Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025

Badge for BEST FOR ENGLISH LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES
By Dr. James Barham and Jenn Finley
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Published:
Updated:

The best English / literature liberal arts colleges are those with rich histories of influence, proven through the work produced by the program’s faculty and alumni. Beyond demonstrating scholarly impact in the field, the best English degree programs maximize your opportunities to interact with outstanding English faculty.

Key Takeaways

  • The best liberal arts colleges for English majors are recognized for their track record of academic excellence, faculty credentials and influence, and student support services. Their bachelor’s degree programs in the English language and English literature are the training grounds for future teachers, public relations specialists, and authors, among other occupations.
  • Students interested in becoming an English major must possess above-average communication skills, both oral and writing skills. Liberal arts colleges are known for their selective admissions standards and qualified students have been carefully screened.
  • English as a liberal arts degree also demands soft skills like critical thinking and communication skills.

Top 10 Liberal Arts Colleges English Programs in 2025

  1. Wesleyan University
  2. Amherst College
  3. Swarthmore College
    +1
  4. United States Military Academy
    +15
  5. Williams College
    –2
  6. Smith College
    +3
  7. Oberlin College
    +6
  8. Wellesley College
  9. Barnard College
    –4
  10. United States Naval Academy
    +11

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the top ten best liberal arts colleges for English degrees saw a considerable amount of movement. The United States Military Academy climbed up the ranking to the fourth position. This was due to the school’s commitment to introducing new interdisciplinary courses that combine literature with military history, leadership, and ethics, offering students a broader context for analyzing texts. Additionally, new writing and communication programs have been introduced, focusing on effective communication in both military and civilian leadership roles. The academy has also increased opportunities for students to engage in public speaking, debate, and writing workshops, which are essential skills for English majors.

Featured Programs

Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees

  1. #1

    Wesleyan University

    Middletown , CT
    #1 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #2 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Connecticut 2025 #1 Best Small Colleges in Connecticut 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1415/32

    Career Outlook for English degree at Wesleyan University

    Cost of Degree: $67,016
    Expenses: $21,704
    Starting Salary: $38,356
    Salary after 4 years: $54,403
    Cost Recoup Time: 21 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Wesleyan University known for?

    Wesleyan University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Wesleyan University English Major Concentrations:

    • Literature
    • Creative Writing
    Source
    Compare school
  2. #2

    Amherst College

    Amherst , MA
    #3 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #3 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #5 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #1 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1485/33

    Career Outlook for English degree at Amherst College

    Cost of Degree: $67,280
    Expenses: $20,360
    Starting Salary: $50,395
    Salary after 4 years: $71,479
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Amherst College known for?

    Amherst College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Amherst English Major:

    • English
    Source
    Compare school
  3. #3

    Swarthmore College

    Swarthmore , PA
    #4 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #4 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #1 Best Small Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1500/33

    Career Outlook for English degree at Swarthmore College

    Cost of Degree: $62,412
    Expenses: $21,691
    Starting Salary: $42,349
    Salary after 4 years: $60,067
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Swarthmore College known for?

    Swarthmore College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Swarthmore College English Major Concentration:

    • Creative Writing
    Source
    Compare school
  4. #4

    United States Military Academy

    West Point , NY
    #5 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York 2025 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in New York 2025 #5 Best Public Colleges in New York 2024
    Other Rankings

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    88%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1335/30

    What is United States Military Academy known for?

    United States Military Academy’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    West Point English Majors:

    • English
    • Philosophy
    Source
    Compare school
  6. #5

    Williams College

    Williamstown , MA
    #5 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #6 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #2 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2025 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    8%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1525/34

    Career Outlook for English degree at Williams College

    Cost of Degree: $64,860
    Expenses: $20,000
    Starting Salary: $54,327
    Salary after 4 years: $77,057
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Williams College known for?

    Williams College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Williams College English Major:

    • BA in English
    Source
    Compare school
  7. #6

    Smith College

    Northampton , MA
    #6 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #7 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #3 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2025 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    23%

    Graduation

    89%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1445/32

    Career Outlook for English degree at Smith College

    Cost of Degree: $61,568
    Expenses: $24,462
    Starting Salary: $30,915
    Salary after 4 years: $43,849
    Cost Recoup Time: 23 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Smith College known for?

    Smith College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Smith College English Major Concentrations:

    • Literature Emphasis
    • Creative Writing Emphasis
    Source
    Compare school
  8. #7

    Oberlin College

    Oberlin , OH
    #7 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #8 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #1 Best Small Colleges in Ohio 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Ohio 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    35%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1445/31

    Career Outlook for English degree at Oberlin College

    Cost of Degree: $64,646
    Expenses: $22,758
    Starting Salary: $27,527
    Salary after 4 years: $39,043
    Cost Recoup Time: 25 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Oberlin College known for?

