### SUMMARY

 Majoring in English Language and Literature is not only a valuable choice, but generally a mandatory first step for scholars intending to begin a career as a content editor, a news editor, or a social media manager. In fact, english language and literature is a surprisingly popular major choice, ranking as the 18th most popular major. Last year, there were 34,070 english language and literature diplomas received. In-state tuition for english language and literature at private colleges is, on average, 4.1 times more expensive than their public peers.

 With an impressive 1325 schools having programs for english language and literature odds are that any universities you are interested in will have an option for you. If you are looking to immerse yourself with other english language and literature majors, look at colleges in California which have more undergraduates admitted to english language and literature than any other state. Zooming out, the best region to study english language and literature is in the Southeast region with [University of Central Florida](/colleges/university-of-central-florida), [Florida International University](/colleges/florida-international-university), and [Florida State University](/colleges/florida-state-university) best representing the region. Interestingly, our pick for the best conference to major in english language and literature is the Pacific-12 Conference with [University of California-Berkeley](/colleges/university-of-california-berkeley), [University of California-Los Angeles](/colleges/university-of-california-los-angeles), and [Arizona State University-Skysong](/colleges/arizona-state-university-skysong) representing the conference. Based on our extensive list of the [best colleges](/rankings/best-colleges), our choice for the best college for english language and literature is [Massachusetts Institute of Technology](/colleges/massachusetts-institute-of-technology).

 The objectively 'best' school is not necessarily the 'best' school for every student. There might be many more perspectives to consider when selecting college. Features such as campus amenities, transportation services, and food might definitely sway your inclinations on where to go to college. Here at authority.org, we have examined the pros and cons for you. If, for example, you are interested in which english language and literature college has the best campus, the answer is [Harvard University](/colleges/harvard-university). If you are very interested in which school is home to the best campus, we have a whole page [dedicated to that](/rankings/best-college-campuses). We have carefully pored through professor reviews, government databases, student reviews, and more to compare each major in an unbiased and informative way. Here you can find our well researched list for the universities with the [best student life](/rankings/best-student-life)&nbspand, from that list, our selection of the university with the best student life for english language and literature is [Cornell University](/colleges/cornell-university). Are you curious why? Keep reading to find out more about our top selections. Some of our picks will probably surprise you.

 If cost is a significant influence in your choice of where you attend school, you might be cautious about [Columbia University in the City of New York](/colleges/columbia-university-in-the-city-of-new-york). [Columbia University in the City of New York](/colleges/columbia-university-in-the-city-of-new-york)&nbspappears to be our most expensive college for english language and literature, at least regarding out of state students. We do have a list of the [most expensive](/rankings/most-expensive-colleges)&nbspuniversities that could put the cost of [Columbia University in the City of New York](/colleges/columbia-university-in-the-city-of-new-york)&nbspinto perspective. You may also be interested to know that english language and literature is the 16th most expensive degree in the nation, with an average cost of $54,200. To zoom out a little, the most costly state for english language and literature in the nation is Vermont at Saint Michael's College and University of Vermont, the main universities in the state, of $45,050 and $41,280. Even more broadly, the most expensive region of the U.S. for english language and literature is the New England region which is best demonstrated with [Amherst College](/colleges/amherst-college) with a cost of $57,640, [Tufts University](/colleges/tufts-university) with a cost of $57,324, and [Brown University](/colleges/brown-university) with a cost of $57,112.

 Our cheapest region for english language and literature is the Southwest region which is represented by [Midwestern State University](/colleges/midwestern-state-university) with a cost of $7,516, [The University of Texas of the Permian Basin](/colleges/the-university-of-texas-of-the-permian-basin) with a cost of $5,767, and [West Texas A & M University](/colleges/west-texas-a-m-university) with a cost of $6,960. On the bright side, the most affordable school for english language and literature is [Florida State University](/colleges/florida-state-university). Authority's full list of the most affordable colleges can be explored [here](/rankings/most-affordable-colleges).

 In-state learners can anticipate paying in the neighborhood of $9,700 for a degree in english language and literature. That cost grows intensely to an average of $21,800 for an out-of-state public-school student. Our choice for the college representing the best value for english language and literature: [Massachusetts Institute of Technology](/colleges/massachusetts-institute-of-technology). Through this link you can find our comprehensive list for the colleges we believe to be the [best value](/rankings/best-value-colleges)&nbspoverall. That being said, this list is predicated on the assumption that you are an out-of-state student. The value proposition changes when it comes to in-state tuition, but we do not know in which states any one student has residency.

 Earnings for english language and literature students range widely, but two-years after completing the major graduates will regularly earn around $42,200. While there is much variation in pay; top earners can make up to $85,700. Right out of college, the minimum earning opportunities within the english language and literature space make $21,000, which could be worse. The top earning graduates from english language and literature graduated from [Massachusetts Institute of Technology](/colleges/massachusetts-institute-of-technology)&nbspand if you want to find the universities with all of the [highest earning graduates](/rankings/highest-earning-graduates), we have that too.

