Mount Saint Mary’s University (MSMU) offers an online Bachelor of Arts in English degree, and a Bachelor of Arts in English and Business Administration degree that consists of general studies courses, major-specific courses, and elective courses in the 124-credit hour degree programs. Students complete an English Seminar course for both degrees. MSMU is a Catholic university, and
Best Online Bachelor's in English Degrees
An online English degree can open up doors to many different careers. The ability to read and interpret complicated texts and to parse complicated ideas in writing is an integral skill in many professions. Career paths for those passionate about English include becoming an author, editor, copy writer, technical writer, or other type of writer. They work for publishing companies, advertising and PR firms, colleges and universities, and other information service companies. Those looking for top programs can browse our lists of the best online bachelor's in English programs and best online master's in English programs, ranked based on schools' tuition rates and the salaries of alumni reported by PayScale.
Online Bachelor's in English with the Highest Return on Investment

The best online programs for a bachelor's degree in English have ROIs of $248,600 and higher over the course of 10 years. These ROI estimates are based on alumni earnings and debt, and highlight online English degrees that are the best investment for students. The top 14 schools on this list stand out as having ROIs above the national average of $275,300. First-ranked Mount St. Mary’s University - CA has an ROI of $451,900 — about $176,000 higher than the average
ROI amounts are based on data reported by the U.S. Department of Education. Tuitions are manually researched in order to determine tuition amounts specific to online degrees. Read our methodology for more details.
Rank | School | Annual Tuition | Median Starting Salary | Median Debt | 10-year ROI |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mount Saint Mary's University - CA | $19,220 | $48,432 | $37,500 | $451,900 | |
National University | $16,650 | $38,289 | $27,771 | $359,600 | |
University of Maryland Global Campus | $14,970 | $34,603 | $24,792 | $325,400 | |
Metropolitan State University of Denver | $22,510 | $34,348 | $25,055 | $322,400 | |
Arizona State University | $16,268 | $33,221 | $20,100 | $317,000 | |
Texas Tech University | $20,010 | $33,281 | $26,000 | $310,200 | |
William Paterson University of New Jersey | $23,272 | $32,467 | $23,000 | $305,600 | |
University of Colorado Denver | $13,668 | $32,569 | $25,500 | $303,500 | |
Southern New Hampshire University Online | $9,600 | $31,314 | $19,918 | $297,600 | |
Washington State University | $11,829 | $30,409 | $21,942 | $285,700 | |
IUPUI | $10,227 | $30,409 | $23,000 | $284,400 | |
Clayton State University | $5,079 | $30,771 | $27,300 | $282,800 | |
University of Minnesota Online | $13,545 | $29,529 | $19,500 | $279,700 | |
Florida International University | $10,376 | $28,960 | $15,538 | $278,800 | |
Liberty University | $13,650 | $29,685 | $25,000 | $274,500 | |
University of Missouri | $13,658 | $29,374 | $22,750 | $274,100 | |
American Public University System | $8,550 | $30,409 | $31,821 | $273,400 | |
University of Massachusetts-Lowell | $11,400 | $29,290 | $25,565 | $269,700 | |
California Baptist University | $20,229 | $28,598 | $24,750 | $263,600 | |
Texas Woman's University | $19,191 | $28,055 | $21,059 | $262,600 | |
University of Phoenix | $11,940 | $29,685 | $39,919 | $255,900 | |
West Virginia State University | $11,079 | $29,141 | $35,500 | $255,800 | |
The University of Arizona Global Campus | $15,300 | $28,697 | $34,317 | $252,700 | |
Clarion University | $8,334 | $27,494 | $27,644 | $248,600 |
Best Bachelor's Degrees in English Rankings Details
#1
Mount Saint Mary's University - CA
- 10-Year ROI: $451,900
- Median Salary: $48,432
- Annual Tuition: $19,220
- Median Debt: $37,500
#2
National University
- 10-Year ROI: $359,600
- Median Salary: $38,289
- Annual Tuition: $16,650
- Median Debt: $27,771
National University offers an online Bachelor of Arts in English with an optional concentration in creative writing through the College of Letters and Sciences. Additionally, prospective English teachers have the option to pursue the following programs: Bachelor of Arts in English Education with a Nevada secondary licensure; Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration in inspired
#3
University of Maryland Global Campus
- 10-Year ROI: $325,400
- Median Salary: $34,603
- Annual Tuition: $14,970
- Median Debt: $24,792
The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) offers an online Bachelor of Arts in English degree. The 120-credit hour program covers topics in English grammar and American and British literature. Students must complete general education courses, major courses, and elective options. A three-credit advanced seminar serves as the final capstone requirement. A vertical pathway program
#4
Metropolitan State University of Denver
- 10-Year ROI: $322,400
- Median Salary: $34,348
- Annual Tuition: $22,510
