How Much Does an
English Degree Cost?
An English degree develops writing, critical thinking, research, and communication skills for careers in fields such as communications, education, publishing, law, and marketing. Some career paths, including teaching and library science, may also require graduate study or state licensure. Average earnings vary by occupation, industry, and experience.
When evaluating the cost of an English degree, look beyond tuition. A school’s cost of attendance also includes fees, books, supplies, housing, transportation, and personal expenses. Public and private institutions have different cost structures, and your net price depends on factors such as financial aid and scholarships. Comparing the full cost of attendance across schools can help you answer an important question: Is an English degree worth it for your education and career plans?
- Key Points
- • The cost of an English degree depends on tuition, living expenses, financial aid, and the type of institution the student attends.
- • Public universities and community colleges generally offer lower total costs than private institutions, especially when factoring in residency status.
- • Financial aid, scholarships, and grants can significantly reduce the net price students pay for an English degree.
- • English graduates pursue careers in fields such as education, publishing, communications, and writing, with a median annual wage for writers and authors reported at $72,270.
- • Careful planning of costs, borrowing, and repayment options helps students better manage the long-term financial impact of an English degree.
What Determines the Cost of an English Degree?
You may be wondering, “How much does an English degree cost?” The total cost of attendance depends on the school you choose, your residency status, and where you live while enrolled. It includes tuition and fees, books and supplies, housing, food, transportation, and other personal expenses. Financial aid, scholarships, and grants can reduce your net cost. If you plan to become a licensed teacher, be sure to also budget for state certification and licensure requirements.
Institution type influences your total cost. Public in-state universities generally charge less than private nonprofit universities. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average total cost of attendance for first-time, full-time undergraduate students living on campus at public four-year institutions (in-state) was approximately $27,200 during the 2024-2025 academic year and $51,300 at private nonprofit institutions. These estimates include tuition and required fees, housing and food, books and supplies, and other estimated living expenses. Where you attend school influences your total cost because housing and living expenses vary by location.
Average Cost of an English Degree
Understanding the cost of an English degree helps you plan your education budget. Undergraduate tuition depends on the institution you choose rather than the major. Total costs vary based on school type, residency status, and living expenses.
Sticker Price vs Net Price
The sticker price is the published tuition and fees listed by a college, but few students pay that full amount. The net price reflects what you pay after grants and scholarships, which do not require repayment. According to data on the average cost of college tuition at private nonprofit four-year institutions, the published tuition was $43,350 for 2024-25, but the average net price for students receiving aid was significantly lower.
Annual Cost by Institution Type
There’s a wide range of annual costs for college programs based on the type of college attended. Public two-year institutions, such as community colleges, average $4,150 in tuition and fees for the 2025-26 academic year. Undergraduate tuition and fees at public universities average approximately $11,950 per year for in-state students, while out-of-state students average $31,880. Private nonprofit four-year institutions average $45,000 in tuition and fees. Because tuition is generally not differentiated by field of study, students in humanities programs pay the same base tuition as other majors at the same institution.
Total Cost Over Time
When looking at an English degree, consider total costs rather than the annual figure. A Bachelor of Arts in English typically takes about four years to complete. Total tuition and fees over that period vary widely by college type and residency status, ranging from approximately $25,000 at lower-cost public in-state institutions to over $120,000 at private universities. Graduate study, including a Master of Arts in English or a Master of Library Science, typically requires one to two additional years of enrollment. Average graduate tuition and required fees at public in-state institutions are around $12,116 per year.
How English Compares to Other Majors
Based on student debt by major data, English graduates carry a median undergraduate debt of approximately $23,411. This falls within the lower range of reported bachelor’s-level student debt across majors. Comparable fields such as fine arts report median debt levels of about $26,668, while engineering-related fields report median debt levels around $27,665. At the graduate level, English master’s degree holders report a median student debt of approximately $76,527. Across majors, student debt varies by degree level, program type, and financing sources.
How Students Typically Pay for an English Degree
Working out how to pay for an English degree is a major consideration. It usually involves using a combination of personal savings and financial aid. The first step is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to determine your eligibility for federal financial assistance. (Our guide on how to complete the FAFSA application can be a big help.)
Financial aid packages often include federal grants, which do not require repayment, and various types of federal student loans, which are repaid with interest. Some students also participate in federal work-study opportunities to help cover education-related expenses through part-time employment on campus.
When Private Student Loans May Come Into Play
After you consider federal grants, scholarships, and federal student loans, a funding gap may remain. Private student loans can cover tuition and living expenses. These loans are offered by banks and credit unions and usually require a credit check. Because many students have limited credit history, a cosigner may be required to qualify. Unlike federal student loans, private loans do not include protections such as income-driven repayment plans.
