Find a Job You Really Want In
Choosing to major in English often leads to playful teasing about job prospects from family and friends. However, this perception is outdated: English graduates are highly valued across various industries, especially in roles centered around communication. Recent studies indicate that the lifetime earnings of English majors can surpass traditional expectations, highlighting their versatility and the demand for their skills in today’s job market.
The institution you choose can significantly impact your earning potential and career trajectory. Understanding how graduates from different universities fare in the workforce is essential in making an informed decision about your education.
At Zippia, we evaluated 466 public colleges across the United States to identify the best options for English majors. Our analysis considered various factors to bring you the top ten institutions.
Here’s a quick look at our top ten public colleges for English majors:
- CUNY Bernard M. Baruch College
- University of California-Berkeley
- CUNY City College
- California State University-Long Beach
- University of California-Los Angeles
- San Diego State University
- University of Utah
- California State University-Fullerton
- San Jose State University
- CUNY Queens College
English majors are thriving, especially in regions like New York and California, with promising opportunities in places like Salt Lake City, UT. Go Utes!
Continue reading for an in-depth breakdown of the top ten schools for English majors.
How We Identified the Best Public Colleges for English Majors
Studying English involves critical thinking and analysis. To determine the best colleges for English majors, we utilized a data-driven approach, comparing schools based on their performance metrics.
Our research included data from the NCES (National Center for Education Statistics) and College Scorecard data from ED.gov, focusing on the following criteria:
- Career Outcomes
- Mean Earnings After 6 Years
- Mean Earnings After 10 Years
- Employment Ratio After 10 Years
- English Program Focus
- Percentage of Graduating Class That Are English Majors (higher percentages are better)
- Institutional Performance
- Admissions Rate (more selective schools are preferred)
- Graduation Rate
- Average Cost of Attendance (lower is better)
- Average Student Debt
We ranked each of the 466 institutions based on these criteria, with 1 representing the best score in each category, and averaged the ranks to create the “English Quality Index.” The institution with the highest score, CUNY Bernard M. Baruch College, was recognized as the ‘Best Public College for English’ in the United States.
1. CUNY Bernard M. Baruch College
Annual Cost: $15,112.00
Percent English: 1.33%
Median Earnings 10 Years: $59,200.00
Median Debt: $10,000.00
Baruch College, known for its strong business programs, has also produced notable alumni such as author Upton Sinclair. Its Newman Vertical Campus has received multiple awards for architectural excellence.
2. University of California-Berkeley
Annual Cost: $32,715.00
Percent English: 5.16%
Median Earnings 10 Years: $78,600.00
Median Debt: $14,480.00
UC Berkeley is recognized nationally for its distinguished English program and innovative research. The institution boasts a long list of notable alumni and has been involved in major scientific breakthroughs.
3. CUNY City College
Annual Cost: $14,041.00
Percent English: 6.37%
Median Earnings 10 Years: $49,100.00
Median Debt: $10,000.00
City College of New York, the first free public university in the nation, is celebrated for its diverse alumni, including numerous Nobel laureates.
4. California State University-Long Beach
Annual Cost: $18,085.00
Percent English: 8.89%
Median Earnings 10 Years: $50,200.00
Median Debt: $14,494.00
CSU Long Beach is known for its commitment to sustainability and has produced successful alumni in various fields, including entertainment.
5. University of California-Los Angeles
Annual Cost: $31,474.00
Percent English: 4.97%
Median Earnings 10 Years: $70,200.00
Median Debt: $15,200.00
UCLA is not only recognized for its beautiful campus but also as a leading institution for research and the arts, frequently serving as a filming location.
6. San Diego State University
Annual Cost: $20,252.00
Percent English: 6.88%
Median Earnings 10 Years: $52,600.00
Median Debt: $14,495.00
San Diego State is renowned for its research initiatives and boasts a vibrant campus life along with a commitment to sustainability.
7. University of Utah
Annual Cost: $19,048.00
Percent English: 2.93%
Median Earnings 10 Years: $58,600.00
Median Debt: $12,839.00
Known for its extensive research efforts, the University of Utah is a leader in sustainability, deriving a significant portion of its energy from renewable sources.
8. California State University-Fullerton
Annual Cost: $16,663.00
Percent English: 2.60%
Median Earnings 10 Years: $49,700.00
Median Debt: $12,900.50
Cal State Fullerton is known for its diverse student body and commitment to community engagement, featuring a notable arboretum on campus.
9. San Jose State University
Annual Cost: $21,160.00
Percent English: 4.81%
Median Earnings 10 Years: $60,300.00
Median Debt: $14,000.00
San Jose State has a reputation for its academic excellence and strong connections to Silicon Valley, making it an excellent choice for students interested in technology and innovation.
10. CUNY Queens College
Annual Cost: $13,676.00
Percent English: 4.67%
Median Earnings 10 Years: $51,500.00
Median Debt: $9,054.00
CUNY Queens College is celebrated for its diverse student population and historical significance, including a strong legacy of involvement in civil rights.
In Conclusion
For more insights into English Literature and Language majors, visit our English majors resource page, where you’ll find essential skills, interview tips, job postings, and a comprehensive career map.
Explore the full list of the top U.S. Public Colleges for English Majors below. Good luck!
Author
Ryan Morris was a writer for the Zippia Advice blog who tried to make the job process a little more entertaining for all those involved. He obtained his BA and Masters from Appalachian State University.
