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2023 Best Value English Language & Literature Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k

40 Ranked Colleges
7,678 Degrees Awarded
$8,200 Avg Net Price*
Best Value English Language & Literature Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k

When pursuing a degree in today’s world, students have many different options to choose from. College Factual has developed its “Best Value English Language & Literature Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking as one item you can use to help make this decision.

English Language & Literature is the 18th most popular major in the country with 54,635 degrees awarded in 2020-2021. In 2019-2020, English language and literature graduates who were awarded their degree in 2017-2019, earned an average of $30,352 and had an average of $23,972 in loans still to pay off.

Across California, there were 7,678 English language and literature graduates with average earnings and debt of $29,193 and $19,935 respectively.

This year’s “Best Value English Language & Literature Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking looked at 40 colleges that offer degrees in a bachelor’s in English language and literature. The schools that top this list are recognized because they have great English language and literature programs and cost less that schools of similar quality.

To come up with these rankings, we looked at factors such as the cost to attend the school after aid is awarded and overall quality of the English language and literature program at the school. See our ranking methodology to learn more.

More Ways to Rank English Language & Literature Schools

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Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we’ve developed a number of rankings, including this “Best Value English Language & Literature Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k” list, to help you choose the best school for you.

In addition to our rankings, you can take two colleges and compare them based on the criteria that matters most to you in our unique tool, College Combat. Test it out when you get a chance! You may also want to bookmark the link and share it with others who are trying to make the college decision.

Best Value English Language & Literature Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k

The colleges and universities below are the best for california english language & literature students whose families make $0-$30k.

Top 25 Best Value Colleges for English Language & Literature (Income $0-$30k) in California

1
Stanford crest
Stanford University
Stanford, California

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Stanford University. It ranked #1 on our 2023 Best Value English Language & Literature Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k list. Stanford, California is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s English language and literature degrees to 57 students in 2020-2021.

Stanford also made our “Best English Language & Literature Schools in California” list, coming in at #1. The yearly cost to attend Stanford University is $1,233 for california english language & literature students whose families make $0-$30k.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 0.5%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. The undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 4 to 1 is a sign that students will have more opportunities to engage with their professors one-on-one. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 86%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Full Stanford English Language & Literature Report

2

Out of the 40 schools in the Best Value English Language & Literature Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k that were part of this year’s ranking, University of California - Berkeley landed the #2 spot on the list. UC Berkeley is a public institution located in Berkeley, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 314 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

UC Berkeley did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #2 on our “Best English Language & Literature Schools in California” list. It costs about $8,450 for California English Language & Literature students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend UC Berkeley.

With a freshman retention rate of 96%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.8% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read more about English Language & Literature at University of California - Berkeley

3

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of California - Los Angeles. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Best Value English Language & Literature Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k list. University of California - Los Angeles is located in Los Angeles, California and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 348 ’s English language and literature degrees to qualified students.

In addition to being on our california english language & literature students whose families make $0-$30k list, UCLA has also earned the #3 rank in our “Best English Language & Literature Schools in California” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for UCLA is $9,037 for california english language & literature students whose families make $0-$30k.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 96%. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 1.6%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about English Language & Literature at UCLA

4

Out of the 40 schools in the Best Value English Language & Literature Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k that were part of this year’s ranking, University of California - San Diego landed the #4 spot on the list. Located in La Jolla, California, this large public school handed out 103 diplomas to qualified ’s English language and literature students in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UCSD, the school also landed the #4 spot in our “Best English Language & Literature Schools in California” ranking. The yearly cost to attend UCSD is $9,823 for California English Language & Literature students whose families make $0-$30k.

With a freshman retention rate of 94%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.0% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read full report on English Language & Literature at UCSD

5

Out of the 40 schools in the Best Value English Language & Literature Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k that were part of this year’s ranking, University of California - Davis landed the #5 spot on the list. UC Davis is a public institution located in Davis, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 210 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UC Davis, the school also landed the #7 spot in our “Best English Language & Literature Schools in California” ranking. It costs about $10,006 for California English Language & Literature students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend University of California - Davis.

