Best colleges for English Language and Literature
Ranked by graduate earnings
The top bachelor's colleges for English Language and Literature by graduate earnings are Georgetown University ($52,122), University of Houston-Clear Lake ($50,876) and Monmouth University ($50,737), based on median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, among programs with at least 20 graduates a year, excluding online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools and those with a graduation rate under 30%.
- Georgetown University (Washington, DC): $52,122, 62 graduates a year
- University of Houston-Clear Lake (Houston, TX): $50,876, 38 graduates a year
- Monmouth University (West Long Branch, NJ): $50,737, 42 graduates a year
- Brown University (Providence, RI): $50,437, 74 graduates a year
- Northeastern University (Boston, MA): $49,639, 42 graduates a year
Compare 1,374 U.S. colleges offering English Language and Literature by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 54 states.
English Language and Literature programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $30,025 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 23.01 and the Proofreaders and Copy Markers occupation (BLS SOC).
About English Language and Literature programs
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 understanding of literary works and enhancing their language skills in reading, writing, and critical analysis. Ideal for those who enjoy engaging with literature and exploring its cultural contexts, this program prepares students for a wide range of careers in writing, education, and communication. It is distinct from English as a foreign language, emphasizing the rich traditions of English literature and language in English-speaking countries.
Students in the English Language and Literature program develop core skills such as reading comprehension, writing, speaking, and critical thinking. Coursework typically includes the study of English language and literature, along with knowledge in communications and media, fostering a well-rounded understanding of the literary landscape.
Top 25 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, predominant credential. 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 | Georgetown University Washington, DC Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $52,122 | 62 | 95% | $22,242 | $16,500 |
| 2 | University of Houston-Clear Lake Houston, TX Public · Bachelor's degree | $50,876 | 38 | 52% | — | $15,875 |
| 3 | Monmouth University West Long Branch, NJ Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $50,737 | 42 | 72% | $28,514 | $27,000 |
| 4 | Brown University Providence, RI Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $50,437 | 74 | 96% | $14,644 | $13,500 |
| 5 | Northeastern University Boston, MA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $49,639 | 42 | 91% | $18,925 | $27,000 |
| 6 | Bowdoin College Brunswick, ME Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $49,421 | 20 | 95% | $15,454 | — |
| 7 | Williams College Williamstown, MA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $49,340 | 41 | 94% | $10,747 | $13,125 |
| 8 | Seton Hall University South Orange, NJ Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $48,368 | 21 | 69% | $27,376 | $25,139 |
| 9 | Colgate University Hamilton, NY Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $48,008 | 30 | 91% | $22,903 | $15,875 |
| 10 | Dartmouth College Hanover, NH Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $45,157 | 33 | 96% | $14,689 | $20,407 |
| 11 | University of Chicago Chicago, IL Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $44,397 | 31 | 96% | $13,333 | — |
| 12 | East Texas A&M University Commerce, TX Public · Bachelor's degree | $43,470 | 31 | 43% | — | $13,407 |
| 13 | College of the Holy Cross Worcester, MA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $43,362 | 46 | 87% | $24,533 | $27,000 |
| 14 | Utah Tech University Saint George, UT Public · Bachelor's degree | $42,110 | 28 | 38% | — | $16,530 |
| 15 | Amherst College Amherst, MA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $41,979 | 29 | 94% | $16,081 | — |
| 16 | Boston College Chestnut Hill, MA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $41,878 | 89 | 91% | $21,126 | $18,832 |
| 17 | University of Northern Iowa Cedar Falls, IA Public · Bachelor's degree | $41,870 | 20 | 68% | — | $24,274 |
| 18 | Gonzaga University Spokane, WA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $41,077 | 31 | 86% | $30,006 | $27,000 |
| 19 | Yale University New Haven, CT Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $41,045 | 92 | 96% | $27,025 | — |
| 20 | University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $40,967 | 63 | 97% | $22,055 | $19,500 |
| 21 | Chapman University Orange, CA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $40,861 | 30 | 82% | $42,965 | $22,750 |
| 22 | The University of Texas at Arlington Arlington, TX Public · Bachelor's degree | $40,718 | 76 | 54% | — | $23,613 |
| 23 | William & Mary Williamsburg, VA Public · Bachelor's degree | $40,697 | 65 | 89% | — | $19,500 |
| 24 | Gettysburg College Gettysburg, PA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $40,601 | 23 | 83% | $24,453 | $26,724 |
| 25 | University of South Alabama Mobile, AL Public · Bachelor's degree | $40,486 | 25 | 53% | — | $23,505 |
Specializations within English Language and Literature
1 of the 1 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 23.01 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
Offered across 54 states & territories
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 43-9081, Proofreaders and Copy Markers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the English Language and Literature program can pursue various careers in writing, editing, and education. The job outlook indicates little or no change in the field, with approximately 1,900 annual openings. The median wage for related occupations is $49,210, and a typical education requirement is a Bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for English Language and Literature
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 23.01.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 23.01 (English Language and Literature, General) maps to 3 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 25-1123 | English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary |
| 25-2031 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education |
| 43-9081 | Proofreaders and Copy Markersprimary |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in English Language and Literature programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Mark copy to indicate and correct errors in type, arrangement, grammar, punctuation, or spelling, using standard printers' marks.
- Read corrected copies or proofs to ensure that all corrections have been made.
- Correct or record omissions, errors, or inconsistencies found.
- Compare information or figures on one record against same data on other records, or with original copy, to detect errors.
- Route proofs with marked corrections to authors, editors, typists, or typesetters for correction or reprinting.
- Consult reference books or secure aid of readers to check references with rules of grammar and composition.
Common questions
What is the focus of the English Language and Literature program?+
The program focuses on the study and analysis of English literature and language.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in reading comprehension, writing, speaking, and critical thinking.
What are the career prospects after graduation?+
The job outlook shows little or no change, with about 1,900 annual openings in related fields.
What is the typical education requirement for careers in this field?+
A Bachelor's degree is typically required for careers related to English Language and Literature.
How much do English Language and Literature graduates earn?+
English Language and Literature graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $30,025, College Scorecard (2019); the Proofreaders and Copy Markers occupation pays about $54,800 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for English Language and Literature?+
English Language and Literature maps to CIP 23.01 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
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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