2027 Best Value English Schools in Kentucky

[English](/majors/english-language-literature/general-english-language-literature/english/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 8 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for english students.
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2027 Best Value English Schools in Kentucky
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in english, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value English Schools
Our analysis ranked Northern Kentucky University the best value for a degree in english in Kentucky. Set in the suburb of Highland Heights, Northern Kentucky University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,088, while out-of-state students pay about $21,912. Typical student debt for english graduates is $24,585. English graduates of Northern Kentucky University earn a median of $31,926 early in their careers. Set against $24,585 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.
Murray State University came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best value english schools. Set in the town of Murray, Murray State University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,900 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,836. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the english program here. English graduates of Murray State University earn a median of $39,783 early in their careers. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
Morehead State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in english, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the town of Morehead, Morehead State University is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,024, while out-of-state students pay about $14,980. Students borrow a median of $25,896 to complete the english program here. English graduates of Morehead State University earn a median of $48,292 early in their careers. Set against $25,896 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #4 makes Western Kentucky University one of the best values for english. Set in the city of Bowling Green, Western Kentucky University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,652, compared with $27,000 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for english graduates is $23,232. Soon after graduation, english degree recipients from Western Kentucky University generally make around $27,950. That is a strong return on a $23,232 median debt. Western Kentucky University admits about 94% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Eastern Kentucky University earned it the #5 place for english. Located in the town of Richmond, Eastern Kentucky University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,320, compared with $21,230 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,648 to complete the english program here. English graduates of Eastern Kentucky University earn a median of $20,091 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%.
University Of Louisville placed #6 among the best values for english. Set in the city of Louisville, University Of Louisville is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,136, with out-of-state students paying around $29,482. English graduates carry a median of $20,531 in student loans. English graduates of University Of Louisville earn a median of $28,994 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Louisville admits about 79% of applicants.
University Of Kentucky came in at #7 for value in english this year. University Of Kentucky is a very large public school located in the city of Lexington. In-state tuition and fees average $13,502, while out-of-state students pay about $34,140. Typical student debt for english graduates is $21,250. Soon after graduation, english degree recipients from University Of Kentucky generally make around $21,404. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%.
Bellarmine University landed the #8 spot for english value this year. Bellarmine University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Louisville. Students from in state pay about $48,770 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the english program here. Soon after graduation, english degree recipients from Bellarmine University generally make around $32,295. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bellarmine University admits about 86% of applicants.
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Notes and References
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 8 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 8 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.