With a freshman retention rate of 93%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 1.5%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read more about English Language & Literature at UC Davis

6

With a ranking of #6, California State University - Los Angeles did quite well on the 2023 Best Value English Language & Literature Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k list. California State University - Los Angeles is a large public school situated in Los Angeles, California. It awarded 101 ’s English language and literature degrees in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for Cal State LA is $1,887 for california english language & literature students whose families make $0-$30k.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 3.6%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about English Language & Literature at California State University - Los Angeles

7

University of California - Santa Barbara came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Best Value English Language & Literature Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Santa Barbara, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s English language and literature degrees to 176 students in 2020-2021.

UCSB also took the #6 spot in our “Best English Language & Literature Schools in California” ranking. The yearly cost to attend University of California - Santa Barbara is $10,568 for California English Language & Literature students whose families make $0-$30k.

With a freshman retention rate of 91%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 1.8%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on English Language & Literature at UCSB

8

California State University - Fullerton landed the #8 spot on the 2023 Best Value English Language & Literature Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. California State University - Fullerton is a large public school situated in Fullerton, California. It awarded 180 ’s English language and literature degrees in 2020-2021.

Cal State Fullerton not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #20 on our “Best English Language & Literature Schools in California” list. The yearly cost to attend California State University - Fullerton is $4,590 for california english language & literature students whose families make $0-$30k.

With a freshman retention rate of 89%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.5%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Full Cal State Fullerton English Language & Literature Report

9

With a ranking of #9, University of California - Irvine did quite well on the 2023 Best Value English Language & Literature Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k list. Irvine, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s English language and literature degrees to 163 students in 2020-2021.

UC Irvine also made our “Best English Language & Literature Schools in California” list, coming in at #10. The estimated yearly cost for UC Irvine is $6,540 for California English Language & Literature students whose families make $0-$30k.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 1.4%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 94%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Full University of California - Irvine English Language & Literature Report

10

California State University - Long Beach ranked #10 on this year’s Best Value English Language & Literature Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k list. This large school is located in Long Beach, California, and it awarded 298 ’s English language and literature degrees in 2020-2021.

CSULB also took the #16 spot in our “Best English Language & Literature Schools in California” ranking. The yearly cost to attend CSULB is $6,663 for california english language & literature students whose families make $0-$30k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.4%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 89%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Read more about English Language & Literature at CSULB

11

California State University - Northridge came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Best Value English Language & Literature Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. California State University - Northridge is a public institution located in Northridge, California. The school has a large population, and it awarded 204 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

CSUN also took the #18 spot in our “Best English Language & Literature Schools in California” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for California State University - Northridge is $6,266 for California English Language & Literature students whose families make $0-$30k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.7% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read full report on English Language & Literature at CSUN

12

California State University - Fresno did quite well in the 2023 Best Value English Language & Literature Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #12. Fresno State is located in Fresno, California and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 91 ’s English language and literature degrees to qualified students.

The yearly cost to attend Fresno State is $3,859 for California English Language & Literature students whose families make $0-$30k.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 3.2%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 87%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Full Fresno State English Language & Literature Report

13

University of California - Riverside came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Value English Language & Literature Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Located in Riverside, California, this large public school awarded 291 degrees to qualified ’s English language and literature students in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our california english language & literature students whose families make $0-$30k list, UCR has also earned the #13 rank in our “Best English Language & Literature Schools in California” ranking. The yearly cost to attend UCR is $6,810 for California English Language & Literature students whose families make $0-$30k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.3%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 91%.

Full UCR English Language & Literature Report

14

California State University - Sacramento did quite well in the 2023 Best Value English Language & Literature Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #14. This large school is located in Sacramento, California, and it awarded 181 ’s English language and literature degrees in 2020-2021.

Sac State also took the #19 spot in our “Best English Language & Literature Schools in California” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for Sac State is $8,163 for California English Language & Literature students whose families make $0-$30k.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 3.9%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about English Language & Literature at California State University - Sacramento

15

California State University - Stanislaus ranked #15 on this year’s Best Value English Language & Literature Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k list. This fairly large school is located in Turlock, California, and it awarded 85 ’s English language and literature degrees in 2020-2021.

The yearly cost to attend Stan State is $4,122 for California English Language & Literature students whose families make $0-$30k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.3%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 87%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Read more about English Language & Literature at Stan State

16
SDSU crest
San Diego State University
San Diego, California

San Diego State University did quite well in the 2023 Best Value English Language & Literature Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #16. San Diego State University is a large school located in San Diego, California that handed out 127 ’s English language and literature degrees in 2020-2021.

