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2025 Best Writing Studies Schools

187 Colleges in the United States
13,544 Writing Degrees Awarded
$34,966 Avg Early-Career Salary
Writing Studies is above average in terms of popularity with it being the #81 most popular degree program in the country. So, you have a fair amount of options to choose from when looking for a school.

For its 2025 ranking, College Factual looked at 187 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for writing studies students pursuing a degree. Combined, these schools handed out 13,544 degrees in writing studies to qualified students.

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

Choosing a Great Writing Studies School

Best Writing Studies Schools The writing program you select can have a big impact on your future. That's why we developed our collection of Best Schools for Writing Studies rankings. For our Best Overall Writing Studies 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 Writing Studies Degree Level

Associate Degrees in Writing
Bachelor's Degrees in Writing
Master's Degrees in Writing
Doctor's Degrees in Writing

When choosing the right school for you, it's important to arm yourself with all the facts you can. To that end, we've created a number of major-specific rankings, including this Best Writing Studies Schools list to help you make the college decision. 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 Writing Studies in the United States

If you aren't interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the writing degrees they offer, see the list below. Only those schools that rank in the top 20% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Top Schools in Writing

1
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
293 Writing Degrees Awarded
$35,700 Median Starting Salary

University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus is one of the finest schools in the United States for getting a degree in writing studies. 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 roughly 293 writing studies students who graduated with this degree at Pitt in the most recent data year. After graduating, writing degree recipients usually make around $35,700 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in writing studies from University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus

2
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
196 Writing Degrees Awarded
$38,407 Median Starting Salary

It is hard to beat University of Minnesota - Twin Cities if you wish to pursue a degree in writing studies. UMN Twin Cities is a very large public university located in the city of Minneapolis. A Best Colleges rank of #45 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UMN Twin Cities is a great university overall.

There were about 196 writing studies students who graduated with this degree at UMN Twin Cities in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the writing studies degree program at University of Minnesota - Twin Cities get $3,441 above the typical college grad in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in writing studies from University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Sponsored
Bachelors Degree Type
BA in Creative Writing & English Program Name

Develop your creativity and gain practical skills with a creative writing degree program –featuring 100% online classes – through a bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.

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

Related Programs

3
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
130 Writing Degrees Awarded
13.8% Growth in Graduates

Johns Hopkins University is one of the best schools in the country for getting a degree in writing studies. Located in the large city of Baltimore, Johns Hopkins is a private not-for-profit university with a very 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 approximately 130 writing studies students who graduated with this degree at Johns Hopkins in the most recent data year. Writing Studies degree recipients from Johns Hopkins University receive an earnings boost of approximately $15,634 over the average income of writing studies graduates.

More information about a degree in writing studies from Johns Hopkins University

4
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
7th Most Popular In IL

Northwestern University is a wonderful option for students pursuing a degree in writing studies. Located in the small city of Evanston, Northwestern is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #5 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Northwestern is a great university overall.

There were approximately 13 writing studies students who graduated with this degree at Northwestern in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in writing studies from Northwestern University

5
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
174 Writing Degrees Awarded
23.0% Growth in Graduates

Columbia is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the 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 174 writing studies students who graduated with this degree at Columbia in the most recent year we have data available. Writing Studies degree recipients from Columbia University in the City of New York receive an earnings boost of around $2,708 above the average income of writing studies graduates.

More information about a degree in writing studies from Columbia University in the City of New York

6
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
149 Writing Degrees Awarded
17.4% Growth in Graduates

UT Austin is a very large public university located in the large city of Austin. A Best Colleges rank of #46 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UT Austin is a great university overall.

There were about 149 writing studies students who graduated with this degree at UT Austin in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the writing studies degree program at The University of Texas at Austin earn $3,747 more than the average college graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in writing studies from The University of Texas at Austin

7
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
50 Writing Degrees Awarded
$35,873 Median Starting Salary

UW Seattle is a very large public university located in the large city of Seattle. A Best Colleges rank of #44 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UW Seattle is a great university overall.

There were approximately 50 writing studies students who graduated with this degree at UW Seattle in the most recent data year. Soon after graduating, writing degree recipients generally earn an average of $35,873 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a degree in writing studies from University of Washington - Seattle Campus

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

8
Michigan State crest
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
36 Writing Degrees Awarded
2.8% Growth in Graduates

Michigan State is a fairly large public university located in the city of East Lansing. A Best Colleges rank of #54 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Michigan State is a great university overall.