What to Consider Before Borrowing
After estimating the total English tuition cost and other expenses, you can use a student loan calculator to see what your future monthly payments might look like.
Salary and Career Outlook
English majors develop strong writing, analysis, and communication skills that apply across industries such as publishing, public relations, corporate communications, education, and technical writing. English degree salary levels vary across occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual wage for writers and authors was $72,270 in May 2024, while technical writers earned a median annual wage of $91,670, and high school English teachers earned a median of $64,580.
How Much Should You Borrow
A common financial guideline suggests limiting student loan borrowing to no more than your expected first-year salary. Student loan debt statistics show that the average bachelor’s degree borrower from public institutions carries around $31,960 in student debt. If your projected starting salary in publishing or as a high school teacher is around $48,000,, keeping total undergraduate borrowing below that level may be a useful benchmark for planning.
Loan Repayment Term Considerations
Student loan repayment depends on factors such as interest rates and loan term length. Interest may accrue while you are in school, as outlined in 7 Facts You Didn’t Know About Student Loan Debt, which can affect total repayment costs over time. Shorter loan repayment periods generally result in higher monthly payments but lower total interest paid, while longer timelines reduce monthly payments but increase total interest.
A student loan calculator can help estimate potential repayment costs. The figures below are calculated based on a $40,000 principal at a 7.00% interest rate.
Repayment Term |
Estimated Monthly Payment |
Estimated Total Interest Paid |
|---|---|---|
10 Years |
$464 |
$15,730 |
15 Years |
$360 |
$24,715 |
20 Years |
$310 |
$34,430 |
* Note: Calculations based on a $40,000 principal at 7.00% interest rate.
Employer Benefits and Assistance Programs
Some employers offer tuition reimbursement or professional development benefits as part of their compensation packages. Public employers and nonprofit organizations may also offer loan repayment assistance programs for eligible employees. English graduates who work in qualifying public service roles, including education or nonprofit organizations, may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program after making 120 qualifying monthly payments.
A Simple Cost and Borrowing Example
Consider a student attending a public in-state English program. The total cost of attendance is $27,100 per year, and the four-year total equals $108,400. If the student receives $8,000 in annual grants and earns $3,000 through part-time work, they would borrow approximately $16,100 per year. Over four years, this results in about $64,400 of debt.
The projected starting salary for a technical writer reaching around $80,000. A monthly student loan payment of $731 (at 7.00% interest over 10 years) is about 11% of their gross monthly pay, well within recommended limits.
Ways to Reduce the Cost of an English Degree
Prospective English students can use several practical strategies to reduce the total cost of a degree, such as:
• Community college transfer: Complete general education and introductory composition requirements at a public two-year institution before transferring to a university to reduce tuition costs.
• In-state residency: Attend a public in-state university to access lower tuition rates compared to out-of-state or private institutions.
• Practical living arrangements: Live at home or share housing to reduce room and board expenses.
• Rental and digital texts: Use used books or digital library rentals instead of purchasing new editions each semester.
• Strategic scholarships: Apply for essay-based and English-related scholarships offered by private foundations and organizations to make college more affordable.
The Takeaway
The cost of an English degree depends on the school you choose and your planned career path. You can lower what you pay by using federal grants and scholarships first before taking out federal loans. Public universities and community colleges often offer more affordable options for completing a bachelor’s degree. Graduate study or teacher certification adds extra cost but can lead to higher earnings over time. With careful planning, you can complete an English degree and move into a career with a clearer view of your finances.
If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.
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FAQ
Is an English degree more expensive than other degrees?
English programs are generally less expensive in terms of extra fees than lab-heavy science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) tracks. While text materials and course readers add small expenses, the base tuition across universities typically remains identical regardless of your major.
Are there scholarships available for English students?
Yes, many scholarships are available for English students based on writing portfolios, essay competitions, and academic merit. These awards are offered by university departments, private foundations, and professional writing associations.
Do most students need private student loans to pay for an English degree?
While some students use private loans to bridge a funding gap, they are not always necessary. Many undergraduates cover their costs through a combination of federal aid, scholarships, and part-time employment during their four-year program.
Can parents cosign private student loans for students?
Yes, parents often cosign private student loans to help students qualify for lower interest rates or larger loan amounts. A cosigner is legally responsible for the loan if the student cannot make payments.
How long does it take to earn an English degree?
A traditional bachelor’s degree in English takes four years of full-time study to complete. Some students finish in three years through accelerated programs, while others pursuing teaching certifications or master’s degrees may add one to two additional years.
What is the average starting salary for English graduates?
The median annual wage for writers and authors is $72,270, though starting salaries for English graduates in the United States typically range between $40,000 and $50,000 annually.
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