by our College Data Analytics Team
[Writing Studies](/majors/english-language-literature/writing-studies/) programs reward a close look at where graduates go on to earn the most. A top-earning program sends graduates into careers with strong starting pay.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 6 schools on the early-career earnings of their writing studies graduates.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools whose writing studies graduates go on to earn the most.
James Madison University tops our 2026 list of the highest-paying writing studies schools in Virginia. James Madison University is a public school located in the city of Harrisonburg. Writing Studies graduates of James Madison University earn a median of about $68,972 a year early in their careers.
Strong graduate earnings at Old Dominion University earned it the #2 place for writing studies. Old Dominion University is a public school located in the city of Norfolk. Early-career writing studies graduates from Old Dominion University make a median of around $53,896 per year.
George Mason University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying writing studies schools. Located in the suburb of Fairfax, George Mason University is a public institution. After graduating, writing studies degree recipients from George Mason University typically earn about $67,354 annually.
Hollins University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying writing studies schools. Located in the suburb of Roanoke, Hollins University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students who complete the writing studies program here go on to a median salary of roughly $35,408.
A rank of #5 makes Liberty University one of the highest-paying schools for writing studies. Located in the city of Lynchburg, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. Writing Studies graduates of Liberty University earn a median of about $35,180 a year early in their careers.
Roanoke College landed the #6 spot for writing studies salaries this year. Roanoke College is a private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Salem. Students who complete the writing studies program here go on to a median salary of roughly $19,925.
The ranking above is published by College Factual, 2026 edition. Schools are ranked on the median early-career earnings of their writing studies graduates, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard field-of-study earnings and IPEDS).
Ranking method: College Major Earnings · 6 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.