2026 Best Value General Writing Master’s Degree Schools

1

California State University Fresno
Fresno, CA

California State University Fresno earned the #1 spot for value among general writing schools in the United States. California State University Fresno is a very large public school located in the city of Fresno. In-state tuition and fees average $7,341, while out-of-state students pay about $19,941. Students borrow a median of $15,598 to complete the general writing program here. Early-career general writing graduates make about $23,133. Set against $15,598 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%.

2

California State University San Bernardino
San Bernardino, CA

Students looking for strong value in general writing will find it at California State University San Bernardino, which ranked #2. California State University San Bernardino is a very large public school located in the city of San Bernardino. In-state tuition and fees average $8,088, with out-of-state students paying around $20,688. Students borrow a median of $16,210 to complete the general writing program here. Early-career general writing graduates make about $20,726. Set against $16,210 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University San Bernardino admits about 94% of applicants.

3

University Of North Alabama
Florence, AL

Students looking for strong value in general writing will find it at University Of North Alabama, which ranked #3. Set in the city of Florence, University Of North Alabama is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,120, compared with $22,320 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,291 to complete the general writing program here. Soon after graduation, general writing degree recipients from University Of North Alabama generally make around $41,357. Set against $24,291 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Alabama admits about 87% of applicants.

4

Portland State University
Portland, OR

Portland State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general writing, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Portland, Portland State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,118, with out-of-state students paying around $29,136. Typical student debt for general writing graduates is $26,475. General Writing graduates of Portland State University earn a median of $47,717 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Portland State University admits about 91% of applicants.

5

Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ

A rank of #5 makes Arizona State University one of the best values for general writing. 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. Students borrow a median of $30,114 to complete the general writing program here. Soon after graduation, general writing degree recipients from Arizona State University generally make around $44,411. That is a strong return on a $30,114 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

6

San Diego State University
San Diego, CA

San Diego State University placed #6 among the best values for general writing. San Diego State University is a very large public school located in the city of San Diego. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,728, with out-of-state students paying around $21,328. Typical student debt for general writing graduates is $16,417. General Writing graduates of San Diego State University earn a median of $41,328 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,417 median debt. San Diego State University admits about 36% of applicants.

7

The University Of Texas At Austin
Austin, TX

The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #7 spot for general writing value this year. The University Of Texas At Austin is a very large public school located in the city of Austin. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. General Writing graduates carry a median of $21,323 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general writing degree recipients from The University Of Texas At Austin generally make around $60,459. That is a strong return on a $21,323 median debt. The acceptance rate is 27%.

8

University Of Massachusetts Boston
Boston, MA

University Of Massachusetts Boston placed #8 among the best values for general writing. University Of Massachusetts Boston is a large public school located in the city of Boston. In-state tuition and fees average $15,898, compared with $38,115 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general writing graduates is $26,236. General Writing graduates of University Of Massachusetts Boston earn a median of $52,885 early in their careers. Set against $26,236 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.

9

Minnesota State University Mankato
Mankato, MN

Minnesota State University Mankato ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value general writing schools. Located in the city of Mankato, Minnesota State University Mankato is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,260 to complete the general writing program here. Early-career general writing graduates make about $26,225. That is a strong return on a $25,260 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%.

10

University Of Iowa
Iowa City, IA

University Of Iowa earned the #10 position for value in general writing this year. Located in the city of Iowa City, University Of Iowa is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,283, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. Typical student debt for general writing graduates is $24,862. Soon after graduation, general writing degree recipients from University Of Iowa generally make around $29,655. Set against $24,862 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.

11

Bowling Green State University Main Campus
Bowling Green, OH

Bowling Green State University Main Campus landed the #11 spot for general writing value this year. Set in the town of Bowling Green, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,912, compared with $21,900 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for general writing graduates is $27,000. Early-career general writing graduates make about $46,045. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Bowling Green State University Main Campus admits about 81% of applicants.

12

Washington University In St Louis
St. Louis, MO

Washington University In St Louis earned the #12 position for value in general writing this year. Located in the suburb of St. Louis, Washington University In St Louis is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,790. Students borrow a median of $17,553 to complete the general writing program here. Early-career general writing graduates make about $32,350. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 12% of applicants are accepted.

13

Northwestern University
Evanston, IL

Northwestern University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best value general writing schools. Located in the city of Evanston, Northwestern University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $68,322 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $16,616 to complete the general writing program here. Soon after graduation, general writing degree recipients from Northwestern University generally make around $78,551. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northwestern University admits about 8% of applicants.

14

Queens University Of Charlotte
Charlotte, NC

Queens University Of Charlotte earned the #14 position for value in general writing this year. Located in the city of Charlotte, Queens University Of Charlotte is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,846. General Writing graduates carry a median of $27,245 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general writing degree recipients from Queens University Of Charlotte generally make around $49,346. That is a strong return on a $27,245 median debt. Queens University Of Charlotte admits about 62% of applicants.