 The all-around diversity of english language and literature is solid, ranking within the 58th percentile of all programs. The university with the highest composite diversity for english language and literature is [Massachusetts Institute of Technology](/colleges/massachusetts-institute-of-technology)&nbspand here you can find our general list for the schools which have the [most diversity](/rankings/most-diverse-colleges). The financial diversity of English Language and Literature only is in the 31st percentile of all majors. Racial diversity is actually above financial diversity, in the 52nd percentile. White undergraduates make up the largest share, 61%, of those majoring in english language and literature. Additionally, 70% of undergrads seeking an english language and literature degree are women.

 The median rating for english language and literature professors is 4.2 stars, a ranking that is 5% greater than the average score across every major; which is a good ranking. If you want to find the most popular english language and literature instructor in the country, take a look at Karen Taylor- Kusterer at [Northern Virginia Community College](/colleges/northern-virginia-community-college). This might come as a surprise, but the top ranked english language and literature instructors by student are found at [Montgomery College](/colleges/montgomery-college). As we including information beyond simply rankings we find that the school possessing comprehensively the best instructors for english language and literature is [Massachusetts Institute of Technology](/colleges/massachusetts-institute-of-technology). One can find more detail on our evolving ranking methodology of the [best overall professors here](/rankings/best-professors), as well as many of the finest examples of professors in the country.

 Finally, the most difficult school to get into for english language and literature is [Stanford University](/colleges/stanford-university). While we think of this list more as a novelty, we have an extensive page of the [hardest colleges to get into](/rankings/hardest-colleges-to-get-into). That being said, we do hope you understand that approaching the education process with a perspective primarily shaped by superlatives might cause issues. We encourage you to explore our more focused pages on different schools and read a couple of our helpful background pages on beneficial things to look out for as you continue your university search.



 ### POPULARITY

 English language and literature is the 18th most popular degree in America, with 34,070 students receiving their bachelors degree last year. It just beat out #19 [Computer Science](/rankings/best-colleges-for-computer-science), and narrowly lost to #17 [Computer and Information Sciences](/rankings/best-colleges-for-computer-and-information-sciences).

 The degree is offered at a total of 1,325 colleges across the nation, and is the 6th most widely offered degree. Given that english language and literature is offered at 88% of the Top 100 [Best Colleges](/rankings/best-colleges) in America, you can be sure this is a critical degree and the skillsets acquired are likely to last for a long time.

 It is also worth noting that 48% of colleges offering english language and literature are public making it a pretty accessible field.

 The southeast produces the most english language and literature graduates, largely led by [University of Central Florida](/colleges/university-of-central-florida), while it’s the Pacific-12 Conference that leads conference totals. As far as states, California ranks highest, with particular help from [California State University-Long Beach](/colleges/california-state-university-long-beach) and [University of California-Berkeley](/colleges/university-of-california-berkeley).

 All that being said, no individual school produces more english language and literature graduates than [Arizona Western College](/colleges/arizona-western-college), which graduated 420 students last year alone. Although size is critical, another important factor to consider is the program’s density (the percent of all students that study english language and literature). More students studied english language and literature as a percentage of total students at [Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts](/colleges/massachusetts-college-of-liberal-arts) than any other college.



 ### COST

 English language and literature is the 16th most expensive major in the nation, with a median cost of $54,150 among the top 50 programs (just ahead of #17, [Film](rankings/best-colleges-for-film), with a median cost of $54,095).

 New England has the most expensive schools with first-class english language and literature programs predominantly led by [Amherst College](/colleges/amherst-college) with an annual cost of $57,640. The most expensive state for english language and literature is Vermont led by [Saint Michael's College](/colleges/saint-michael-s-college) and [University of Vermont](/colleges/university-of-vermont).

 Public schools with solid programs typically charge 75.77% less than private schools for in-state students. When looking at out-of-state tuition however, the median top 50 Public school charges 45.18% less than your average private school. So, if you're hoping to attend a state school, make sure you qualify for in-state tuition sooner rather than later.

 The most high-priced option in the top 25 is [Columbia University in the City of New York](/colleges/columbia-university-in-the-city-of-new-york), which is the 3rd most expensive college in the United States. The most affordable option in the top 100 is [CUNY Hunter College](/colleges/cuny-hunter-college). It costs just $14,880 per year and is ranked 39th for its english language and literature program. If you’re looking for the least expensive option in the top 25, [Florida State University](/colleges/florida-state-university)  might be for you, ranked #1 with an in-state cost of just $4,022. Another more affordable pick would be #21, [The University of Texas at Austin](/colleges/the-university-of-texas-at-austin) in Travis County, TX with a cost of $10,824 for in-state students and $38,326 for out-of-state students.