    Oberlin College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Oberlin College English Major:

    • English
    Source
    Compare school
  9. #8

    Wellesley College

    Wellesley , MA
    #9 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #9 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #4 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2025 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1490/34

    Career Outlook for English degree at Wellesley College

    Cost of Degree: $64,320
    Expenses: $21,970
    Starting Salary: $43,438
    Salary after 4 years: $61,611
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Wellesley College known for?

    Wellesley College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Wellesley College English Major Concentrations:

    • English
    • English and Creative Writing
    Source
    Compare school
  10. #9

    Barnard College

    New York , NY
    #10 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #10 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #2 Best Small Colleges in New York 2025 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1495/33

    Career Outlook for English degree at Barnard College

    Cost of Degree: $66,246
    Expenses: $23,562
    Starting Salary: $42,167
    Salary after 4 years: $59,809
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Barnard College known for?

    Barnard College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Barnard College English Major Concentrations:

    • American Literature
    • Creative Writing
    • Film Studies
    • Theatre
    Source
    Compare school
  13. #11

    Vassar College

    Poughkeepsie , NY
    #11 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #13 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #3 Best Small Colleges in New York 2025 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    19%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1482/33

    Career Outlook for English degree at Vassar College

    Cost of Degree: $67,805
    Expenses: $19,665
    Starting Salary: $37,206
    Salary after 4 years: $52,773
    Cost Recoup Time: 21 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Vassar College known for?

    Vassar College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Vassar College English Major:

    • English
    Source
    Compare school
  14. #12

    Bryn Mawr College

    Bryn Mawr , PA
    #14 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #15 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #3 Best Small Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    31%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1387/31

    Career Outlook for English degree at Bryn Mawr College

    Cost of Degree: $62,560
    Expenses: $20,690
    Starting Salary: $36,904
    Salary after 4 years: $52,344
    Cost Recoup Time: 21 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Bryn Mawr College known for?

    Bryn Mawr College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Bryn Mawr College English Major Concentration:

    • Creative Writing
    Source
    Compare school
  15. #13

    San Francisco State University

    San Francisco , CA
    #16 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2025 #9 Best Public Colleges in California 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    30K

    Career Outlook for English degree at San Francisco State University

    Cost of Degree: $7,424
    Expenses: $23,032
    Starting Salary: $34,068
    Salary after 4 years: $45,635
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is San Francisco State University known for?

    San Francisco State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    SFSU English Major Concentrations:

    • Literature
    • English Education
    • Professional Writing and Rhetoric
    • Linguistics
    Source
    Compare school
  16. #14

    Reed College

    Portland , OR
    #1 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #17 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #17 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Oregon 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    31%

    Graduation

    80%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1410/31

    Career Outlook for English degree at Reed College

    Cost of Degree: $67,020
    Expenses: $19,520
    Starting Salary: $31,883
    Salary after 4 years: $45,222
    Cost Recoup Time: 23 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Reed College known for?

    Reed College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Reed College English Major Concentrations:

    • Creative Writing
    Source
    Compare school
  18. #15

    Mount Holyoke College

    South Hadley , MA
    #18 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #18 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2025 #6 Best Small Colleges in Massachusetts 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    40%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1445/32

    Career Outlook for English degree at Mount Holyoke College

    Cost of Degree: $64,142
    Expenses: $20,838
    Starting Salary: $32,609
    Salary after 4 years: $46,251
    Cost Recoup Time: 22 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Mount Holyoke College known for?

    Mount Holyoke College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Mount Holyoke English Major Concentration:

    • Creative Writing
    Source
    Compare school
  19. #16

    Haverford College

    Haverford , PA
    #19 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #20 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #2 Best Small Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1485/34

    Career Outlook for English degree at Haverford College

    Cost of Degree: $68,020
    Expenses: $22,082
    Starting Salary: $45,434
    Salary after 4 years: $64,443
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Haverford College known for?

    Haverford College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Haverford College English Major:

    • Creative Writing
    Source
    Compare school
  20. #17

    Pomona College

    Claremont , CA
    #20 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #21 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #2 Best Small Colleges in California 2025 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    Career Outlook for English degree at Pomona College

    Cost of Degree: $62,326
    Expenses: $22,974
    Starting Salary: $46,765
    Salary after 4 years: $66,331
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Pomona College known for?

    Pomona College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Pomona College English Major:

    • English
    Source
    Compare school
  22. #19

    Bowdoin College

    Brunswick , ME
    #25 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2025 #1 Best Private Colleges in Maine 2025 #1 Best Small Colleges in Maine 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1510/34

    Career Outlook for English degree at Bowdoin College

    Cost of Degree: $64,910
    Expenses: $20,190
    Starting Salary: $50,395
    Salary after 4 years: $71,479
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Bowdoin College known for?