- Median Debt: $25,055
The Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSUD) online Bachelor of Arts in English degree offers the opportunity for students to select a concentration, including the Literature, Film and Media Studies concentration. Students who do not select a concentration follow the English Major curriculum. Students complete general studies courses, major-specific coursework, program-specific
#5
Arizona State University
- 10-Year ROI: $317,000
- Median Salary: $33,221
- Annual Tuition: $16,268
- Median Debt: $20,100
Arizona State University (ASU) offers an online Bachelor of Arts in English program through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. English majors study a variety of types of writing, as well as literature from different time periods and countries, and coursework is designed to build valuable skills in writing, editing, and analysis. The degree requires 39 classes for a total
#6
Texas Tech University
- 10-Year ROI: $310,200
- Median Salary: $33,281
- Annual Tuition: $20,010
- Median Debt: $26,000
Texas Tech University offers an online Bachelor of Arts in English. The 120-credit program offers three concentrations in creative writing, literature and language, and English teaching, and all students must choose a minor. Core courses include the study of literature from different countries and time periods, and skill development with a number of different types of writing. Students
#7
William Paterson University of New Jersey
- 10-Year ROI: $305,600
- Median Salary: $32,467
- Annual Tuition: $23,272
- Median Debt: $23,000
William Paterson University provides an online Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies degree-completion program designed to meet Quality Matters standards. Students in the program can build a customized, interdisciplinary curriculum by selecting two concentrations from the following options: geography, psychology, political science, history, creative writing, English literature, and
#8
University of Colorado Denver
- 10-Year ROI: $303,500
- Median Salary: $32,569
- Annual Tuition: $13,668
- Median Debt: $25,500
The University of Colorado Denver offers an online Bachelor of Arts in English Writing, Rhetoric, and Technology through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The 120-credit program requires students to take courses in multimedia composition and language theory. Students can then customize their degrees by choosing from a wide range of additional required and elective courses
#9
Southern New Hampshire University Online
- 10-Year ROI: $297,600
- Median Salary: $31,314
- Annual Tuition: $9,600
- Median Debt: $19,918
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers three online undergraduate English degrees: a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing and English, a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature, and a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies with several concentrations devoted to writing. The B.A. in Creative Writing program offers four concentrations: fiction writing, non-fiction
#10
Washington State University
- 10-Year ROI: $285,700
- Median Salary: $30,409
- Annual Tuition: $11,829
- Median Debt: $21,942
Washington State University's (WSU's) Global Campus, the platform for online degree programs, offers a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities degree. Students may select one of 11 specializations within this program, including a concentration in English. The BA in Humanities program takes an interdisciplinary approach, blending a focus on writing and communication with additional courses
#11
IUPUI
- 10-Year ROI: $284,400
- Median Salary: $30,409
- Annual Tuition: $10,227
- Median Debt: $23,000
The Indiana University (IU) online Bachelor of Arts in English in Technical and Professional Writing degree is a 120-credit hour program that requires completion of general studies core courses, elective courses, and a language course. The degree program provides instruction in professional writing, technical writing and editing, and digital writing. Students complete a senior seminar
#12
Clayton State University
- 10-Year ROI: $282,800
- Median Salary: $30,771
- Annual Tuition: $5,079
- Median Debt: $27,300
Clayton State University’s (CSU) online Bachelor of Arts in English degree requires 120 credit hours. Students choose the writing concentration or the literature concentration. Students complete core courses, lower division major-specific requirements, courses in a language other than English, and upper division major-specific core courses. Students choosing the writing concentration
#13
University of Minnesota Online
- 10-Year ROI: $279,700
- Median Salary: $29,529
- Annual Tuition: $13,545
- Median Debt: $19,500
The University of Minnesota (UM) offers an online Bachelor of Science in English degree that consists of 120 credit hours. Students complete core courses, liberal education courses, technology courses, and electives. The program provides instruction in professional writing, business writing, and digital writing; interpersonal, visual, and technical communication; and literature.
