Best Online English Degree Programs of 2025
Explore some of the best online English degrees for 2025 based on factors such as flexibility, affordability, and academic excellence.
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2025At a Glance: BestColleges’ Top Online English Degree Programs
- #1: University of Central Florida — UCF’s bachelor of arts (BA) in English literature is a fully online program that emphasizes written communication. Students develop skills in reading and analysis, research, and persuasive writing.
- #2: University of Massachusetts Lowell — The online BA in English program at UMass Lowell is grounded in British and American literature. The curriculum emphasizes language and storytelling, giving students exposure to genres as diverse as business writing and horror.
- #3: University of Missouri-Columbia — Mizzou’s online BA in English gives students extensive experience in literary analysis of British, American, and global texts. The goal is for students to graduate with well-honed writing, research, and critical-thinking skills.
Language helps shape the world through narrative, discourse, and the written word. It influences everything from our thought patterns, perception, cultural values, and even commerce.
English, in particular, stands out as one of the world’s most influential languages, spoken by approximately 1.5 billion people globally. If you are interested in understanding and mastering this powerful language, pursuing an English degree can help you gain the skills to communicate effectively, analyze complex texts, and think critically.
To help you choose the right program, BestColleges has ranked the top online English degree programs by using data such as graduation rates, employment outcomes, and institutional reputation.
This data comes from reputable sources such as the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Top Online English Degree Programs of 2025
How We Rank Schools
University of Central Florida
- Orlando, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
UCF's BA program in English literature develops critical thinkers and effective communicators. You'll complete 120 credits entirely online at your own pace. The curriculum covers topics such as American literature, gothic literature, and the theory and practice of creative writing. You'll also learn how world events impact literature.
We like that you can use generous elective credits to pursue your areas of interest. Through an elective, you can build applicable job skills such as writing for technical professionals. You may also want to consider nature writing or a creative nonfiction workshop.
Highlights
- Relatively affordable in-state tuition
- 92.3% retention rate
- Strong support for online students
Know Before You Apply
- 58.7% graduation rate
- Limited access to professors
- Requires self-discipline
9%
$ 6,368
92%
$22,467
- Acceptance Rate
- 43%
- Students Enrolled
- 68,842
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Massachusetts-Lowell
- Lowell, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
UMass Lowell's BA in English is a very customizable and flexible program. You'll complete 120 credits covering core subjects like the British and American literary traditions.
We like that you can customize the fully online BA using a generous number of electives. You can learn skills such as business writing and/or writing for new media. Aspiring authors can explore genres such as comedy, horror, or science fiction and fantasy.
Plus, you can finish this degree faster by transferring in credits, such as from an associate degree.
Highlights
- Complete in as little as 12-36 months
- Transfer up to 90 credits
- 70% six-year graduation rate
Know Before You Apply
- Limited access to professors
- Requires self-discipline
- 47% four-year graduation rate
39%
$15,850
82%
$34,676
- Acceptance Rate
- 85%
- Students Enrolled
- 16,959
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Missouri-Columbia
- Columbia, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
The online BA program in English at Mizzou teaches the fundamentals of language and literature with opportunities for specialization. You'll explore key areas like creative writing and language and linguistics.
You can specialize in a variety of areas, such as 20th- and 21st-century literature or film and digital studies. We like that you can design your own area of study with advisor approval.
Participants complete a capstone writing intensive that develops research skills and career readiness. Transfer credits can help you earn your BA faster. Mizzou is a leader in online learning and supports student success.
Highlights
- Robust virtual college
- Rich selection of electives
- Transfer up to 60 credits
Know Before You Apply
- More expensive than many other programs on this ranking
- Limited access to professors
- Requires self-discipline
54%
$13,000
91%
$33,200
- Acceptance Rate
- 77%
- Students Enrolled
- 31,041
- Institution Type
- Public
Washington State University
- Pullman, WA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
WSU's BA program in English can help you prepare for a career in professional and technical writing. You'll learn writing and editing skills you can apply to a variety of positions.
WSU delivers the program entirely online and offers two tracks. We like that you can choose the rhetoric and professional writing specialization. You can also opt to design your own specialization to include complementary areas of interest.
