2026 Best English Language & Literature Schools in Iowa
English Language & Literature is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. While the number of schools offering the program varies, there are still top-quality ones to be found.
For its 2026 ranking, College Factual looked at 37 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for english language & literature students pursuing a degree.
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Best Schools for English Language & Literature in Iowa
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall english language & literature education in Iowa.
Top Schools in English Language & Literature
Our analysis ranked Grinnell College the best school in the country for a degree in english language & literature. Set in the town of Grinnell, Grinnell College is a small private not-for-profit institution. About 88% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 16 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at Grinnell College in the most recent data year. English Language & Literature graduates of Grinnell College earn a median of $38,888 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $18,059 to complete this degree.
More information about a degree in english language & literature from Grinnell College
A rank of #2 makes Iowa State University one of the top schools for english language & literature. This very large public university is located in the city of Ames. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 82 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at Iowa State University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the english language & literature program make about $37,811 in their early career. Iowa State University graduates carry a median of $24,000 in student loans.
See the full english language & literature program report for Iowa State University
Drake University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in english language & literature, landing the #3 spot this year. Drake University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Des Moines. The six-year graduation rate is 73%. There were roughly 22 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at Drake University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, english language & literature degree recipients from Drake University generally make around $56,228. Students borrow a median of $22,273 to complete this degree.
See the full english language & literature program report for Drake University
University Of Northern Iowa is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in english language & literature, landing the #4 spot this year. This large public university is located in the city of Cedar Falls. The six-year graduation rate is 68%. About 20 english language & literature degrees were awarded at University Of Northern Iowa in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, english language & literature degree recipients from University Of Northern Iowa generally make around $41,870. University Of Northern Iowa graduates carry a median of $24,274 in student loans.
See the full english language & literature program report for University Of Northern Iowa
University Of Iowa is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in english language & literature, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Iowa City, University Of Iowa is a very large public university. About 75% of students finish within six years. About 269 english language & literature degrees were awarded at University Of Iowa in the most recent year. Students who receive their english language & literature degree from University Of Iowa earn around $29,329 in the first couple years of their career. University Of Iowa graduates carry a median of $24,738 in student loans.
Read more about the english language & literature program at University Of Iowa
Luther College earned the #6 position for english language & literature this year. Luther College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Decorah. Roughly 71% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 10 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at Luther College in the most recent data year. Graduates of the english language & literature program make about $38,490 in their early career. Luther College graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans.
Read more about the english language & literature program at Luther College
Des Moines Area Community College landed the #7 spot for english language & literature this year. Located in the suburb of Ankeny, Des Moines Area Community College is a very large public university. There were roughly 13 english language & literature students who graduated with this degree at Des Moines Area Community College in the most recent data year. English Language & Literature graduates of Des Moines Area Community College earn a median of $43,121 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $14,956.
See the full english language & literature program report for Des Moines Area Community College
More English Language & Literature Rankings
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Notes and References
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 37 schools evaluated.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
