by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 1,536 U.S. colleges awarded 49,571 degrees and certificates in English Language & Literature. Bachelor’s degrees are the most popular award, at 67% of graduates. College Factual ranks 765 schools in its 2027 Best English Language & Literature Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $31,875 one year after completing, rising to $49,871 after four years.
If you love reading novels and writing you may want to choose a major in the field of English Language and Literature. This field of study involves reading significant works of fiction, as well as studying the history, structure, and use of language.
One of the most popular majors in this field is General English which focuses on the study of English language and literature as well as other subjects in the liberal arts. Students who love classic literature may want to major in Literature, while those who are more interested in writing can choose Writing Studies. Some colleges offer additional opportunities to choose concentrations.
Classes may differ depending on your major, but you can expect to be discussing ideas, reading literary criticisms, and be writing creative and analytical papers. While performing these activities, you will be taking courses in continental literature, history of English, linguistic analysis, creative writing, literary theory and criticism.
Studying English Language & Literature covers English Language And Literature/letters. Instructional Programs That Focus On The Structure And Use Of The English Language And Dialects, Speech, Writing, And Various Aspects Of The Literatures And Cultures Of The English-Speaking Peoples.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Across the country, english language & literature draws strong interest, with 49,571 degrees awarded annually. 1,536 colleges award english language & literature degrees, an average of 32 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 1,845.
By level, the 49,571 awards include 78 certificates, 3,400 associate degrees, 33,287 bachelor’s degrees, 11,737 master’s degrees and 1,068 doctorates.
Women earned 73% of english language & literature degrees and certificates in the latest year (36,211 of 49,571). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (29,348) and Hispanic or Latino (8,541), and international students earned 1,178.
College Factual ranks 765 schools in its 2027 Best English Language & Literature Schools ranking, including 101 for associate degrees, 620 for bachelor’s degrees, 207 for master’s degrees and 32 for doctorates. It also ranks english language & literature schools within 52 states. In all, 1,536 colleges offer english language & literature programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value English Language & Literature Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common english language & literature credential is the bachelor’s degree: 33,287 of the 49,571 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to english language & literature call most for Reading Comprehension, Writing and Instructing, and for knowledge of English Language, Education and Training and Communications and Media, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Written Comprehension, Oral Expression and Written Expression.
Strong reading and writing skills are recommended in this field. You must be able to express your ideas and analysis efficiently in your written work and class participation, so work on both oral and written communication. Attention to detail and creativity are important talents because you will be making connections and comparisons.
If you are interested in pursuing a degree in English Language and Literature, students are advised to take prior courses in creative writing, literature, English language, and speech. Some student choose to continue their education with a Master's degree in this field.
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How long an english language & literature degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 78 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 3,400 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 33,287 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 11,737 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 1,068 |
Doctoral degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to english language & literature, at 43.8%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Doctoral degree | 43.8% |
| Master’s degree | 23.8% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 11.2% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 8.1% |
| Some college courses | 5.3% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 3.7% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 1.2% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 1.1% |
| First professional degree | 0.6% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 0.5% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 0.3% |
| Post-doctoral training | 0.2% |
Source: O*NET Online.
8 occupations are related to English Language & Literature, with an average median salary of $69,012; the strongest outlook belongs to English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary, at 14.3% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Teacher, Instructor, Adjunct Instructor and Faculty Member.
This is a broad field of study that can lead to many different career paths. Many graduates are interested in education and go on to become a secondary or postsecondary teacher. Some states require a Master's degree to teach.
Grads who love to write may become copy editors, copywriters, editors, technical writers, authors, marketers or public relations specialists. Copywriters write ads and articles to attract consumers to buy products and services. Public relations specialists help promote organizations and individuals. Technical writers construct manuals and instructions for consumers and businesses related, related to science and technology.
Interested in additional education? Some graduates use a background in English as a stepping stone to an advanced degree. Students may go on to obtain Master's degrees in English, law, political science or other related subjects.
That occupation also has the most projected jobs of any related to english language & literature, at 1,273,615.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,273,615 | 14.3% |
| Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | 964,215 | -0.1% |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | 571,954 | 1.8% |
| Technical Writers | 396,969 | 6.9% |
| Proofreaders and Copy Markers | 284,430 | 0.7% |
| Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers | 175,767 | 9.1% |
| Writers and Authors | 155,629 | -4.3% |
| Editors | 11,763 | 3.2% |
English Language & Literature graduates earn a median $31,875 one year after completing their program, $49,871 after four years and $48,816 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $31,875 |
| 4 years | $49,871 |
| 5 years | $48,816 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to english language & literature is Editors, with a median salary of $100,346.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Editors | $100,346 |
| English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | $88,437 |
| Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $77,927 |
| Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers | $70,619 |
| Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | $68,967 |
| Writers and Authors | $63,195 |
| Technical Writers | $52,099 |
| Proofreaders and Copy Markers | $30,503 |
English Language & Literature includes 4 concentrations that together award 49,571 degrees a year; by graduates, the largest are English Language and Literature, General (33,936), Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies (13,869) and English Language and Literature/Letters, Other (932). Browse the full list of college majors.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| English Language and Literature, General | 33,936 |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies | 13,869 |
| English Language and Literature/Letters, Other | 932 |
| Literature | 834 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