    Bowdoin College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Bowdoin College English Major Concentration:

    • Creative Writing
    Source
    Compare school
  24. #20

    Middlebury College

    Middlebury , VT
    #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #2 Best Small Colleges in Vermont 2025 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Vermont 2025 #2 Best Private Colleges in Vermont 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    13%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1482/34

    Career Outlook for English degree at Middlebury College

    Cost of Degree: $65,280
    Expenses: $20,600
    Starting Salary: $43,498
    Salary after 4 years: $61,697
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Middlebury College known for?

    Middlebury College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Middlebury College English Major Concentration:

    • Creative Writing
    Source
    Compare school
  25. #21

    Colgate University

    Hamilton , NY
    #7 Best Small Colleges in New York 2025 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1470/33

    Career Outlook for English degree at Colgate University

    Cost of Degree: $67,024
    Expenses: $20,046
    Starting Salary: $49,064
    Salary after 4 years: $69,592
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Colgate University known for?

    Colgate University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Colgate University English Majors:

    • English Literature
    • Creative Writing
    Source
    Compare school
  26. #22

    Kenyon College

    Gambier , OH
    #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Ohio 2025 #3 Best Small Colleges in Ohio 2024 #4 Best Private Colleges in Ohio 2024 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $66K

    Acceptance

    34%

    Graduation

    87%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1432/32

    Career Outlook for English degree at Kenyon College

    Cost of Degree: $69,330
    Expenses: $18,260
    Starting Salary: $32,972
    Salary after 4 years: $46,766
    Cost Recoup Time: 23 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Kenyon College known for?

    Kenyon College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Kenyon College English Major Concentrations:

    • Literature
    • Creative Writing
    Source
    Compare school
  27. #23

    Davidson College

    Davidson , NC
    #4 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2025 #1 Best Small Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in North Carolina 2025 #2 Best Christian Colleges in North Carolina 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    17%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1425/32

    Career Outlook for English degree at Davidson College

    Cost of Degree: $60,050
    Expenses: $19,175
    Starting Salary: $43,014
    Salary after 4 years: $61,011
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Davidson College known for?

    Davidson College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Davidson College English Major:

    • AB in English
    Source
    Compare school
  28. #24

    Claremont McKenna College

    Claremont , CA
    #5 Best Small Colleges in California 2025 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    10%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1495/34

    Career Outlook for English degree at Claremont McKenna College

    Cost of Degree: $64,150
    Expenses: $22,350
    Starting Salary: $56,384
    Salary after 4 years: $79,975
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Claremont McKenna College known for?

    Claremont McKenna College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    CMC English Major:

    • Literature
    Source
    Compare school
  30. #25

    Hamilton College

    Clinton , NY
    #21 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1480/33

    Career Outlook for English degree at Hamilton College

    Cost of Degree: $62,740
    Expenses: $18,490
    Starting Salary: $44,950
    Salary after 4 years: $63,757
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Hamilton College known for?

    Hamilton College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Hamilton College English Major:

    • Literature and Creative Writing
    Source
    Compare school

Career Outlook for Students with English Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

English Language And Literature

Degree Level: Bachelor's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $29,839
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $39,970
  • * denotes ‘annually’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary1.14%$78,130
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education-0.64%$65,220
Proofreaders and Copy Markers-2.99%$48,790

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary$78,130
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education$65,220
Proofreaders and Copy Markers$48,790
Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.

A bachelor’s degree in English (also referred to as an literature major in many schools) is an excellent starting point for a career in journalism, education, publishing, and a host of other exciting and creative fields. As an English major, you’ll refine your compositional skills, engage in critical reading, and explore the connection between literature and a vast array of other disciplines, including philosophy, history, and business. The best schools for English / literature are those which are regionally accredited, which offer a full array of literature and English concentrations, and which give you the chance to work with the best and most influential professors and classmates.

Degree popularity: English bachelor’s degrees are the 23rd most popular undergraduate degrees across all student demographics, ranking much higher for women at 15th versus 39th for men. It’s most popular among White women for whom it ranks 14th, followed by Hispanic women for whom it ranks 24th, according to the number of degree earners reported by the National Center for Educational Statistics

Exploring English Degrees in Liberal Arts Schools

The best liberal arts colleges for English degrees introduce students to the wide range of literature and other works in the English language. But while there’s the possibility of personal fulfillment and professional success with an English degree, students interested in becoming English majors must also be aware of the challenges.

 

Admission Requirements

The challenge starts with admission into the best bachelor’s degree program of your choice! The best English degree programs have selective admissions criteria and requirements, thus, prospective students must be well-prepared with their academic credentials and documents.

