by our College Data Analytics Team
[General English Language Literature](/majors/english-language-literature/general-english-language-literature/) programs reward a close look at where graduates go on to earn the most. The schools below stand out for the salaries their general english language literature graduates go on to command.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 13 schools on the early-career earnings of their general english language literature graduates.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools whose general english language literature graduates go on to earn the most.
Our analysis ranked Rhodes College the top school for general english language literature graduate earnings in Tennessee. Set in the city of Memphis, Rhodes College is a private not-for-profit institution. Early-career general english language literature graduates from Rhodes College make a median of around $57,062 per year.
Students chasing top earnings in general english language literature will find them at Vanderbilt University, which ranked #2. Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit school located in the city of Nashville. Early-career general english language literature graduates from Vanderbilt University make a median of around $65,369 per year.
Tennessee Technological University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying general english language literature schools. Set in the town of Cookeville, Tennessee Technological University is a public institution. Students who complete the general english language literature program here go on to a median salary of roughly $42,294.
Students chasing top earnings in general english language literature will find them at The University Of Tennessee Martin, which ranked #4. Set in the town of Martin, The University Of Tennessee Martin is a public institution. Early-career general english language literature graduates from The University Of Tennessee Martin make a median of around $39,322 per year.
Austin Peay State University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying general english language literature schools. Located in the city of Clarksville, Austin Peay State University is a public institution. After graduating, general english language literature degree recipients from Austin Peay State University typically earn about $40,184 annually.
Middle Tennessee State University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying general english language literature schools. Located in the city of Murfreesboro, Middle Tennessee State University is a public institution. After graduating, general english language literature degree recipients from Middle Tennessee State University typically earn about $46,371 annually.
Union University came in at #7 for general english language literature graduate earnings this year. Set in the city of Jackson, Union University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students who complete the general english language literature program here go on to a median salary of roughly $34,256.
The University Of Tennessee landed the #8 spot for general english language literature salaries this year. Set in the city of Knoxville, The University Of Tennessee is a public institution. Students who complete the general english language literature program here go on to a median salary of roughly $44,483.
University Of Memphis ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying general english language literature schools. Set in the city of Memphis, University Of Memphis is a public institution. After graduating, general english language literature degree recipients from University Of Memphis typically earn about $41,064 annually.
The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga placed #10 among the highest-paying schools for general english language literature. The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga is a public school located in the city of Chattanooga. Students who complete the general english language literature program here go on to a median salary of roughly $44,017.
Lee University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying general english language literature schools. Lee University is a private not-for-profit school located in the city of Cleveland. Students who complete the general english language literature program here go on to a median salary of roughly $30,977.
Belmont University placed #12 among the highest-paying schools for general english language literature. Set in the city of Nashville, Belmont University is a private not-for-profit institution. After graduating, general english language literature degree recipients from Belmont University typically earn about $39,149 annually.
East Tennessee State University placed #13 among the highest-paying schools for general english language literature. East Tennessee State University is a public school located in the city of Johnson City. General English Language Literature graduates of East Tennessee State University earn a median of about $33,670 a year early in their careers.
This list is compiled by College Factual, 2026 edition. The methodology measures the salaries general english language literature graduates go on to earn early in their careers, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard field-of-study earnings and IPEDS).
Ranking method: College Major Earnings · 13 schools evaluated.
*Salary figures reflect median early-career earnings (about 5 years after graduation) and may vary by how long a person takes to complete their degree.
More about our data sources and methodologies.