of Dupage crest
College Of Dupage
Glen Ellyn, IL
34
Lake Forest College crest
Lake Forest College
Lake Forest, IL
35
36
37
Kalamazoo College crest
Kalamazoo College
Kalamazoo, MI
38
39
Central Michigan University crest
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI
40
41
42
Xavier University crest
Xavier University
Cincinnati, OH
43
44
45
46
47
48
Ferris State University crest
Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MI
49
50
Oakland University crest
Oakland University
Rochester Hills, MI

Honorable Mentions

A few more english language & literature schools worth a look:

Narrow English Language & Literature Schools by State

ADBLOCK #173
View All English Language & Literature Rankings >

ADBLOCK #115

Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 247 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

ADBLOCK #116

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs
ADBLOCK #613

Compare Your School Options