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2024 Best English Language & Literature Schools

524 Colleges in the United States
52,704 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
$30,353 Avg Early-Career Salary
When it comes to popularity, english language & literature sits in the middle of the road, ranking #18 out of 38 majors in the country. So, you may have to do some digging around to find quality schools that offer the degree program. This list can help with that.

College Factual looked at 524 colleges and universities when compiling its 2024 Best English Language & Literature Schools ranking. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 52,704 degrees in english language & literature during the 2021-2022 academic year.

Jump to one of the following sections: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great English Language & Literature School

Best English Language & Literature Schools The english language & literature program you select can have a big impact on your future. That's why we developed our collection of Best Schools for English Language & Literature rankings. In order to come up with a best overall ranking for english language & literature schools, we combine our degree-level rankings, weighting them by the number of degrees awarded at each level.

You may want to choose one of the degree levels below to find the schools of most interest to you.

English Language & Literature Rankings by Degree Level

Associate Degrees in English Language & Literature
Bachelor's Degrees in English Language & Literature
Master's Degrees in English Language & Literature
Doctor's Degrees in English Language & Literature

The english language & literature school you choose to invest your time and money in matters. To help you make the decision that is right for you, we've developed a number of major-specific rankings, including this list of the Best English Language & Literature Schools. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.

To further help you make the college decision, we've developed a unique tool called College Combat that allows you to compare schools based on the factors that matter the most to you. Go ahead and give it a try, or bookmark the link so you can check it out later.

Read more about College Factual's methodology.

Best Schools for English Language & Literature in the United States

The schools below may not offer all types of english language & literature degrees so you may want to filter by degree level first. However, they are great for the degree levels they do offer. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Top Schools in English Language & Literature

1
Yale crest
Yale University
New Haven, CT
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
75 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
1.3% Growth in Graduates

Yale University is a wonderful decision for students interested in a degree in english language & literature. Located in the midsize city of New Haven, Yale is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #8 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Yale is a great university overall.

There were roughly 75 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at Yale in the most recent data year. Those english language & literature students who get their degree from Yale University make $17,911 more than the standard english language & literature grad.

More information about a degree in english language & literature from Yale University

2
Stanford crest
Stanford University
Stanford, CA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
45 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
$44,251 Median Starting Salary

It's difficult to beat Stanford University if you wish to pursue a degree in english language & literature. Stanford is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the suburb of Stanford. A Best Colleges rank of #3 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Stanford is a great university overall.

There were approximately 45 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at Stanford in the most recent year we have data available. English Language & Literature degree recipients from Stanford University receive an earnings boost of approximately $13,898 over the average earnings of english language & literature majors.

More information about a degree in english language & literature from Stanford University

Sponsored
Bachelors Degree Type
BA English in Literature Program Name

Develop your literary and cultural analysis skills to help advance your career with this specialized online degree from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in BA English in Literature from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

3
UPenn crest
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
122 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
$35,404 Median Starting Salary

Every student who is interested in english language & literature has to check out University of Pennsylvania. Located in the large city of Philadelphia, UPenn is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #4 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means UPenn is a great university overall.

There were about 122 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at UPenn in the most recent year we have data available. English Language & Literature degree recipients from University of Pennsylvania earn a boost of about $5,051 over the average income of english language & literature graduates.

More information about a degree in english language & literature from University of Pennsylvania

4
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
74 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
9.5% Growth in Graduates

University of Notre Dame is one of the finest schools in the United States for getting a degree in english language & literature. Located in the large suburb of Notre Dame, Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. This university ranks 1st out of 42 colleges for overall quality in the state of Indiana.

There were about 74 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at Notre Dame in the most recent data year. English Language & Literature degree recipients from University of Notre Dame get an earnings boost of around $8,790 above the typical earnings of english language & literature majors.

More information about a degree in english language & literature from University of Notre Dame

5
Georgetown crest
Georgetown University
Washington, DC
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
85 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
2.4% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large city of Washington, Georgetown is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #15 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Georgetown is a great university overall.

