2026 Best Value Writing Studies Schools in the Far Western Region
[Writing Studies](/majors/english-language-literature/writing-studies/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 96 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for writing studies students.
What’s on this page:
2026 Best Value Writing Studies Schools in the Far Western Region
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the writing studies degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Writing Studies Schools
For return on investment in writing studies, no school beat California State University Fresno this year. Set in the city of Fresno, California State University Fresno is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,341, with out-of-state students paying around $19,941. Students borrow a median of $15,598 to complete the writing studies program here. Writing Studies graduates of California State University Fresno earn a median of $23,133 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at College Of Southern Nevada earned it the #2 place for writing studies. College Of Southern Nevada is a very large public school located in the city of Las Vegas. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,358, while out-of-state students pay about $13,024. Students borrow a median of $9,980 to complete the writing studies program here. Soon after graduation, writing studies degree recipients from College Of Southern Nevada generally make around $35,850. Set against $9,980 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in writing studies will find it at California State University San Bernardino, which ranked #3. Located in the city of San Bernardino, California State University San Bernardino is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $8,088 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,688. Writing Studies graduates carry a median of $16,210 in student loans. Writing Studies graduates of California State University San Bernardino earn a median of $20,726 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.
University Of Washington Bothell Campus came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value writing studies schools. Set in the suburb of Bothell, University Of Washington Bothell Campus is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,919 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $43,155. Students borrow a median of $15,636 to complete the writing studies program here. Soon after graduation, writing studies degree recipients from University Of Washington Bothell Campus generally make around $40,280. That is a strong return on a $15,636 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%.
University Of California Irvine is a great value for students pursuing a degree in writing studies, landing the #5 spot this year. University Of California Irvine is a very large public school located in the city of Irvine. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,752, compared with $46,640 for out-of-state students. Writing Studies graduates carry a median of $16,539 in student loans. Soon after graduation, writing studies degree recipients from University Of California Irvine generally make around $50,958. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 29%.
University Of Washington Tacoma Campus ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value writing studies schools. Located in the city of Tacoma, University Of Washington Tacoma Campus is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,168, with out-of-state students paying around $43,404. Writing Studies graduates carry a median of $17,872 in student loans. Writing Studies graduates of University Of Washington Tacoma Campus earn a median of $29,758 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Nevada Las Vegas ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value writing studies schools. Set in the city of Las Vegas, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,748, while out-of-state students pay about $27,411. Typical student debt for writing studies graduates is $21,181. Early-career writing studies graduates make about $27,533. That is a strong return on a $21,181 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.
San Francisco State University placed #8 among the best values for writing studies. Located in the city of San Francisco, San Francisco State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,846, while out-of-state students pay about $20,446. Writing Studies graduates carry a median of $18,500 in student loans. Early-career writing studies graduates make about $32,862. That is a strong return on a $18,500 median debt. San Francisco State University admits about 96% of applicants.
San Jose State University came in at #9 for value in writing studies this year. Set in the city of San Jose, San Jose State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,988 ten years after entry. The acceptance rate is 85%.
University Of Washington Seattle Campus earned the #10 position for value in writing studies this year. Set in the city of Seattle, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,973 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. Students borrow a median of $17,872 to complete the writing studies program here. Soon after graduation, writing studies degree recipients from University Of Washington Seattle Campus generally make around $35,019. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted.
Washington State University placed #11 among the best values for writing studies. Washington State University is a very large public school located in the town of Pullman. In-state tuition and fees average $13,391, with out-of-state students paying around $29,950. Typical student debt for writing studies graduates is $21,903. Soon after graduation, writing studies degree recipients from Washington State University generally make around $54,697. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%.
Portland State University came in at #12 for value in writing studies this year. Located in the city of Portland, Portland State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $11,118 in tuition and fees, compared with $29,136 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for writing studies graduates is $26,475. Soon after graduation, writing studies degree recipients from Portland State University generally make around $41,170. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
University Of California Berkeley placed #13 among the best values for writing studies. University Of California Berkeley is a very large public school located in the city of Berkeley. In-state tuition and fees average $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Students borrow a median of $14,037 to complete the writing studies program here. Writing Studies graduates of University Of California Berkeley earn a median of $44,553 early in their careers. Set against $14,037 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted.
