by our College Data Analytics Team
[General English Language Literature](/majors/english-language-literature/general-english-language-literature/) is a field where your choice of school can shape what you earn after graduation. The highest-paying schools turn a general english language literature degree into the strongest early-career earnings.
College Factual analyzed 7 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.
Drake University earned the #1 spot for highest-paid general english language literature graduates in Iowa. Located in the city of Des Moines, Drake University is a private not-for-profit institution. Early-career general english language literature graduates from Drake University make a median of around $56,288 per year.
Strong graduate earnings at University Of Northern Iowa earned it the #2 place for general english language literature. University Of Northern Iowa is a public school located in the city of Cedar Falls. Early-career general english language literature graduates from University Of Northern Iowa make a median of around $47,249 per year.
A rank of #3 makes Simpson College one of the highest-paying schools for general english language literature. Set in the town of Indianola, Simpson College 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 $43,639.
Strong graduate earnings at Luther College earned it the #4 place for general english language literature. Located in the town of Decorah, Luther College is a private not-for-profit institution. General English Language Literature graduates of Luther College earn a median of about $43,688 a year early in their careers.
Students chasing top earnings in general english language literature will find them at Iowa State University, which ranked #5. Located in the city of Ames, Iowa State University is a public institution. Early-career general english language literature graduates from Iowa State University make a median of around $42,745 per year.
University Of Iowa landed the #6 spot for general english language literature salaries this year. Located in the city of Iowa City, University Of Iowa is a public institution. Students who complete the general english language literature program here go on to a median salary of roughly $47,708.
Grinnell College earned the #7 position for general english language literature graduate earnings this year. Located in the town of Grinnell, Grinnell College is a private not-for-profit institution. Early-career general english language literature graduates from Grinnell College make a median of around $28,164 per year.
This list is compiled by College Factual, 2026 edition. Schools are ranked on the median early-career earnings of their general english language literature graduates, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard field-of-study earnings and IPEDS).
Ranking method: College Major Earnings · 7 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.