There were about 36 writing studies students who graduated with this degree at Michigan State in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduation, writing degree recipients generally earn an average of $33,401 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in writing studies from Michigan State University

9
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
56 Writing Degrees Awarded
$44,553 Median Starting Salary

Located in the midsize city of Berkeley, UC Berkeley is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #14 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UC Berkeley is a great university overall.

There were about 56 writing studies students who graduated with this degree at UC Berkeley in the most recent data year. Writing Studies degree recipients from University of California - Berkeley receive an earnings boost of approximately $9,587 over the typical earnings of writing studies majors.

More information about a degree in writing studies from University of California - Berkeley

10
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
105 Writing Degrees Awarded
4.8% Growth in Graduates

Located in the fringe town of Oxford, Miami University - Oxford is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 5th out of 91 colleges for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were roughly 105 writing studies students who graduated with this degree at Miami University - Oxford in the most recent year we have data available. Those writing studies students who get their degree from Miami University - Oxford receive $7,434 more than the standard writing graduate.

More information about a degree in writing studies from Miami University - Oxford

11
Boston U crest
Boston University
Boston, MA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
6th Most Popular In MA
40 Writing Degrees Awarded

Located in the city of Boston, Boston U is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #23 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Boston U is a great university overall.

There were approximately 40 writing studies students who graduated with this degree at Boston U in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in writing studies from Boston University

12
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
58 Writing Degrees Awarded
12.1% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large suburb of Fairfax, GMU is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 4th out of 57 colleges for overall quality in the state of Virginia.

There were approximately 58 writing studies students who graduated with this degree at GMU in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the writing studies degree program at George Mason University earn $4,499 more than the average graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in writing studies from George Mason University

13
Clemson crest
Clemson University
Clemson, SC
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
72 Writing Degrees Awarded
$43,505 Median Starting Salary

Located in the medium-sized suburb of Clemson, Clemson is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 45 schools for overall quality in the state of South Carolina.

There were about 72 writing studies students who graduated with this degree at Clemson in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the writing studies program at Clemson University get $8,539 more than the typical graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in writing studies from Clemson University

14
Brown crest
Brown University
Providence, RI
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
48 Writing Degrees Awarded
27.1% Growth in Graduates

Brown is a large private not-for-profit university located in the medium-sized city of Providence. A Best Colleges rank of #26 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Brown is a great university overall.

There were approximately 48 writing studies students who graduated with this degree at Brown in the most recent data year. Soon after graduating, writing degree recipients usually earn about $30,741 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in writing studies from Brown University

15
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
151 Writing Degrees Awarded
$34,170 Median Starting Salary

Located in the town of Bowling Green, BGSU is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 18th out of 91 schools for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were roughly 151 writing studies students who graduated with this degree at BGSU in the most recent data year. After graduating, writing degree recipients usually make about $34,170 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a degree in writing studies from Bowling Green State University - Main Campus

16
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
227 Writing Degrees Awarded
$35,716 Median Starting Salary

Old Dominion is a fairly large public university located in the midsize city of Norfolk. This university ranks 16th out of 57 schools for overall quality in the state of Virginia.

There were about 227 writing studies students who graduated with this degree at Old Dominion in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, writing degree recipients generally make an average of $35,716 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in writing studies from Old Dominion University

17
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
91 Writing Degrees Awarded
$26,933 Median Starting Salary

University of Arizona is a very large public university located in the large city of Tucson. This university ranks 3rd out of 26 colleges for overall quality in the state of Arizona.

There were roughly 91 writing studies students who graduated with this degree at University of Arizona in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the writing program state that they receive average early career earnings of $26,933.

More information about a degree in writing studies from University of Arizona

18
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
51 Writing Degrees Awarded
3.9% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Ann Arbor, U-M is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #22 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means U-M is a great university overall.

There were roughly 51 writing studies students who graduated with this degree at U-M in the most recent year we have data available. After graduation, writing degree recipients generally make about $31,239 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a degree in writing studies from University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

19
Syracuse crest
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
37 Writing Degrees Awarded
10.8% Growth in Graduates

Located in the medium-sized city of Syracuse, Syracuse is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. This university ranks 5th out of 136 schools for overall quality in the state of New York.

There were roughly 37 writing studies students who graduated with this degree at Syracuse in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, writing degree recipients generally earn around $24,935 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a degree in writing studies from Syracuse University

20
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
35 Writing Degrees Awarded
$41,751 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Lubbock, Texas Tech is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 8th out of 115 schools for overall quality in the state of Texas.

