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 highest-paying schools turn a general english language literature degree into the strongest early-career earnings.
College Factual analyzed 4 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the highest-paying general english language literature schools.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools send general english language literature graduates into the highest-paying careers, see the list below.
Our analysis ranked American Public University System the top school for general english language literature graduate earnings in West Virginia. American Public University System is a private for-profit school located in the town of Charles Town. Early-career general english language literature graduates from American Public University System make a median of around $40,154 per year.
Marshall University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying general english language literature schools. Set in the city of Huntington, Marshall University is a public institution. Early-career general english language literature graduates from Marshall University make a median of around $45,421 per year.
West Virginia University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying general english language literature schools. West Virginia University is a public school located in the city of Morgantown. Students who complete the general english language literature program here go on to a median salary of roughly $41,351.
Students chasing top earnings in general english language literature will find them at Shepherd University, which ranked #4. Located in the rural area of Shepherdstown, Shepherd University is a public institution. Students who complete the general english language literature program here go on to a median salary of roughly $27,186.
The ranking above is published 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 · 4 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.