An online bachelor’s in English is a great way to acquire essential communication and critical thinking skills, preparing yourself for content creation, public relations, advertising, and education careers. Upon graduation, you’ll be able to pursue specialized fields like technical writing, with a median salary of $80,050, or become an educator, earning a median salary of $65,220. Editing roles are another option, offering a median salary of $73,690.
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The Intelligent.com Higher Education Team is dedicated to providing students with independent, equitable school and program rankings and well-researched resources. Our expert-driven articles cover topics related to online colleges and programs, paying for school, and career outlooks. We use data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other reputable educational and professional organizations. Our academic advisory team reviews content and verifies accuracy throughout the year for the most current information. Partnerships do not influence rankings or editorial decisions.
- Analyzed over 2,000 national, accredited, and nonprofit colleges and universities
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- Over 100 data points are reviewed for accuracy and quality throughout the year, including sources
How we rank schools
Our list features the best online English degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
The Top 44 Online English Degree Programs
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
Arizona State University
Intelligent Score: 99.11In-state: $10,710
Out-of-state: $28,800
In-state: $11,720
Out-of-state: $11,720
SAT: 1100-1320
ACT: 21-28
Resident: $400.60 per credit
Non-Resident: $584.60 per credit
Online, On-campus
North Central Association Higher Learning Commission
120 credits
Nicholls State University
Intelligent Score: 99.07In-state: $4,922
Out-of-state: $6,015
In-state: $5,686
Out-of-state: $5,686
SAT: 990-1170
ACT: 19-24
$1,045.58 per credit
Online, On-campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
120 credits
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Intelligent Score: 98.61In-state: $49,046
Out-of-state: $51,013
In-state: $39,917
Out-of-state: $39,917
SAT: 868 and 1052
ACT: 18 and 30
$496 per credit
Online, On-campus
Higher Learning Commission
120 credits
Indiana University East
Intelligent Score: 97.36In-state: $9,815
Out-of-state: $36,194
In-state: $9,786
Out-of-state: $9,786
SAT: 1120-1350
ACT: 24-31
In-State: $235.59 per credit
Out-of-State: $340.92 per credit
Online
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
120 credits
Central Washington University
Intelligent Score: 96.45In-state: $6,475
Out-of-state: $22,551
In-state: $9,822
Out-of-state: $9,822
SAT: 930-1150
ACT: 17-24
Resident: $410.45 per credit
Non-Resident: $1,481.20 per credit
Online, On-campus
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
180 quarter credits
Florida International University
Intelligent Score: 95.52In-state: $4,721
Out-of-state: $16,529
In-state: $8,912
Out-of-state: $8,912
SAT: 1110-1260
ACT: 23-29
In-State: $228.81 per credit
Out-of-State: $345.87 per credit
Online, On-Campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
120 credits
Southwestern Assemblies of God University
Intelligent Score: 94.81In-state: $20,496
Out-of-state: $20,496
In-state: $10,710
Out-of-state: $10,710
SAT: 900-1120
ACT: 16-22
$499 per credit
Online, On-Campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
120 credits
Texas Tech University
Intelligent Score: 93.25In-state: $8,683
Out-of-state: $20,953
In-state: $6,788
Out-of-state: $6,788
SAT: 1070-1240
ACT: 22-27
$311 per credit
Online, On-Campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
120 credits
California Baptist University Online
Intelligent Score: 91.73In-state: $33,930
Out-of-state: $33,930
In-state: $13,410
Out-of-state: $13,410
SAT: 960-1150
ACT: 18-25
$613 per unit
Online
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission
49 units
University of Central Florida
Intelligent Score: 91.44In-state: $4,478
Out-of-state: $19,810
In-state: $6,916
Out-of-state: $6,916
SAT: 1160-1340
ACT: 25-30
In-State: $212.28 per credit
Out-of-State: $748.89 per credit
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
120 credits
The University of Memphis
Intelligent Score: 90.57In-state: $8,208
Out-of-state: $12,048
In-state: $9,216
Out-of-state: $9,216
SAT: 990-1200
ACT: 19-26
$414 per credit
Online, On-Campus
Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
120 credits
University of Illinois Springfield
Intelligent Score: 90.49In-state: $14,317
Out-of-state: $33,824
In-state: $15,016
Out-of-state: $15,016
SAT: 1200-1460
ACT: 27-33
$307.50 per credit
Online, On-Campus
Higher Learning Commission
68-71 credits
Troy University
Intelligent Score: 89.9In-state: $7,800
Out-of-state: $15,600
In-state: $7,650
Out-of-state: $7,650
SAT: 935-1105
ACT: 18-25
$338 per credit
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
120 credits
Southern New Hampshire University
Intelligent Score: 89.34In-state: $9,600
Out-of-state: $9,600
In-state: $18,810
Out-of-state: $18,810
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$320 per credit
Online
New England Commission of Higher Education
120 credits
Clarion University of Pennsylvania
Intelligent Score: 89.28In-state: $11,190
Out-of-state: $16,302
In-state: $24,924
Out-of-state: $24,924
SAT: 940-1130
ACT: 17-23
Resident: $546.05 per credit
Non-Resident: $617.11 per credit
Online
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
120 credits
University of Maryland Global Campus
Intelligent Score: 88.77In-state: $8,824
Out-of-state: $34,936
In-state: $13,158
Out-of-state: $13,158
SAT: 1270-1480
ACT: 30-34
In-State: $300 per credit
Out-of-State: $499 per credit
Online
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
120 credits
University of Massachusetts Lowell
