by our College Data Analytics Team
[English](/majors/english-language-literature/general-english-language-literature/english/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 27 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value english schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in english, balancing cost against outcomes.
Emporia State University earned the #1 spot for value among english schools in Kansas. Set in the town of Emporia, Emporia State University is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,106, while out-of-state students pay about $15,419. Typical student debt for english graduates is $23,131. Early-career english graduates make about $46,440. That is a strong return on a $23,131 median debt. Emporia State University admits about 98% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Wichita State University earned it the #2 place for english. Located in the city of Wichita, Wichita State University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,684, with out-of-state students paying around $19,869. Students borrow a median of $25,976 to complete the english program here. Early-career english graduates make about $27,585. That is a strong return on a $25,976 median debt. Wichita State University admits about 94% of applicants.
University Of Kansas is a great value for students pursuing a degree in english, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Lawrence, University Of Kansas is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,102 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $30,432. English graduates carry a median of $23,500 in student loans. English graduates of University Of Kansas earn a median of $26,184 early in their careers. Set against $23,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Kansas admits about 94% of applicants.
A rank of #4 makes Kansas State University one of the best values for english. Located in the city of Manhattan, Kansas State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $11,221 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. Typical student debt for english graduates is $21,750. Soon after graduation, english degree recipients from Kansas State University generally make around $31,364. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%.
A rank of #5 makes Benedictine College one of the best values for english. Located in the town of Atchison, Benedictine College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $36,350 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for english graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, english degree recipients from Benedictine College generally make around $32,214. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Benedictine College admits about 98% of applicants.
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 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 · 27 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.