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2025 Best English Language & Literature Schools in the Southeast Region

103 Colleges in the Southeast Region
12,212 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 103 schools in order to identify the top ones for its Best English Language & Literature Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 12,212 degrees in english language & literature annually.

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

Choosing a Great English Language & Literature School

Best English Language & Literature Schools in the Southeast Region 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. 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.

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

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 Southeast 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 Southeast 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.

20 Top Southeast Region Schools in English Language & Literature

1
Florida State crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
358 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
$31,149 Median Starting Salary

Florida State University is a good option for students pursuing a degree in english language & literature. Located in the city of Tallahassee, Florida State is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 70 colleges for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There were about 358 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at Florida State in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the english language & literature program earn about $31,149 for their early career.

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

2
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
216 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
9.7% Growth in Graduates

Every student who is interested in english language & literature has to take a look at University of Virginia - Main Campus. Located in the medium-sized suburb of Charlottesville, University of Virginia is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #35 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means University of Virginia is a great university overall.

There were roughly 216 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at University of Virginia in the most recent year we have data available. English Language & Literature degree recipients from University of Virginia - Main Campus get an earnings boost of about $7,479 above the typical earnings of english language & literature majors.

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

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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
UF crest
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
180 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
$26,917 Median Starting Salary

It is difficult to beat University of Florida if you wish to pursue a degree in english language & literature. Located in the midsize city of Gainesville, UF is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #56 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UF is a great university overall.

There were about 180 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at UF in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the english language & literature program make around $26,917 for their early career.

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

4
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
183 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
9.8% Growth in Graduates

Any student pursuing a degree in english language & literature needs to check out University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. UNC Chapel Hill is a very large public university located in the city of Chapel Hill. A Best Colleges rank of #38 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UNC Chapel Hill is a great university overall.

There were approximately 183 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at UNC Chapel Hill in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the english language & literature program earn around $30,339 in the first couple years of working.

More information about a degree in english language & literature from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

5
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 large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Nashville. A Best Colleges rank of #18 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Vanderbilt is a great university overall.

There were roughly 76 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at Vanderbilt in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the english language & literature degree program at Vanderbilt University earn $2,020 above the typical graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

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

6
Virginia Tech crest
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
106 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
12.3% Growth in Graduates

Located in the small city of Blacksburg, Virginia Tech is a public school with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #58 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Virginia Tech is a great school overall.

There were about 106 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at Virginia Tech in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the english language & literature degree program at Virginia Tech earn $6,542 above the average college grad with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in english language & literature from Virginia Tech

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 large 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 2,152 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 data year. After graduating, english language & literature degree recipients usually make around $20,483 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in english language & literature from Duke 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
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
68 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
$30,318 Median Starting Salary

Tulane is a large private not-for-profit university located in the city of New Orleans. A Best Colleges rank of #95 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Tulane is a great university overall.

There were roughly 68 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at Tulane in the most recent data year. After graduating, english language & literature degree recipients typically earn an average of $30,318 in the first five years of their career.

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

9
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
87 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
$25,729 Median Starting Salary

UofSC is a fairly large public university located in the midsize city of Columbia. A Best Colleges rank of #99 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UofSC is a great university overall.

There were approximately 87 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at UofSC in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the english language & literature program make about $25,729 in their early career salary.

More information about a degree in english language & literature from University of South Carolina - Columbia

10
Clemson crest
Clemson University
Clemson, SC
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
136 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
$38,391 Median Starting Salary

Clemson is a very large public university located in the medium-sized suburb of Clemson. This university ranks 2nd out of 45 schools for overall quality in the state of South Carolina.

There were roughly 136 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at Clemson in the most recent data year. Those english language & literature students who get their degree from Clemson University make $5,778 more than the typical english language & literature student.

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

11
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
128 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
$23,595 Median Starting Salary

Located in the medium-sized city of Athens, UGA is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #69 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UGA is a great university overall.

There were approximately 128 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at UGA in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, english language & literature degree recipients typically earn about $23,595 in their early careers.

