Best colleges for English Language and Literature in Kentucky
Ranked by graduate earnings
Northern Kentucky University, University of Louisville and Western Kentucky University are the top bachelor's English Language and Literature programs in Kentucky by graduate earnings. Northern Kentucky University leads with median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $31,926, College Scorecard. Murray State University, University of Kentucky and University of Louisville award the most English Language and Literature degrees in Kentucky: 61, 56 and 47 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25). 23 Kentucky colleges offer English Language and Literature and award 388 degrees and certificates a year in all.
The English Language and Literature program, also known as English studies, focuses on the study, analysis, and exploration of English literature through various texts. This program is designed for students interested in deepening their…
Top 8 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Northern Kentucky University Highland Heights Public · Bachelor's degree | $31,926 | 45 | 52% | — | $24,585 |
| 2 | University of Louisville Louisville Public · Bachelor's degree | $28,994 | 47 | 61% | — | $20,531 |
| 3 | Western Kentucky University Bowling Green Public · Bachelor's degree | $27,950 | 37 | 56% | — | $23,232 |
| 4 | Murray State University Murray Public · Bachelor's degree | $25,543 | 61 | 61% | — | $26,000 |
| 5 | University of Kentucky Lexington Public · Bachelor's degree | $21,404 | 56 | 71% | — | $21,250 |
| 6 | Eastern Kentucky University Richmond Public · Bachelor's degree | $20,091 | 34 | 50% | — | $23,648 |
| 7 | Bellarmine University Louisville Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Small program | $32,295 | 10 | 64% | $22,542 | $27,000 |
| 8 | Berea College Berea Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Small program | $13,403 | 9 | 58% | $5,274 | — |
Colleges awarding the most English Language and Literature degrees in Kentucky
Top 10 by graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25 completions). Certificate and associate programs, online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools, and schools with a graduation rate under 30% are listed in full below.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Starting salary (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Murray State University Murray Public | 61 | $25,543 |
| 2 | University of Kentucky Lexington Public | 56 | $21,404 |
| 3 | University of Louisville Louisville Public | 47 | $28,994 |
| 4 | Northern Kentucky University Highland Heights Public | 45 | $31,926 |
| 5 | Western Kentucky University Bowling Green Public | 37 | $27,950 |
| 6 | Eastern Kentucky University Richmond Public | 34 | $20,091 |
| 7 | Morehead State University Morehead Public | 17 | Not reported |
| 8 | Bellarmine University Louisville Private not-for-profit | 10 | $32,295 |
| 9 | Berea College Berea Private not-for-profit | 9 | $13,403 |
| 10 | Centre College Danville Private not-for-profit | 9 | Not reported |
ShowHide the other 13 Kentucky colleges offering English Language and Literature
| Institution | City | Control | Graduates / yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of the Cumberlands | Williamsburg | Private not-for-profit | 8 |
| University of Pikeville | Pikeville | Private not-for-profit | 7 |
| Transylvania University | Lexington | Private not-for-profit | 7 |
| Campbellsville University | Campbellsville | Private not-for-profit | 6 |
| Thomas More University | Crestview Hills | Private not-for-profit | 6 |
| Alice Lloyd College | Pippa Passes | Private not-for-profit | 5 |
| Brescia University | Owensboro | Private not-for-profit | 5 |
| Georgetown College | Georgetown | Private not-for-profit | 5 |
| Lindsey Wilson University | Columbia | Private not-for-profit | 4 |
| Asbury University | Wilmore | Private not-for-profit | 3 |
| Kentucky Wesleyan College | Owensboro | Private not-for-profit | 3 |
| Kentucky State University | Frankfort | Public | 2 |
| Midway University | Midway | Private not-for-profit | 2 |
Career outlook
What this program leads to: Proofreaders and Copy Markers (SOC 43-9081).
Top skills
What Proofreaders and Copy Markers earn in Kentucky
Related careers
Common questions
Answers for students comparing English Language and Literature programs in Kentucky.
Which Kentucky colleges award the most English Language and Literature degrees?+
Murray State University (61 graduates a year), University of Kentucky (56 graduates a year) and University of Louisville (47 graduates a year) award the most English Language and Literature degrees in Kentucky, per IPEDS 2024–25 completions. In all, 23 Kentucky colleges offer English Language and Literature.
What is the best college for English Language and Literature in Kentucky?+
By graduate earnings, Northern Kentucky University leads among bachelor's English Language and Literature programs in Kentucky, with median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $31,926, College Scorecard. University of Louisville and Western Kentucky University follow. By degrees awarded, Murray State University is the largest, with 61 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25).
Which English Language and Literature program in Kentucky has the highest-earning graduates?+
By median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, Northern Kentucky University tops the list at $31,926. Compare it against graduates a year, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.
How much do Proofreaders and Copy Markers earn in Kentucky?+
The average annual wage for Proofreaders and Copy Markers in Kentucky is $53,480 (median $46,380), across about 70 jobs. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025.
What is the focus of the English Language and Literature program?+
The English Language and Literature program, also known as English studies, focuses on the study, analysis, and exploration of English literature through various texts. This program is designed for students interested in deepening their…
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop reading comprehension, writing, speaking, active listening, and related professional skills.
What is the job outlook for Proofreaders and Copy Markers?+
The national job outlook is about -0.6% growth with around 1,900 annual openings (BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034).
What is the typical education requirement?+
A Bachelor's degree is the typical entry-level education for this field (BLS).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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