There were about 85 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at Georgetown in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the english language & literature degree program at Georgetown University get $17,011 more than the standard college grad in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in english language & literature from Georgetown University

Sponsored
Bachelors Degree Type
BA English in Literature Program Name

Develop your literary and cultural analysis skills to help advance your career with this specialized online degree from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in BA English in Literature from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

6
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
101 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
$35,291 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Chicago, UChicago is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #2 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UChicago is a great university overall.

There were about 101 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at UChicago in the most recent year we have data available. English Language & Literature degree recipients from University of Chicago get an earnings boost of around $4,938 over the typical income of english language & literature majors.

More information about a degree in english language & literature from University of Chicago

7
Duke crest
Duke University
Durham, NC
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
64 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
21.9% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Durham, Duke is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #7 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Duke is a great university overall.

There were roughly 64 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at Duke in the most recent year we have data available. Those english language & literature students who get their degree from Duke University receive $6,888 more than the standard english language & literature grad.

More information about a degree in english language & literature from Duke University

8
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
86 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
$29,896 Median Starting Salary

Northwestern is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Evanston. A Best Colleges rank of #5 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Northwestern is a great university overall.

There were roughly 86 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at Northwestern in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduation, english language & literature degree recipients typically earn about $29,896 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a degree in english language & literature from Northwestern University

Sponsored
Bachelors Degree Type
BA English in Literature Program Name

Develop your literary and cultural analysis skills to help advance your career with this specialized online degree from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in BA English in Literature from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

9
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
321 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
$27,063 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of Los Angeles, UCLA is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 5th out of 168 colleges for overall quality in the state of California.

There were roughly 321 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at UCLA in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the english language & literature program report average early career income of $27,063.

More information about a degree in english language & literature from University of California - Los Angeles

10
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
143 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
4.2% Growth in Graduates

Johns Hopkins is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Baltimore. This university ranks 1st out of 36 schools for overall quality in the state of Maryland.

There were about 143 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at Johns Hopkins in the most recent data year. English Language & Literature degree recipients from Johns Hopkins University get an earnings boost of about $16,187 above the typical income of english language & literature majors.

More information about a degree in english language & literature from Johns Hopkins University

11
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
291 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
$39,377 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of New York, Columbia is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #14 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Columbia is a great university overall.

There were approximately 291 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at Columbia in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the english language & literature degree program at Columbia University in the City of New York make $9,023 more than the standard college grad in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in english language & literature from Columbia University in the City of New York

Sponsored
Bachelors Degree Type
BA English in Literature Program Name

Develop your literary and cultural analysis skills to help advance your career with this specialized online degree from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in BA English in Literature from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

12
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
287 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
$36,353 Median Starting Salary

UC Berkeley is a fairly large public university located in the midsize city of Berkeley. A Best Colleges rank of #18 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UC Berkeley is a great university overall.

There were roughly 287 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at UC Berkeley in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the english language & literature program at University of California - Berkeley earn $6,000 above the average college grad with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in english language & literature from University of California - Berkeley

13
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
216 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
9.7% Growth in Graduates

University of Virginia is a very large public university located in the suburb of Charlottesville. This university ranks 1st out of 63 schools for overall quality in the state of Virginia.

There were about 216 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at University of Virginia in the most recent data year. Those english language & literature students who get their degree from University of Virginia - Main Campus receive $2,206 more than the average english language & literature grad.

More information about a degree in english language & literature from University of Virginia - Main Campus

14
Vanderbilt crest
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
76 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
1.3% Growth in Graduates

Vanderbilt is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Nashville. This university ranks 1st out of 45 colleges for overall quality in the state of Tennessee.

There were approximately 76 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at Vanderbilt in the most recent data year. After graduation, english language & literature degree recipients generally earn around $31,190 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in english language & literature from Vanderbilt University

Sponsored
Bachelors Degree Type
BA English in Literature Program Name

Develop your literary and cultural analysis skills to help advance your career with this specialized online degree from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in BA English in Literature from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

15
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
313 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
$34,033 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of Minneapolis, UMN Twin Cities is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 1st out of 52 colleges for overall quality in the state of Minnesota.