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

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
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
187 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
16.6% Growth in Graduates

GMU is a very large public university located in the suburb of Fairfax. A Best Colleges rank of #92 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means GMU is a great university overall.

There were approximately 187 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at GMU in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the english language & literature program at George Mason University get $7,001 above the average college grad with the same degree shortly after graduation.

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

13
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
180 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
$31,104 Median Starting Salary

USF Tampa is a fairly large public university located in the city of Tampa. This university ranks 8th out of 70 colleges for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There were about 180 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at USF Tampa 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 $31,104.

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

14
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
148 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
$32,055 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large city of Charlotte, UNC Charlotte is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 10th out of 93 colleges for overall quality in the state of North Carolina.

There were about 148 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at UNC Charlotte in the most recent data year. After graduation, english language & literature degree recipients typically make about $32,055 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in english language & literature from University of North Carolina at Charlotte

15
William & Mary crest
William & Mary
Williamsburg, VA
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
73 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
11.0% Growth in Graduates

Located in the small suburb of Williamsburg, William & Mary is a public school with a moderately-sized student population. This school ranks 5th out of 57 colleges for overall quality in the state of Virginia.

There were roughly 73 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at William & Mary in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the english language & literature program at William & Mary earn $8,084 more than the average graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in english language & literature from William & Mary

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
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
434 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
3.2% Growth in Graduates

UCF is a very large public university located in the suburb of Orlando. This university ranks 10th out of 70 colleges for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There were about 434 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at UCF 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 $30,370.

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

17
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
142 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
20.4% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Knoxville, UT Knoxville is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 41 schools for overall quality in the state of Tennessee.

There were approximately 142 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at UT Knoxville in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the english language & literature program earn about $26,476 for their early career.

More information about a degree in english language & literature from The University of Tennessee - Knoxville

18
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
286 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
$35,807 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Norfolk, Old Dominion is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 16th out of 57 schools for overall quality in the state of Virginia.

There were roughly 286 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at Old Dominion in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the english language & literature program at Old Dominion University make $3,194 above the standard college grad with the same degree shortly after graduation.

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

19
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
133 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
10.5% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Richmond, VCU is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 8th out of 57 colleges for overall quality in the state of Virginia.

There were approximately 133 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at VCU in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduating, english language & literature degree recipients typically make around $27,005 at the beginning of their careers.

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

20
Auburn crest
Auburn University
Auburn, AL
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
87 English Language & Literature Degrees Awarded
24.1% Growth in Graduates

Auburn is a very large public university located in the small city of Auburn. This university ranks 2nd out of 42 colleges for overall quality in the state of Alabama.

There were approximately 87 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at Auburn 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 $33,213.

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

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

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 in the Southeast Region award.

Rank College Location
21 Emory University Atlanta, GA
22 Wake Forest University Winston-Salem, NC
23 Sewanee - The University of the South Sewanee, TN
24 James Madison University Harrisonburg, VA
25 University of Kentucky Lexington, KY
26 Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Baton Rouge, LA
27 The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL
28 University of Richmond University of Richmond, VA
29 University of North Carolina at Wilmington Wilmington, NC
30 North Carolina State University Raleigh, NC
31 University of Miami Coral Gables, FL
32 University of North Carolina at Greensboro Greensboro, NC
33 West Virginia University Morgantown, WV
34 University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR

Best English Language & Literature Colleges by State

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

State Colleges Degrees Awarded
North Carolina 38 1,452
West Virginia 38 288
Mississippi 38 331
South Carolina 38 590
Florida 38 2,373
Virginia 38 1,763
Arkansas 38 396
Alabama 37 626
Kentucky 37 511
Georgia 37 1,173
Tennessee 37 834
Louisiana 37 569

View All Rankings >

English Language & Literature Majors to Study

Major Annual Graduates
General English Literature 8,153
Writing Studies 3,921
Literature 87
English Literature (Other) 51

View All English Language & Literature Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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