#14
Florida International University
- 10-Year ROI: $278,800
- Median Salary: $28,960
- Annual Tuition: $10,376
- Median Debt: $15,538
Florida International University’s (FIU's) College of Arts, Sciences, and Education offers an online Bachelor of Arts in English program with a writing and rhetoric track. The curriculum is designed to train participants in digital content creation and editing. Students take lower-division courses in grammar and creative writing and then advance to upper-division coursework in technical
#15
Liberty University
- 10-Year ROI: $274,500
- Median Salary: $29,685
- Annual Tuition: $13,650
- Median Debt: $25,000
The Liberty University (LU) online Bachelor of Science in English and Writing is a 120-credit hour program, with general, creative writing, and journalism specializations. The program provides instruction in classic literature, creative writing, grant writing, technical writing, and inspirational writing. The Bachelor of Education in English Education (6-12), and the Bachelor of Education. in Middle Education – English
#16
University of Missouri
- 10-Year ROI: $274,100
- Median Salary: $29,374
- Annual Tuition: $13,658
- Median Debt: $22,750
The University of Missouri (Mizzou) offers a Bachelor of Arts in English degree through the College of Arts and Sciences. This program requires students to complete 120 credits to graduate. Coursework covers subjects in media, creative communication, and literature in culture. The curriculum is a combination of general education courses, major courses, and electives, and seniors
#17
American Public University System
- 10-Year ROI: $273,400
- Median Salary: $30,409
- Annual Tuition: $8,550
- Median Debt: $31,821
The online Bachelor of Arts in English at American Public University (APU) is offered with a general, literature, or writing and communication concentration. The degree program requires 120 credits to complete, including general education courses and electives, major-specific courses, and 18 credits in the specific concentration. The bachelor’s degree in English with general concentration
#18
University of Massachusetts-Lowell
- 10-Year ROI: $269,700
- Median Salary: $29,290
- Annual Tuition: $11,400
- Median Debt: $25,565
The University of Massachusetts Lowell (UMass Lowell) offers an online Bachelor of Arts in English or an online Bachelor of Liberal Arts with a concentration in English. The 120-credit B.A. in English is designed for students interested in literary studies and creative or professional writing. The curriculum focuses on British and American literary analysis and research. Seniors
#19
California Baptist University
- 10-Year ROI: $263,600
- Median Salary: $28,598
- Annual Tuition: $20,229
- Median Debt: $24,750
California Baptist University (CBU) offers an online Bachelor of Arts in English degree. Students in this program take 89-94 credits, including 49 in the major core, and the average degree completion time is 18 months. Enrollees learn the history and scope of English language and literature through courses such as Survey of British Literature, Modern American Literature, and Introduction
#20
Texas Woman's University
- 10-Year ROI: $262,600
- Median Salary: $28,055
- Annual Tuition: $19,191
- Median Debt: $21,059
Texas Woman’s University (TWU) offers an online Bachelor of General Studies with an English concentration that consists of 120 credit hours. Students are required to take core courses, major courses, and concentration courses. TWU students complete a special topics course that varies each semester, and they have the opportunity to study abroad.
TWU students complete coursework in
#21
University of Phoenix
- 10-Year ROI: $255,900
- Median Salary: $29,685
- Annual Tuition: $11,940
- Median Debt: $39,919
At the University of Phoenix, the Bachelor of Arts in English degree is a four-year, 120-credit hour program designed to help students improve their analytical skills and enhance their writing abilities through critical reading and writing exercises. Ideally, students will take one class a week for five weeks, or 10 courses a year. There are 16 core courses, 14 general education
#22
West Virginia State University
- 10-Year ROI: $255,800
- Median Salary: $29,141
- Annual Tuition: $11,079
- Median Debt: $35,500
West Virginia State University (WVSU) offers an online Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration in technical writing. Students who complete this 120-credit hour program have the opportunity to earn a certificate in technical writing as well. The courses offered in the program focus on copy editing, information design, digital literacies, critical reading, business writing,
#23
The University of Arizona Global Campus
- 10-Year ROI: $252,700
- Median Salary: $28,697
- Annual Tuition: $15,300
- Median Debt: $34,317
The University of Arizona Global Campus (UAGC) offers an online Bachelor of Arts in English and a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts with a concentration in English degree. The degree programs consist of 120 credits, with the opportunity to declare a focused emphasis. The program emphasis options for both degrees include cognitive studies, environmental management and sustainability,
#24
Clarion University
- 10-Year ROI: $248,600
- Median Salary: $27,494
- Annual Tuition: $8,334
- Median Debt: $27,644
Clarion University's online Bachelor of Arts in English and the Bachelor of Science in Integrative Studies-English degrees emphasize analytical reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. Both 120-credit programs require students to complete general knowledge courses, foreign language requirements, and major courses in writing, literature, and advanced studies. Students in the
Online English Degree Overview & Career Information
A bachelor’s degree is the minimum educational requirement for most careers in English. This degree may be in communications, English, comparative literature, or another liberal studies field in which students are required to complete large amounts of reading and writing. Writing experience garnered through extracurricular activities or internships with school newspapers, magazines, or yearbooks can prove helpful in landing a job after graduation. Professionals interested in one particular type of writing, such as science writing, can benefit by taking college-level coursework in that subject area.