There were roughly 313 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at UMN Twin Cities in the most recent year we have data available. English Language & Literature degree recipients from University of Minnesota - Twin Cities earn a boost of about $3,680 over the typical income of english language & literature majors.

More information about a degree in english language & literature from University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

16
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
72 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
11.1% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large city of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #9 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Carnegie Mellon is a great university overall.

There were roughly 72 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at Carnegie Mellon in the most recent year we have data available. English Language & Literature degree recipients from Carnegie Mellon University earn a boost of about $14,364 over the typical earnings of english language & literature majors.

More information about a degree in english language & literature from Carnegie Mellon University

17
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
389 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
$28,956 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of Pittsburgh, Pitt is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 7th out of 109 colleges for overall quality in the state of Pennsylvania.

There were approximately 389 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at Pitt in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the english language & literature program earn around $28,956 in their early career salary.

More information about a degree in english language & literature from University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus

Sponsored
Bachelors Degree Type
BA English in Literature Program Name

Develop your literary and cultural analysis skills to help advance your career with this specialized online degree from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in BA English in Literature from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

18
Dartmouth crest
Dartmouth College
Hanover, NH
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
32 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
$39,770 Median Starting Salary

Dartmouth is a medium-sized private not-for-profit college located in the remote town of Hanover. This college ranks 1st out of 17 schools for overall quality in the state of New Hampshire.

There were approximately 32 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at Dartmouth in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the english language & literature degree program at Dartmouth College get $9,417 more than the standard college graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in english language & literature from Dartmouth College

19
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
145 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
$48,132 Median Starting Salary

UMCP is a very large public university located in the suburb of College Park. This university ranks 2nd out of 36 colleges for overall quality in the state of Maryland.

There were approximately 145 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at UMCP in the most recent data year. English Language & Literature degree recipients from University of Maryland - College Park earn a boost of approximately $17,778 over the average income of english language & literature graduates.

More information about a degree in english language & literature from University of Maryland - College Park

20
Iowa crest
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
294 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
$33,800 Median Starting Salary

Iowa is a very large public university located in the small city of Iowa City. This university ranks 2nd out of 40 colleges for overall quality in the state of Iowa.

There were roughly 294 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at Iowa in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the english language & literature program at University of Iowa earn $3,447 above the average graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in english language & literature from University of Iowa

Sponsored
Bachelors Degree Type
BA English in Literature Program Name

Develop your literary and cultural analysis skills to help advance your career with this specialized online degree from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in BA English in Literature from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

21
Harvard crest
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
124 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
8.9% Growth in Graduates

Harvard is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Cambridge. A Best Colleges rank of #6 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Harvard is a great university overall.

There were about 124 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at Harvard in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the english language & literature program make about $31,485 in the first couple years of working.

More information about a degree in english language & literature from Harvard University

22
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
105 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
1.9% Growth in Graduates

UCSD is a very large public university located in the large city of La Jolla. This university ranks 8th out of 168 colleges for overall quality in the state of California.

There were about 105 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at UCSD in the most recent data year. After graduating, english language & literature degree recipients generally earn an average of $29,257 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in english language & literature from University of California - San Diego

23
Rice crest
Rice University
Houston, TX
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
39 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
$28,009 Median Starting Salary

Rice is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Houston. A Best Colleges rank of #16 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Rice is a great university overall.

There were about 39 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at Rice in the most recent data year. Graduates who receive their degree from the english language & literature program earn an average of $28,009 for their early career.

More information about a degree in english language & literature from Rice University

Sponsored
Bachelors Degree Type
BA English in Literature Program Name

Develop your literary and cultural analysis skills to help advance your career with this specialized online degree from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in BA English in Literature from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

24
Colgate crest
Colgate University
Hamilton, NY
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
37 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
$44,610 Median Starting Salary

Colgate is a small private not-for-profit university located in the town of Hamilton. This university ranks 5th out of 142 schools for overall quality in the state of New York.

There were about 37 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at Colgate in the most recent year we have data available. Those english language & literature students who get their degree from Colgate University receive $14,257 more than the typical english language & literature student.