We also like that you can get hands-on experience and earn internship credit as an online student. The department's Blood Orange Review is a nationally recognized literary journal that can also showcase your work.
Highlights
- Credits for practical experience
- Add-on certificates like professional science and technology writing
- Transfer-friendly college
Know Before You Apply
- 37.1% four-year graduation rate
- Limited access to professors
- Requires self-discipline
28%
$10,976
81%
$27,052
- Acceptance Rate
- 85%
- Students Enrolled
- 26,490
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Arkansas
- Fayetteville, AR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Consider U of A's BA in English for its affordability and sweeping curriculum. You'll complete 120 credits entirely online. Students take core classes and choose a concentration in creative writing or rhetoric and writing studies.
You can also design a concentration that cultivates your understanding of literature and culture. We like that all online learners pay low in-state tuition. U of A's support services include academic coaching, 24/7 tutoring, and access to an online student union.
Virtual international internships offer a unique opportunity to work with international organizations without the need to travel.
Highlights
- Lower-than-average tuition
- Generous elective credit
- Strong support for online learners
Know Before You Apply
- 19-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio
- 70% four-year graduation rate
- Requires self-discipline
36%
$ 7,666
86%
$26,690
- Acceptance Rate
- 72%
- Students Enrolled
- 32,140
- Institution Type
- Public
Texas Tech University
- Lubbock, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Texas Tech's BA program in English can prepare you for a variety of careers. You'll complete a core curriculum and choose a concentration like creative writing or English literature. We like that the teaching concentration may qualify you for a provisional teaching certificate, depending on state requirements.
If you plan to teach in high school, you can choose a minor in secondary education. This option provides one semester of student teaching in the senior year.
Texas Tech's online students can study abroad just like their on-campus peers. Online learners receive support like virtual tutoring, student success specialists, and mental health services.
Highlights
- Fully online program
- Teacher preparation option
- All students complete a minor
Know Before You Apply
- 48.8% four-year graduation rate
- Requires self-discipline
- Limited access to professors
63%
$ 8,934
85%
$21,174
- Acceptance Rate
- 71%
- Students Enrolled
- 40,773
- Institution Type
- Public
Maryville University of Saint Louis
- Saint Louis, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Maryville's online BA in English blends theoretical learning and hands-on experience. You'll take courses like writing across disciplines and advanced creative writing. Students also learn professional writing skills applicable to a variety of fields.
The degree is customizable to include teacher preparation. We like that all students can get practical experience through research- and project-based online courses and internships.
Maryville is a leader in online education. Online students receive strong support such as academic tutoring, personal coaching, and life coaching. The institution offers many top-ranked programs and is military-friendly.
Highlights
- Fully online program
- Ability to choose a minor
- Transfer-friendly, including military credit
Know Before You Apply
- Limited access to professors
- Requires self-discipline
- 94% acceptance rate
83%
$24,766
83%
$24,766
- Acceptance Rate
- 94%
- Students Enrolled
- 9,883
- Institution Type
- Private
University of Illinois Springfield
- Springfield, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
UIS's BA in English prioritizes a customizable curriculum to accommodate your career goals. You'll complete a core curriculum with courses like early American literature and research methods in English studies.
We like that you can choose from a robust suite of elective courses. Students can explore various genres such as nonfiction, comedy, and books for children and young adults. Students can also learn practical skills like professional writing and editing, including writing for new media.
UIS is transfer-friendly, allowing you to finish the BA faster with prior credits.
Highlights
- Fully online program
- Generous elective credit
- 76% four-year graduation rate
Know Before You Apply
- Limited access to professors
- Requires self-discipline
- 84% acceptance rate
83%
$ 9,645
81%
$19,410
- Acceptance Rate
- 84%
- Students Enrolled
- 4,661
- Institution Type
- Public
Buena Vista University
- Storm Lake, IA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Aspiring teachers may want to consider BVU's online bachelor's in English to meet certification eligibility requirements. The curriculum includes a traditional English major that covers topics like American, British, and world literature.
We like that the major in English with teaching licensure 5-12 includes an education core and secondary education requirements.
