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 18 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for writing studies students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in writing studies, balancing cost against outcomes.
Chandler Gilbert Community College tops our 2026 list of the best value writing studies schools in Arizona. Chandler Gilbert Community College is a large public school located in the city of Chandler. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,358, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Students borrow a median of $10,447 to complete the writing studies program here. Early-career writing studies graduates make about $46,943. That is a strong return on a $10,447 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Mesa Community College earned it the #2 place for writing studies. Set in the city of Mesa, Mesa Community College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,358, compared with $8,959 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for writing studies graduates is $13,750. Soon after graduation, writing studies degree recipients from Mesa Community College generally make around $54,730. That is a strong return on a $13,750 median debt.
Arizona State University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value writing studies schools. Arizona State University is a very large public school located in the city of Tempe. Students from in state pay about $12,223 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Typical student debt for writing studies graduates is $30,114. Early-career writing studies graduates make about $44,411. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arizona State University admits about 90% of applicants.
Northern Arizona University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value writing studies schools. Located in the city of Flagstaff, Northern Arizona University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $12,619 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,044. Students borrow a median of $21,645 to complete the writing studies program here. Soon after graduation, writing studies degree recipients from Northern Arizona University generally make around $39,899. Set against $21,645 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #5 makes University Of Arizona one of the best values for writing studies. Set in the city of Tucson, University Of Arizona is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,573, while out-of-state students pay about $39,903. Typical student debt for writing studies graduates is $24,822. Writing Studies graduates of University Of Arizona earn a median of $34,240 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,822 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%.
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Grand Canyon University came in at #6 for value in writing studies this year. Grand Canyon University is a very large private for-profit school located in the city of Phoenix. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,508. Writing Studies graduates carry a median of $26,186 in student loans. Writing Studies graduates of Grand Canyon University earn a median of $31,006 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,186 median debt. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted.
This ranking is produced 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 · 18 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.