Those looking to specialize in one type of writing, get a more extensive English background, or transfer to English from another profession can pursue a master’s or doctoral degree. Two-year master’s programs in communications, English, journalism, and related fields require intensive amounts of reading and writing, and usually the completion of a lengthy thesis paper. Doctoral degrees take five years or longer to complete. These programs are often pursued by individuals interested in a career in academia.
There are no mandatory professional certifications or extra credentials writers, authors, or copy editors need to find employment. However, skills in desktop publishing, graphic design, and digital media can give job seekers an edge, as most writing today is done on a computer and published online. Individuals interested in editing positions will benefit from also possessing business skills, since many editors also manage business aspects of written publications.
Online Bachelor's Degrees in English
The online Bachelor of Arts in English degree provides training in written and oral communication, literature, research, and critical thinking skills. These four-year programs also contain a significant array of courses in the general arts and sciences; students complete about 120 credit hours of coursework. Applicants need a high school diploma or GED in order to apply.
Most bachelor’s degree programs in English are offered at colleges and universities. All bachelor’s degree programs have a liberal arts component in which students take core classes that may not directly relate to their majors. Most students take liberal arts classes their first two years and take classes related to their majors during their final two years. Bachelor’s degrees complete a student’s undergraduate education and are required to continue schooling in graduate settings, such as in law school or in programs that offer a master’s degree.
Writing is one of the two principal subjects that students learn in their coursework for a bachelor’s degree in English. Students learn a number of different techniques related to writing, the majority of which are related to formal academic writing. Students will learn techniques for composing different types of essays, such as compare-and-contrast essays, literary analysis essays, and expository essays. Students will also learn writing skills that pertain to several forms of academic writing, such as research papers or thesis-length works. In addition to formal academic writing, students also learn about different types of writing, such as fiction, drama, and poetry.
The other half of the coursework that most bachelor’s degree programs in English focus on is reading. Students will be taught how to read a variety of different texts for different purposes. Students will learn and exercise literary analysis skills and will likely be expected to examine texts for a variety of literary devices including hyperbole, characterization, synecdoche and more.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in English are qualified to teach in a number of different settings, -- including in elementary, middle, and high schools -- although further requirements must be fulfilled to do so in public schools. English majors are also qualified to accept a number of career positions related to writing.
The Importance of an Accredited Online English Degree
Because English departments and curricula may vary a lot in terms of the topics covered, methodologies, and the delivery of instruction, accreditation provides a dependable baseline; it lets students and their future employers know that they have received an education that meets or exceeds an established level of quality set forth by the US Department of Education (USDE).
Accredited institutions and programs go through an extensive evaluation process to ensure that they meet the highest academic standards. Attending an accredited English degree program means that you will be learning via a high-quality curriculum taught by qualified faculty members. It also means that you will more likely be able to transfer credits from one school to the next, should you decide to pursue an advanced degree. Federal financial aid is also limited to students who attend accredited institutions.
The USDE recognizes a number of private accreditation agencies as having established high academic standards for colleges, universities, and programs in the United States. These accreditation agencies evaluate the quality of academic programs and, if approved, indicate that they are capable of providing a quality education to their students. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation is recognized by the USDE as the premier association of accrediting organizations and accredited institutions, and they maintain a database of accredited programs and schools.
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