Eastern Washington University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best value writing studies schools. Set in the town of Cheney, Eastern Washington University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,586, with out-of-state students paying around $26,583. Typical student debt for writing studies graduates is $21,754. Soon after graduation, writing studies degree recipients from Eastern Washington University generally make around $29,123. Set against $21,754 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%.
University Of California Riverside placed #15 among the best values for writing studies. University Of California Riverside is a very large public school located in the city of Riverside. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,636, compared with $46,524 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for writing studies graduates is $20,000. Early-career writing studies graduates make about $23,528. Set against $20,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%.
University Of Nevada Reno earned the #16 position for value in writing studies this year. University Of Nevada Reno is a very large public school located in the city of Reno. Students from in state pay about $9,578 in tuition and fees, compared with $27,720 for out-of-state students. Writing Studies graduates carry a median of $19,918 in student loans. Writing Studies graduates of University Of Nevada Reno earn a median of $50,691 early in their careers. Set against $19,918 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted.
Central Washington University landed the #17 spot for writing studies value this year. Central Washington University is a very large public school located in the town of Ellensburg. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,417, compared with $27,526 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,224 to complete the writing studies program here. Writing Studies graduates of Central Washington University earn a median of $27,832 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,224 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%.
San Diego State University came in at #18 for value in writing studies this year. San Diego State University is a very large public school located in the city of San Diego. In-state tuition and fees average $8,728, compared with $21,328 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for writing studies graduates is $16,417. Writing Studies graduates of San Diego State University earn a median of $41,328 early in their careers. Set against $16,417 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 36%.
Western Washington University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best value writing studies schools. Set in the city of Bellingham, Western Washington University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,582, compared with $28,707 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for writing studies graduates is $18,064. Early-career writing studies graduates make about $27,116. That is a strong return on a $18,064 median debt. Western Washington University admits about 93% of applicants.
University Of Oregon placed #20 among the best values for writing studies. Located in the city of Eugene, University Of Oregon is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,320, while out-of-state students pay about $42,516. Students borrow a median of $22,034 to complete the writing studies program here. Soon after graduation, writing studies degree recipients from University Of Oregon generally make around $44,628. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.
Oregon State University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best value writing studies schools. Set in the city of Corvallis, Oregon State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,400, compared with $38,190 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,043 to complete the writing studies program here. Early-career writing studies graduates make about $43,004. That is a strong return on a $24,043 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.
Pacific Lutheran University placed #22 among the best values for writing studies. Pacific Lutheran University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Tacoma. Students from in state pay about $50,916 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,667 to complete the writing studies program here. Soon after graduation, writing studies degree recipients from Pacific Lutheran University generally make around $49,181. That is a strong return on a $23,667 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.
Seattle Pacific University landed the #23 spot for writing studies value this year. Located in the city of Seattle, Seattle Pacific University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $40,407. Writing Studies graduates carry a median of $25,188 in student loans. Early-career writing studies graduates make about $52,713. That is a strong return on a $25,188 median debt. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Redlands placed #24 among the best values for writing studies. Set in the city of Redlands, University Of Redlands is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $60,878 in tuition and fees. Writing Studies graduates carry a median of $27,175 in student loans. Writing Studies graduates of University Of Redlands earn a median of $57,218 early in their careers. Set against $27,175 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 83%.
Mount St Marys College came in at #25 for value in writing studies this year. Mount St Marys College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Los Angeles. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,564. Typical student debt for writing studies graduates is $27,555. Early-career writing studies graduates make about $70,010. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mount St Marys College admits about 73% of applicants.
Rest of the Top 37 Best Value Writing Studies Schools
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in writing studies:
Narrow Writing Studies Schools by State
More Writing Studies Rankings
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Notes and References
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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 · 96 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 30 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