Intelligent Score: 88.14In-state: $15,791
Out-of-state: $35,779
In-state: $14,014
Out-of-state: $14,014
SAT: 1200-1390
ACT: 27-32
$380 per credit
Online
New England Commission of Higher Education
120 credits
Maryville University
Intelligent Score: 88.13In-state: $24,766
Out-of-state: $24,766
In-state: $14,346
Out-of-state: $14,346
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$500 per credit
Online
Higher Learning Commission
128 credits
What You Should Know About an Online English Degree
When pursuing an online bachelor’s program in English, also consider undergraduate programs in communication. If you’re interested in becoming a teacher or studying literature, an English degree may be the right fit. However, if you’re interested in how people communicate with each other or gaining an understanding of internet marketing and broadcast media, you should consider a degree in communication. Both degree programs require four years of full-time study.
The job outlook for English majors remains strong, and graduates who can apply their skills to different industries will stand out in this competitive field.
Graduates who wish to become teachers must meet specific state requirements and obtain certifications to be eligible for these positions. English majors who wish to work in the communication sector should seek professional certifications from the Global Communication Certification Council and the Public Relations Society of America.
Finding the Right Online Program
Here are some questions to ask when researching online bachelor’s in English programs:
- Am I eligible for this program? Prospective students with a high school diploma are eligible for the bachelor’s programs on this list. Schools may have additional requirements, such as a minimum GPA and standardized test scores, and you may be required to submit writing samples.
- How long does it take to complete this online degree? To graduate from the schools on this list, you must take a minimum of 68 credits and a maximum of 180 credits. Most students take four years of full-time study to finish all coursework needed to receive their degree.
Research application due dates and academic prerequisites to better understand what information is needed to be accepted into the program that you would like to attend. Some programs have low acceptance rates, so be sure to apply to multiple programs.
While higher education can be expensive, grants and scholarships are available to help cover the financial costs associated with your academic study. Research available funding opportunities and be sure to turn in applications on time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Bachelor’s in English Programs
What career opportunities are available with an online bachelor’s in English degree?
A bachelor’s in English equips students with transferable analytical, communication, and creativity skills that can be applied in various professional settings. For example, technical writing offers a promising outlook—with a projected 4% growth over the ten years and median salaries reaching $80,050 yearly. These professionals use their writing skills to create user manuals and guides for products and services, transforming potentially complicated technical concepts into easy-to-understand copy.
Those interested in content creation and digital marketing are also likely to find job opportunities as content writers or strategists, with median annual salaries reaching $74,680 in 2023. Content writers and editors are necessary for creating content for websites and blogs, while social media managers are also needed for developing content strategies across social media channels.
Are online bachelor’s in English degree programs as credible as on-campus programs?
Online bachelor’s in English degree programs can be just as credible as on-campus options. Many are offered by accredited institutions, which guarantees their quality and employer recognition. Additionally, online programs typically provide access to the same faculty, resources, and support services as on-campus options, making them a credible choice for many learners.
How long does it take to complete an online bachelor’s in English degree?
These degrees usually take about four years to complete, similar to on-campus programs. However, the timeline can vary depending on your specific circumstances. Students with more availability may opt for an accelerated program to graduate faster, while those balancing work balancing their studies with work or family commitments may want to enroll part-time, likely lengthening their studies beyond four years.
Are there specialization options within online bachelor’s in English degree programs?
Many online bachelor’s in English programs offer specializations to help learners tailor their studies to their professional interests and career goals. Options may vary depending on the institution, but most offer specializations like:
- Creative writing
- Literature
- Technical writing
- Linguistics
- Education
By choosing a specialization, you can focus on topics that align with your professional goals, making your degree more relevant to your future.
What is the cost of an online bachelor’s in English degree?
According to the most recent National Center for Education Statistics data, the average undergraduate tuition for the 2022-2023 academic year was $14,688. Public institutions generally offer lower rates than private universities, especially for in-state students, who often pay significantly less than out-of-state learners. Private schools tend to have higher tuition but may offer more financial aid to balance the extra expenses.
Additionally, some online programs charge flat rates regardless of residency, providing cost-effective options for non-residents. Be sure to explore tuition, fees, and available financial aid for all programs you’re considering to find an option that fits your budget.