SDSU also made our “Best English Language & Literature Schools in California” list, coming in at #14. It costs about $7,169 for california english language & literature students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend San Diego State University.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 89%. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.2% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Full San Diego State University English Language & Literature Report

17

California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo ranked #17 on this year’s Best Value English Language & Literature Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k list. Located in San Luis Obispo, California, this large public school handed out 90 degrees to qualified ’s English language and literature students in 2020-2021.

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo also took the #11 spot in our “Best English Language & Literature Schools in California” ranking. It costs about $12,173 for California English Language & Literature students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 0.7%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 94%.

Read full report on English Language & Literature at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

18

California State University - San Bernardino came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Value English Language & Literature Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. California State University - San Bernardino is a public institution located in San Bernardino, California. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 132 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The yearly cost to attend California State University - San Bernardino is $5,985 for California English Language & Literature students whose families make $0-$30k.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 4.0%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 85%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Read full report on English Language & Literature at CSUSB

19
USC crest
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California

University of Southern California came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Best Value English Language & Literature Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Los Angeles, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s English language and literature degrees to 82 students in 2020-2021.

USC also made our “Best English Language & Literature Schools in California” list, coming in at #8. The yearly cost to attend University of Southern California is $17,287 for california english language & literature students whose families make $0-$30k.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 91%. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 1.3%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. The impressive undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 9 to 1 means that students may have more opportunities to work more closely with their professors than they would at other schools.

Read more about English Language & Literature at USC

20
San Jose State crest
San Jose State University
San Jose, California

San Jose State University came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Best Value English Language & Literature Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Located in San Jose, California, this large public school awarded 118 diplomas to qualified ’s English language and literature students in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our california english language & literature students whose families make $0-$30k list, San Jose State has also earned the #15 rank in our “Best English Language & Literature Schools in California” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for San Jose State is $12,158 for California English Language & Literature students whose families make $0-$30k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.9%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 86%.

Full San Jose State English Language & Literature Report

21
SFSU crest
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, California

With a ranking of #21, San Francisco State University did quite well on the 2023 Best Value English Language & Literature Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k list. San Francisco State University is a large public school situated in San Francisco, California. It awarded 233 ’s English language and literature degrees in 2020-2021.

SFSU not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #17 on our “Best English Language & Literature Schools in California” list. The estimated yearly cost for San Francisco State University is $10,705 for California English Language & Literature students whose families make $0-$30k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 4.3%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on English Language & Literature at San Francisco State University

22

California State Polytechnic University - Pomona did quite well in the 2023 Best Value English Language & Literature Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #22. Pomona, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s English language and literature degrees to 115 students in 2020-2021.

It costs about $10,349 for california english language & literature students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend California State Polytechnic University - Pomona.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 87%. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.6%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Full Cal Poly Pomona English Language & Literature Report

23

California State University - East Bay did quite well in the 2023 Best Value English Language & Literature Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #23. California State University - East Bay is located in Hayward, California and, has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 68 ’s English language and literature degrees to qualified students.

The estimated yearly cost for Cal State East Bay is $9,975 for California English Language & Literature students whose families make $0-$30k.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 4.4%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Full California State University - East Bay English Language & Literature Report

24

California State University - San Marcos did quite well in the 2023 Best Value English Language & Literature Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #24. Located in San Marcos, California, this fairly large public school awarded 81 diplomas to qualified ’s English language and literature students in 2020-2021.

CSUSM also took the #24 spot in our “Best English Language & Literature Schools in California” ranking. It costs about $9,397 for California English Language & Literature students whose families make $0-$30k per year to attend CSUSM.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.3%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Full CSUSM English Language & Literature Report

25

California State University - Chico ranked #25 on this year’s Best Value English Language & Literature Schools in California For Those Making $0-$30k list. This fairly large school is located in Chico, California, and it awarded 74 ’s English language and literature degrees in 2020-2021.

Chico State also made our “Best English Language & Literature Schools in California” list, coming in at #25. The yearly cost to attend Chico State is $11,754 for california english language & literature students whose families make $0-$30k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 4.0% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Full California State University - Chico English Language & Literature Report

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