While the admissions criteria (i.e., weight given to each criterion) differs among English degree programs, the common minimum requirements include:

  • A high school or an associate degree with minimum GPA
  • Minimum grades on prerequisite subjects, such as English composition
  • Official transcripts from schools attended
  • Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT)
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Personal statements (In essay form)
  • Current curriculum vitae

Many liberal arts colleges offering English degree programs also conduct interviews with qualified students to further determine their suitability (i.e., oral communication skills). Academic writing samples may also be required as proof of writing skills.

Average Time-to-completion

Bachelor’s degree programs in English typically require students to complete the academic requirements for 60 credit hours or its equivalent. This means an average time-to-completion between four and five years but the actual time-to-completion for each student can vary based on these factors:

  • Number of transfer credits from college-level courses, such as from an associate degree or Advanced Placement courses
  • Part-time or full-time matriculation
  • Internship or practicum hours required, if any

The choice between on-campus and online programs will also affect your level of academic success in an English degree program. Many of the best liberals arts colleges offer students the choice between these formats.

Academic Evaluations and Challenges

Since online and on-campus English degree programs feature the same curriculum, all students must meet the standards for academic excellence. Students must read a broad range of works in English literature, which demands above-average critical reading skills, and submit papers, among other requirements.

The methods for academic evaluations determine the students’ progress in the English degree programs, too. Liberal arts colleges use these evaluation methods:

  • Class participation in lectures, discussions and recitations
  • Assignment submissions including various types of papers
  • Journals and portfolios
  • Quizzes and exams

Academic misdemeanors, such as plagiarism and cheating, can be met with punishments, such as suspension or expulsion.

Internship and/or practicum opportunities may be available in the best liberal arts colleges, too. The hands-on experiences are gained in diverse workplaces, too, from colleges and universities to public relations firms.

Technical and Transferable Skills Development

The beauty of an English degree lies in the set of valuable skills that students develop during the program. Technical skills, such as professional writing skills, creative writing skills, and technical writing skills in the English language, are emphasized. But students also develop transferable skills including:

  • Critical thinking skills
  • Communication skills
  • Storytelling and presentation skills
  • Creativity

No wonder graduates of English degree programs in liberal arts colleges find gainful employment in diverse occupations and enjoy personal fulfillment, too! The bachelor’s degree is also a stepping stone toward a master’s degree and, if you so desire, a doctorate degree in English.

A liberal arts degree in English from a top-ranked program can open career opportunities in technical writing. Find out what else you can do with a liberal arts degree.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Per-credit costs for an English degree ranges between $180 and $600+ with the actual pre-credit costs depending on the type of institution (whether public or private). Financial aid is available in the form of federal and state financial aid, scholarships, and grants.

Like all other bachelor’s degrees, an English degree from a liberal arts college is what you make of it—leveraging it to your advantage is key to your success.

If you think a research university may be a better fit for you, see our ranking of the best research universities for a bachelor’s in English.

Go to all Liberal Arts Colleges for English programs

The Best English Schools in Your State

Go to the best english schools in Alabama! Go to the best english schools in Alaska! Go to the best english schools in Arizona! Go to the best english schools in Arkansas! Go to the best english schools in California! Go to the best english schools in Colorado! Go to the best english schools in Connecticut! Go to the best english schools in Delaware! Go to the best english schools in District Of Columbia! Go to the best english schools in Florida! Go to the best english schools in Georgia! Go to the best english schools in Hawaii! Go to the best english schools in Idaho! Go to the best english schools in Illinois! Go to the best english schools in Indiana! Go to the best english schools in Iowa! Go to the best english schools in Kansas! Go to the best english schools in Kentucky! Go to the best english schools in Louisiana! Go to the best english schools in Maine! Go to the best english schools in Maryland! Go to the best english schools in Massachusetts! Go to the best english schools in Michigan! Go to the best english schools in Minnesota! Go to the best english schools in Mississippi! Go to the best english schools in Missouri! Go to the best english schools in Montana! Go to the best english schools in Nebraska! Go to the best english schools in Nevada! Go to the best english schools in New Hampshire! Go to the best english schools in New Jersey! Go to the best english schools in New Mexico! Go to the best english schools in New York! Go to the best english schools in North Carolina! Go to the best english schools in North Dakota! Go to the best english schools in Ohio! Go to the best english schools in Oklahoma! Go to the best english schools in Oregon! Go to the best english schools in Pennsylvania! Go to the best english schools in Puerto Rico! Go to the best english schools in Rhode Island! Go to the best english schools in South Carolina! Go to the best english schools in South Dakota! Go to the best english schools in Tennessee! Go to the best english schools in Texas! Go to the best english schools in Utah! Go to the best english schools in Vermont! Go to the best english schools in Virginia! Go to the best english schools in Washington! Go to the best english schools in West Virginia! Go to the best english schools in Wisconsin! Go to the best english schools in Wyoming!
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