### SALARY

 Paying for college is a major investment for most. It's important to be sure you are equipped to justify that investment. With that in mind, we hope the following job placement and income data help you make a well informed decision when electing your major.

 The average English Language and Literature graduate draws a first year income of $29,507 per year (bottom 16%). After some time in their professions, they can make as much as $85,659 per year down to $21,003, but average approximately $42,189. For context, that's 9% more than the United States average.

 The most common job title for an English Language and Literature graduate is Analyst, which normally earn more or less $54,000; next are Account Executive and Consultant, which for the most part make near $36,000 and $56,000 respectively.

 The most well paid region for English Language and Literature graduates is New England. The best paid state for English Language and Literature graduates is MA. The highest earning conference for English Language and Literature graduates is Big East Conference.



### PROFESSORS

 Fast Facts for English Language and Literature: Median Professor Rating: 4.2 / 5, which is Top 100.

 Professors repeatedly have an immense impact your college experience, no matter what you major in. An awesome professor could help a student find their passion and set you up for future success. Conversely, an ineffective professor can interrupt your development or even worse... fail you!

 Professors of English Language and Literature have a median student rating of 4.2 out of 5, which puts them in 92nd place in the United States grounded in student satisfaction. For context a 4.2 rating is 5% higher than the national median professor rating for all subjects. English Language and Literature professors slightly edged-out those from ["Communication and Media Studies"](/rankings/best-colleges-for-communication-and-media-studies), whereas ["Human Development and Family Studies"](/rankings/best-colleges-for-human-development-and-family-studies)&nbspprofessors ranked one slot above English Language and Literature.

 Now for some statistics about English Language and Literature professors. Colleges located in small suburbs tend to have the best English Language and Literature professors. The Eastern College Athletic Conference has the highest rated English Language and Literature professors. The Great Lakes region has the highest rated English Language and Literature professors. Public universities tend to have higher rated English Language and Literature professors than private institutions. Finally, New Jersey has the highest rated English Language and Literature professors in America.

 Karen Taylor- Kusterer, professor at [Northern Virginia Community College](/colleges/northern-virginia-community-college)&nbspin Annandale, VA is the most popular English Language and Literature professor in America. Ronnie Tornow, instructor at [Towson University](/colleges/towson-university)&nbspin Towson, MD is the highest rated English Language and Literature professor in the US, with a rating of 5 / 5.

 Take a look at which schools have the [Best Professors](/rankings/best-professors)!



### STUDENTS

 College can be an exceedingly revelatory period of one's life; it is a time for individual growth and evolution. Undergrads start to ascertain what they wish to do with their lives and learn many of the must-have skills to be a prosperous member of society. But growth also happens outside a classroom environment - the late nights discussing Marx with a schoolmate, the life lesson learned from an old instructor, the exposure to a different interpretation of the situation. As such, a diverse univeristy experience greatly enhances what one gains from the time at university.

 English Language and Literature is a slightly more racially diverse focus than average\*. 61% of the US' English Language and Literature majors are white students, followed by latino students (18%), students of other races\*\*(8%), and asian students (7%). The most racially diverse college\* in the top 100 is [University of California-Irvine](/colleges/university-of-california-irvine) located in Irvine, CA.

 Second, English Language and Literature significatly skews female, with 7/10 of students majoring in English Language and Literature identifying as women. [Pomona College](/colleges/pomona-college) in Claremont, CA has the most gender balanced student body in the top 100.

 Another important type of diversity is economic diversity. Unfortunately, English Language and Literature ranks in the bottom 31% of majors socioeconomic diversity. 32% of its majors come from households taking in north of $110,000 per year, 16% are from families taking in between $48,000 and $75,000 a year, and 23% grew up in homes earning below $30,000 a year. [University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill](/colleges/university-of-north-carolina-at-chapel-hill) is the most fiscally diverse school in the top 100.

 Considering each type of diversity, overall CA is the most diverse state for English Language and Literature. The Far West is the most diverse region, and the Pacific-12 Conference is the most diverse conference.

   \* diversity calculations and comparisons are based on [Simpson's Diversity Index](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diversity_index)   
  \*\* other races is used to refer to non asian, black, latino, or white

  #### Diversity Statistics

  ##### Racial Diversity

 * Asian: 7%
* Black: 5%
* Latino: 18%
* White: 61%
* Other: 8%
  ##### Gender Diversity

 * Male: 30%
* Female: 70%
  ##### Socioeconomic Diversity (By Household Income)

 * Under 30k: 23%
* 30k - 48k: 15%
* 48k - 75k: 16%
* 75k - 110k: 14%
* Over 110k: 32%
  ##### Geographic Diversity

 * In State: 62%
* Out of State: 30%
* International: 9%


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There are about 129,058 students enrolled in English Language and Literature in the USA.

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There are about 129,058 students enrolled in English Language and Literature in the USA.

SALARY