by our College Data Analytics Team
[Writing Studies](/majors/english-language-literature/writing-studies/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong writing studies education at a price that pays off.
College Factual analyzed 10 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value writing studies schools.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the writing studies degrees they offer, see the list below.
Leading the list is College Of Dupage, our #1 best value for writing studies in Illinois. Located in the suburb of Glen Ellyn, College Of Dupage is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,560, with out-of-state students paying around $12,750. Writing Studies graduates carry a median of $12,492 in student loans. Early-career writing studies graduates make about $43,025. Set against $12,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #2 makes Eastern Illinois University one of the best values for writing studies. Set in the town of Charleston, Eastern Illinois University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,377, compared with $15,859 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for writing studies graduates is $24,293. Writing Studies graduates of Eastern Illinois University earn a median of $43,603 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Chicago earned it the #3 place for writing studies. University Of Chicago is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,324. Typical student debt for writing studies graduates is $15,854. Early-career writing studies graduates make about $81,002. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 4%.
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best value writing studies schools. Set in the city of Champaign, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for writing studies graduates is $23,250. Writing Studies graduates of University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign earn a median of $24,225 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Elmhurst College earned it the #5 place for writing studies. Located in the suburb of Elmhurst, Elmhurst College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $42,955 in tuition and fees. Writing Studies graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. Early-career writing studies graduates make about $33,556. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Elmhurst College admits about 74% of applicants.
Knox College landed the #6 spot for writing studies value this year. Knox College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Galesburg. Students from in state pay about $57,903 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for writing studies graduates is $26,976. Soon after graduation, writing studies degree recipients from Knox College generally make around $15,466. Set against $26,976 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted.
Columbia College Chicago came in at #7 for value in writing studies this year. Set in the city of Chicago, Columbia College Chicago is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,088. Writing Studies graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career writing studies graduates make about $29,516. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Columbia College Chicago admits about 90% of applicants.
Depaul University earned the #8 position for value in writing studies this year. Set in the city of Chicago, Depaul University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,405. Writing Studies graduates carry a median of $25,340 in student loans. Early-career writing studies graduates make about $49,334. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Depaul University admits about 76% of applicants.
Loyola University Chicago ranked #9 on our 2027 list of the best value writing studies schools. Located in the city of Chicago, Loyola University Chicago is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,710. Students borrow a median of $23,521 to complete the writing studies program here. Soon after graduation, writing studies degree recipients from Loyola University Chicago generally make around $58,568. That is a strong return on a $23,521 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.
School Of The Art Institute Of Chicago came in at #10 for value in writing studies this year. Set in the city of Chicago, School Of The Art Institute Of Chicago is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $54,623. Typical student debt for writing studies graduates is $27,000. Writing Studies graduates of School Of The Art Institute Of Chicago earn a median of $37,157 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 10 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 10 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.