There were about 35 writing studies students who graduated with this degree at Texas Tech in the most recent data year. Writing Studies degree recipients from Texas Tech University get an earnings boost of approximately $6,785 over the typical income of writing studies majors.

More information about a degree in writing studies from Texas Tech University

21
Emerson crest
Emerson College
Boston, MA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
185 Writing Degrees Awarded
$35,166 Median Starting Salary

Emerson is a medium-sized private not-for-profit college located in the large city of Boston. This college ranks 16th out of 63 colleges for overall quality in the state of Massachusetts.

There were roughly 185 writing studies students who graduated with this degree at Emerson in the most recent year we have data available. After graduating, writing degree recipients usually make about $35,166 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in writing studies from Emerson College

22
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
93 Writing Degrees Awarded
$33,999 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Albuquerque, UNM is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 1st out of 24 schools for overall quality in the state of New Mexico.

There were roughly 93 writing studies students who graduated with this degree at UNM in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the writing program earn an average of $33,999 for their early career.

More information about a degree in writing studies from University of New Mexico - Main Campus

23
U of U crest
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT

Located in the medium-sized city of Salt Lake City, U of U is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 11 colleges for overall quality in the state of Utah.

There were approximately 30 writing studies students who graduated with this degree at U of U in the most recent year we have data available. Those writing studies students who get their degree from University of Utah make $12,984 more than the typical writing graduate.

More information about a degree in writing studies from University of Utah

24
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
50 Writing Degrees Awarded
26.0% Growth in Graduates

Located in the small city of West Lafayette, Purdue is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 3rd out of 41 colleges for overall quality in the state of Indiana.

There were roughly 50 writing studies students who graduated with this degree at Purdue in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduating, writing degree recipients usually earn an average of $25,084 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in writing studies from Purdue University - Main Campus

25
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
$24,225 Median Starting Salary
$34,411 Median Student Debt

UIUC is a very large public university located in the small city of Champaign. A Best Colleges rank of #41 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UIUC is a great university overall.

There were about 28 writing studies students who graduated with this degree at UIUC in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the writing program report average early career earnings of $24,225.

More information about a degree in writing studies from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Rest of the Top Best Writing Studies Schools

26
27
28
JMU crest
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA
29
Bucknell crest
Bucknell University
Lewisburg, PA
30
31
32
St. Joe's crest
Saint Joseph's University
Philadelphia, PA

33
Texas State crest
Texas State University
San Marcos, TX

34
Iowa crest
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA
35
36
37

Honorable Mentions

Here are some additional great schools for Writing Studies students that almost earned our Best Writing Studies Schools award.

Rank College Location
38 Western Washington University Bellingham, WA
39 Providence College Providence, RI
40 University of California - Davis Davis, CA
41 University of Richmond University of Richmond, VA
42 Stony Brook University Stony Brook, NY
43 North Carolina State University Raleigh, NC
44 Arcadia University Glenside, PA
45 Emory University Atlanta, GA
46 Temple University Philadelphia, PA
47 DePauw University Greencastle, IN
48 University of South Florida - Main Campus Tampa, FL
49 Missouri State University - Springfield Springfield, MO
50 Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, AZ
51 Western Michigan University Kalamazoo, MI
52 University of North Carolina at Wilmington Wilmington, NC
53 Kutztown University of Pennsylvania Kutztown, PA
54 University of Kentucky Lexington, KY
55 Boise State University Boise, ID
56 San Diego State University San Diego, CA
57 Baylor University Waco, TX
58 The University of Texas at El Paso El Paso, TX
59 University of Pittsburgh - Johnstown Johnstown, PA
60 Drexel University Philadelphia, PA
61 Duquesne University Pittsburgh, PA
62 Macalester College Saint Paul, MN

Writing Studies by Region

View the Best Writing Studies 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 >

Writing Studies is one of 9 different types of English Language & Literature programs to choose from.

Writing Concentrations

Major Annual Graduates
Creative Writing 7,164
Professional, Technical, Business, & Scientific Writing 3,129
Rhetoric & Composition 1,835
General Writing 853
Other Rhetoric & Composition/Writing Studies 563

View All Writing Focus Areas >

Related Major Annual Graduates
General English Literature 37,414
English Literature (Other) 977
Literature 769

View All Writing Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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