More information about a degree in english language & literature from Colgate University

25
Brown crest
Brown University
Providence, RI
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
119 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
15.1% Growth in Graduates

Located in the midsize city of Providence, Brown is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 1st out of 9 schools for overall quality in the state of Rhode Island.

There were approximately 119 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at Brown in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the english language & literature program report average early career wages of $28,046.

More information about a degree in english language & literature from Brown University

Rest of the Top 50 Best English Language & Literature Schools

26
27
28
29
30
Emory crest
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
31
Michigan State crest
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
32

33

34
Princeton crest
Princeton University
Princeton, NJ
35
Boston College crest
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA
36
Villanova crest
Villanova University
Villanova, PA
37
NYU crest
New York University
New York, NY
38
SCU crest
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, CA
39
40
41

42

43
Wake Forest University crest
Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, NC
44
Boston U crest
Boston University
Boston, MA
45
Middlebury crest
Middlebury College
Middlebury, VT
46
Tufts crest
Tufts University
Medford, MA
47
UF crest
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
48
49
50
Florida State crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL

Remaining Award Winners

This section represents the rest of the schools awarded a Best English Language & Literature Schools badge. Showing in this list means the school was ranked in the top 15% of the 524 different United States english language & literature schools we analyzed.

Rank College Location
51 Cornell University Ithaca, NY
52 University of Michigan - Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI
53 Miami University - Oxford Oxford, OH
54 Texas Christian University Fort Worth, TX
55 University of Connecticut Storrs, CT
56 University of Massachusetts Amherst Amherst, MA
57 Loyola Marymount University Los Angeles, CA
58 Fordham University Bronx, NY
59 University of California - Irvine Irvine, CA
60 Ohio State University - Main Campus Columbus, OH
61 Vassar College Poughkeepsie, NY
62 Sewanee - The University of the South Sewanee, TN
63 Virginia Tech Blacksburg, VA
64 Wellesley College Wellesley, MA
65 University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT
66 University of Delaware Newark, DE
67 Lafayette College Easton, PA
68 William & Mary Williamsburg, VA
69 Iowa State University Ames, IA
70 University of Georgia Athens, GA
71 California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo, CA
72 University of Missouri - Columbia Columbia, MO
73 University of Dayton Dayton, OH
74 Northeastern University Boston, MA
75 George Washington University Washington, DC
76 Clemson University Clemson, SC
77 Suffolk University Boston, MA
78 Indiana University - Bloomington Bloomington, IN

Additional Noteworthy Schools

These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also great but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Best English Language & Literature Schools award.

Rank College Location
79 University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire Eau Claire, WI
80 Auburn University Auburn, AL
81 Rutgers University - New Brunswick New Brunswick, NJ
82 University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, CO
83 National University San Diego, CA
84 The College of New Jersey Ewing, NJ
85 Duquesne University Pittsburgh, PA
86 Providence College Providence, RI
87 Arizona State University - Tempe Tempe, AZ
88 University of North Texas Denton, TX
89 The Graduate Center, CUNY New York, NY
90 Trinity College Hartford, CT
91 San Francisco State University San Francisco, CA
92 Williams College Williamstown, MA
93 Monmouth University West Long Branch, NJ
94 West Chester University of Pennsylvania West Chester, PA
95 Amherst College Amherst, MA
96 The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL
97 Illinois State University Normal, IL
98 University of Rochester Rochester, NY
99 University of Central Florida Orlando, FL
100 University of Nebraska - Lincoln Lincoln, NE
101 Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Baton Rouge, LA
102 University of Kansas Lawrence, KS
103 St. Mary’s University San Antonio, TX
104 Texas Tech University Lubbock, TX

English Language & Literature by Region

View the Best English Language & Literature Schools for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Other U.S. Territories
Great Lakes

View All Rankings >

English Language & Literature Majors to Study

Major Annual Graduates
General English Literature 37,414
Writing Studies 13,544
English Literature (Other) 977
Literature 769

View All English Language & Literature Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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