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2025 Best English Language & Literature Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

99 Colleges in the Middle Atlantic Region
9,125 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
$32,613 Avg Early-Career Salary
English Language & Literature is about average in terms of popularity for degree programs. That is, it ranks #18 out of the 38 majors across the country that we analyze each year. So, it might take a little more work to find colleges and universities that offer the degree program.

In 2025, College Factual analyzed 99 schools in order to identify the top ones for its Best English Language & Literature Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking. Combined, these schools handed out 9,125 degrees in english language & literature to qualified students.

What's on this page: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great English Language & Literature School

Best English Language & Literature Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region Your choice of english language & literature school matters, so we have put together these rankings to help you make your decision. For our Best Overall English Language & Literature School rankings, we roll up the results of our degree-level rankings, weighted by the number of degrees awarded at that level.

In order to find the schools that are the best fit for you, you may want to filter to one of the degree levels below.

Pick Your English Language & Literature 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

Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we've developed a number of rankings, including this Best English Language & Literature Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region list, to help you choose the best school for you. If you'd like to restrict your choices to just one part of the country, you can filter this list by location.

In addition to our rankings, you can take two colleges and compare them based on the criteria that matters most to you in our unique tool, College Combat. Test it out when you get a chance! You may also want to bookmark the link and share it with others who are trying to make the college decision.

If you want to learn more about how we derive our rankings, see College Factual's Methodology.

Best Schools for English Language & Literature in the Middle Atlantic Region

Although we recommend filtering by degree level first, you can view the list below to see which schools give the educational experience for the english language & literature degree levels they offer. Only those schools that rank in the top 20% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

19 Top Middle Atlantic Region Schools in English Language & Literature

1
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
389 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
$34,070 Median Starting Salary

It is difficult to beat University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus if you want to pursue a degree in english language & literature. Pitt is a very large public university located in the large city of Pittsburgh. This university ranks 6th out of 103 schools 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. After graduating, english language & literature degree recipients typically earn about $34,070 in the first five years of their career.

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

2
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
143 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
4.2% Growth in Graduates

Johns Hopkins University is a wonderful decision for students interested in a degree in english language & literature. Located in the city of Baltimore, Johns Hopkins is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #6 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Johns Hopkins is a great university overall.

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 earn a boost of approximately $17,987 above the average earnings of english language & literature graduates.

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

Sponsored
Bachelors Degree Type
BA in English Language & Literature Program Name

Turn your love of reading and writing into a career with this online bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in BA in English Language & 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
$40,967 Median Starting Salary

It's difficult to beat University of Pennsylvania if you wish to pursue a degree in english language & literature. UPenn is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Philadelphia. A Best Colleges rank of #2 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UPenn is a great university overall.

There were roughly 122 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at UPenn in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the english language & literature degree program at University of Pennsylvania get $8,354 more than the typical graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

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

4
Georgetown crest
Georgetown University
Washington, DC
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
85 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
2.4% Growth in Graduates

It is hard to beat Georgetown University if you wish to pursue a degree in english language & literature. Georgetown is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Washington. A Best Colleges rank of #11 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Georgetown is a great university overall.

There were roughly 85 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at Georgetown in the most recent data year. English Language & Literature degree recipients from Georgetown University get an earnings boost of around $20,386 above the typical earnings of english language & literature graduates.

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

5
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
291 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
$37,160 Median Starting Salary

Columbia is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of New York. A Best Colleges rank of #15 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Columbia is a great university overall.

There were about 291 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at Columbia in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the english language & literature major at Columbia University in the City of New York earn $4,546 more than the typical 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

6
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
145 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
$36,561 Median Starting Salary

Located in the suburb of College Park, UMCP is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #37 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UMCP is a great university overall.

There were approximately 145 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at UMCP in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the english language & literature degree program at University of Maryland - College Park earn $3,948 above the standard college graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

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

7
Villanova crest
Villanova University
Villanova, PA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
34 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
$37,643 Median Starting Salary

Villanova is a large private not-for-profit university located in the suburb of Villanova. A Best Colleges rank of #34 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Villanova is a great university overall.

There were approximately 34 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at Villanova in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the english language & literature program at Villanova University get $5,030 more than the average graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in english language & literature from Villanova 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

8
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
131 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
16.0% Growth in Graduates

Fordham U is a large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Bronx. A Best Colleges rank of #67 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Fordham U is a great university overall.

There were approximately 131 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at Fordham U in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the english language & literature program state that they receive average early career earnings of $26,652.

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

9
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
79 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
$33,270 Median Starting Salary

Located in the small city of Ithaca, Cornell is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #9 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Cornell is a great university overall.

There were approximately 79 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at Cornell in the most recent data year. Soon after graduating, english language & literature degree recipients usually earn around $33,270 in the first five years of their career.

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

10
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
81 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
$32,487 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large suburb of Newark, UD is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 1st out of 3 colleges for overall quality in the state of Delaware.

