by our College Data Analytics Team
[General Writing](/majors/english-language-literature/writing-studies/writing-general/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 5 schools to find the best return on investment for general writing students.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the general writing degrees they offer, see the list below.
Ferris State University tops our 2027 list of the best value general writing schools in Michigan. Set in the town of Big Rapids, Ferris State University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,778 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete the general writing program here. Early-career general writing graduates make about $23,508. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%.
Oakland University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general writing, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Rochester Hills, Oakland University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,167, with out-of-state students paying around $24,735. Typical student debt for general writing graduates is $25,500. General Writing graduates of Oakland University earn a median of $54,785 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Oakland University admits about 88% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in general writing will find it at Western Michigan University, which ranked #3. Set in the city of Kalamazoo, Western Michigan University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,987, while out-of-state students pay about $19,952. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the general writing program here. Early-career general writing graduates make about $21,468. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.
Grand Valley State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general writing, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the town of Allendale, Grand Valley State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,502, while out-of-state students pay about $21,894. Typical student debt for general writing graduates is $25,000. General Writing graduates of Grand Valley State University earn a median of $31,016 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #5 makes Central Michigan University one of the best values for general writing. Set in the town of Mount Pleasant, Central Michigan University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,480. Students borrow a median of $27,857 to complete the general writing program here. General Writing graduates of Central Michigan University earn a median of $50,688 early in their careers. Set against $27,857 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 5 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.