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2026 Best Value English Schools in Washington

9 Colleges in the United States
$22,133 Avg Student Debt
$66,856 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value English Badge [English](/majors/english-language-literature/general-english-language-literature/english/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 16 schools to find the best return on investment for english students.

What’s on this page:

2026 Best Value English Schools in Washington

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in english, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value English Schools

1

Our analysis ranked University Of Washington Seattle Campus the best value for a degree in english in Washington. Set in the city of Seattle, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. Students borrow a median of $18,017 to complete the english program here. Soon after graduation, english degree recipients from University Of Washington Seattle Campus generally make around $31,622. Set against $18,017 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted.

2

A rank of #2 makes Eastern Washington University one of the best values for english. Located in the town of Cheney, Eastern Washington University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,586, compared with $26,583 for out-of-state students. English graduates carry a median of $18,591 in student loans. Soon after graduation, english degree recipients from Eastern Washington University generally make around $31,592. That is a strong return on a $18,591 median debt. Eastern Washington University admits about 91% of applicants.

3

Students looking for strong value in english will find it at Washington State University, which ranked #3. Washington State University is a very large public school located in the town of Pullman. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,391, compared with $29,950 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for english graduates is $21,375. Soon after graduation, english degree recipients from Washington State University generally make around $28,876. That is a strong return on a $21,375 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.

4

Students looking for strong value in english will find it at Western Washington University, which ranked #4. Located in the city of Bellingham, Western Washington University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,582, while out-of-state students pay about $28,707. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete the english program here. Early-career english graduates make about $32,334. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.

5

Central Washington University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in english, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the town of Ellensburg, Central Washington University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,417, compared with $27,526 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for english graduates is $21,988. English graduates of Central Washington University earn a median of $44,178 early in their careers. Set against $21,988 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

6

Seattle Pacific University placed #6 among the best values for english. Located in the city of Seattle, Seattle Pacific University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $40,407 in tuition and fees. English graduates carry a median of $25,701 in student loans. English graduates of Seattle Pacific University earn a median of $30,737 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,701 median debt. The acceptance rate is 83%.

7

Whitworth University placed #7 among the best values for english. Set in the suburb of Spokane, Whitworth University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $52,880. Students borrow a median of $24,642 to complete the english program here. Early-career english graduates make about $36,387. Set against $24,642 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%.

8
Whitman College crest
Whitman College
Walla Walla, WA

Whitman College earned the #8 position for value in english this year. Whitman College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Walla Walla. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,050. Students borrow a median of $17,518 to complete the english program here. English graduates of Whitman College earn a median of $25,574 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted.

9
Gonzaga University crest
Gonzaga University
Spokane, WA

Gonzaga University landed the #9 spot for english value this year. Set in the city of Spokane, Gonzaga University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $55,480. Typical student debt for english graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, english degree recipients from Gonzaga University generally make around $41,077. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Gonzaga University admits about 82% of applicants.

10

University Of Puget Sound landed the #10 spot for english value this year. University Of Puget Sound is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Tacoma. Students from in state pay about $62,898 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the english program here. Soon after graduation, english degree recipients from University Of Puget Sound generally make around $29,291. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.

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Notes and References

The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 16 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 9 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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