There were roughly 81 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at UD in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the english language & literature program state that they receive average early career earnings of $32,487.

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

11
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
117 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
$28,638 Median Starting Salary

Located in the small city of New Brunswick, Rutgers New Brunswick is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #74 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Rutgers New Brunswick is a great university overall.

There were roughly 117 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at Rutgers New Brunswick in the most recent data year. Graduates who receive their degree from the english language & literature program make about $28,638 in the first couple years of working.

More information about a degree in english language & literature from Rutgers University - New Brunswick

Sponsored
Masters Degree Type
MA in English Program Name

You can earn your MA in English entirely online with Southern New Hampshire University! This online English degree program can help you increase your analytical and communication skills.

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

Related Programs

12
Lehigh crest
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
24th Most Popular In PA

Lehigh is a medium-sized private not-for-profit university located in the city of Bethlehem. A Best Colleges rank of #51 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Lehigh is a great university overall.

There were about 30 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at Lehigh in the most recent year we have data available.

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

13
Colgate crest
Colgate University
Hamilton, NY
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
37 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
$48,008 Median Starting Salary

Located in the rural area of Hamilton, Colgate is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. This university ranks 11th out of 136 schools for overall quality in the state of New York.

There were approximately 37 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at Colgate in the most recent year we have data available. English Language & Literature degree recipients from Colgate University receive an earnings boost of around $15,395 over the typical income of english language & literature graduates.

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

14
Barnard crest
Barnard College
New York, NY
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
60 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
30.0% Growth in Graduates

Barnard is a small private not-for-profit college located in the city of New York. This college ranks 9th out of 136 colleges for overall quality in the state of New York.

There were approximately 60 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at Barnard in the most recent data year. Those english language & literature students who get their degree from Barnard College earn $7,801 more than the typical english language & literature grad.

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

15
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
158 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
$33,437 Median Starting Salary

Binghamton University is a fairly large public university located in the suburb of Vestal. This university ranks 15th out of 136 colleges for overall quality in the state of New York.

There were roughly 158 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at Binghamton University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the english language & literature program earn around $33,437 in the first couple years of working.

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

Sponsored
Bachelors Degree Type
BA English in Professional Writing Program Name

Expand your professional skillset with this specialized online degree from Southern New Hampshire University.

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

Related Programs

16
Syracuse crest
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
71 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
$25,465 Median Starting Salary

Located in the midsize city of Syracuse, Syracuse is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #62 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Syracuse is a great university overall.

There were approximately 71 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at Syracuse in the most recent data year. After graduation, english language & literature degree recipients generally earn around $25,465 at the beginning of their careers.

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

17
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
96 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
$34,530 Median Starting Salary

UAlbany is a fairly large public university located in the midsize city of Albany. This university ranks 27th out of 136 schools for overall quality in the state of New York.

There were about 96 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at UAlbany in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduating, english language & literature degree recipients typically earn about $34,530 in their early careers.

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

18
Bucknell crest
Bucknell University
Lewisburg, PA
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
47 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
$34,043 Median Starting Salary

Bucknell is a small private not-for-profit university located in the town of Lewisburg. This university ranks 11th out of 103 colleges for overall quality in the state of Pennsylvania.

There were approximately 47 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at Bucknell in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the english language & literature program report average early career earnings of $34,043.

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

19
Lafayette crest
Lafayette College
Easton, PA
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
28th Most Popular In PA
32 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded

Located in the large suburb of Easton, Lafayette is a private not-for-profit college with a small student population. This college ranks 14th out of 103 schools for overall quality in the state of Pennsylvania.

There were about 32 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at Lafayette in the most recent year we have data available.

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

Rest of the Top Best English Language & Literature Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

Honorable Mentions

Here are some additional great schools for English Language & Literature students in the Middle Atlantic Region that almost earned our Best English Language & Literature Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region award.

Rank College Location
20 George Washington University Washington, DC
21 Stony Brook University Stony Brook, NY
22 University of Rochester Rochester, NY
23 The College of New Jersey Ewing, NJ
24 University at Buffalo Buffalo, NY
25 Temple University Philadelphia, PA
26 Duquesne University Pittsburgh, PA
27 Rowan University Glassboro, NJ
28 Montclair State University Montclair, NJ
29 Arcadia University Glenside, PA
30 Gettysburg College Gettysburg, PA
31 Saint Joseph’s University Philadelphia, PA
32 Hofstra University Hempstead, NY
33 Monmouth University West Long Branch, NJ

Best English Language & Literature Colleges by State

Explore the best english language & literature colleges for a specific state in the Middle Atlantic Region .

State Colleges Degrees Awarded
New Jersey 38 1,189
Pennsylvania 38 2,599
New York 38 4,327
Maryland 37 936
Delaware 33 115
District of Columbia 33 246

View All Rankings >

English Language & Literature Majors to Study

Major Annual Graduates
General English Literature 6,253
Writing Studies 2,289
Literature 398
English Literature (Other) 185

View All English Language & Literature Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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