by our College Data Analytics Team
[Writing Studies](/majors/english-language-literature/writing-studies/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 27 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for writing studies students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the writing studies degrees they offer, see the list below.
Our analysis ranked Ferris State University the best value for a degree in writing studies in Michigan. Ferris State University is a large public school located in the town of Big Rapids. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,778. Typical student debt for writing studies graduates is $21,500. Early-career writing studies graduates make about $23,508. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ferris State University admits about 91% of applicants.
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a great value for students pursuing a degree in writing studies, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Ann Arbor, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $18,848, with out-of-state students paying around $63,081. Students borrow a median of $13,999 to complete the writing studies program here. Early-career writing studies graduates make about $31,239. Set against $13,999 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 16% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in writing studies will find it at Oakland University, which ranked #3. Located in the suburb of Rochester Hills, Oakland University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $17,167 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,735 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for writing studies graduates is $25,500. Writing Studies graduates of Oakland University earn a median of $34,464 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%.
Central Michigan University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in writing studies, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the town of Mount Pleasant, Central Michigan University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,480. Students borrow a median of $27,857 to complete the writing studies program here. Writing Studies graduates of Central Michigan University earn a median of $50,688 early in their careers. Set against $27,857 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%.
A rank of #5 makes Saginaw Valley State University one of the best values for writing studies. Set in the suburb of University Center, Saginaw Valley State University is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,930, compared with $30,450 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for writing studies graduates is $30,432. Early-career writing studies graduates make about $23,298. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saginaw Valley State University admits about 72% of applicants.
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Grand Valley State University landed the #6 spot for writing studies value this year. Grand Valley State University is a very large public school located in the town of Allendale. In-state tuition and fees average $15,502, while out-of-state students pay about $21,894. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the writing studies program here. Soon after graduation, writing studies degree recipients from Grand Valley State University generally make around $31,016. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Grand Valley State University admits about 83% of applicants.
Western Michigan University placed #7 among the best values for writing studies. Set in the city of Kalamazoo, Western Michigan University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,987, with out-of-state students paying around $19,952. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the writing studies program here. Soon after graduation, writing studies degree recipients from Western Michigan University generally make around $21,468. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Michigan University admits about 85% of applicants.
Michigan State University landed the #8 spot for writing studies value this year. Set in the city of East Lansing, Michigan State University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,079 in tuition and fees, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,750 to complete the writing studies program here. Soon after graduation, writing studies degree recipients from Michigan State University generally make around $33,401. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 85%.
This ranking is produced 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 · 27 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 10 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.