You can earn this bachelor's and a master's degree in just five years via BVU's Plus One program. All online learners pay the same per-credit tuition rate regardless of where they live.
Highlights
- 68.7% online student retention rate
- Relatively affordable tuition
- Transfer agreements with more than 10 community colleges
Know Before You Apply
- 57.5% online student four-year graduation rate
- Limited access to professors
- Requires self-discipline
59%
$38,644
76%
$38,644
- Acceptance Rate
- 78%
- Students Enrolled
- 1,290
- Institution Type
- Private
Columbia College
- Columbia, MO
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Columbia College's bachelor's in English program offers the choice of a literature or creative writing emphasis. You'll complete 120 credits entirely online with a core curriculum that depends on your emphasis choice.
Creative writing students take core courses exploring fiction, poetry, and nonfiction genres. Literature students explore topics like British and American literature. We like that you have a strong collection of elective courses from which to choose regardless of your emphasis.
Students can pursue internship opportunities available to all online learners. Columbia College has been delivering programs online for more than 20 years.
Highlights
- Many general electives to choose from
- One of the cheaper programs on this ranking
Know Before You Apply
- 48% four-year graduation rate
- Limited access to professors
- Requires self-discipline
78%
$12,140
76%
$12,140
- Acceptance Rate
- 58%
- Students Enrolled
- 952
- Institution Type
- Private
Why You Should Get an English Degree
- Gain Critical Thinking Skills: English majors can develop strong critical and analytical thinking skills, which are highly valued by employers across various professional fields.
- Develop Research Expertise: By researching literary works, historical archives, and digital media, English students learn how to gather, interpret, and manage data across diverse subjects.
- Master the Written Word: English students hone their ability to read deeply and write clearly and persuasively — skills essential for success in many careers.
- Effective Communication: English graduates are viewed as skilled communicators, capable of clearly articulating ideas and arguments, making them valuable assets in any organization.
- Career Flexibility: An English degree offers numerous career possibilities in fields such as education, journalism, publishing, marketing, content creation, law, and beyond.
Benefits of Getting an English Degree Online
- Our 2025 Online Education Trends Report found that 90% of online program graduates who were surveyed say they think their degree has or will have a positive return on investment.
- 34% of responding students say they chose online over on-campus learning because it allowed for more flexibility with their schedules and time.
- 76% of the online college students and program graduates surveyed say that online education is better than or equal to on-campus learning.
- 43% of the online students report they could integrate their professional experiences into their class assignments.
How to Choose the Best Program for You
There are several factors you should consider when comparing online bachelor’s in English programs.
Our latest Online Education Trends Report found that 57% of prospective students identified tuition cost and fees as their biggest hurdle. With this in mind, cost and financial aid availability are the most important factors to evaluate.
However, there are other things to keep in mind, including application requirements and course offerings.
Cost and Financial Aid
Bachelor’s in English Language, 2020
Online
Avg. Tuition & Fees: $13,675
Avg. Net Price: $7,674
On-Campus
Avg. Tuition & Fees: $20,357
Avg. Net Price: $9,945
Source: NCES PowerStats
According to NCES data, the average cost of an online bachelor’s degree in English was around $13,700 in 2020, compared to about $20,400 for a traditional on-campus program.
However, this price reflects the degree’s average tuition and fees — its sticker price — without any financial aid such as scholarship and grants. Financial aid can actually lower that price significantly to around $7,700 and $10,000, respectively.
A degree’s price can also vary depending on the institution you attend, the program’s length, and whether you qualify for in-state or out-of-state tuition.
For example, at the University of Central Florida, the average in-state tuition for an online bachelor’s in English was $6,368 in 2025 and $22,467 for out-of-state students. Comparatively, at Maryville University of St. Louis, the average tuition was $24,766 for both in-state and out-of-state students.
To accurately compare program costs, use each school’s net price calculator to estimate your cost of attendance. This tool factors in your residency status and financial information to give you an estimate of your tuition expenses after financial aid.
Find Financial Aid for Your Degree
Program Length
Typical # of Credits
120 Credits
Typical Program Length
4 Years
Comparing program lengths is important because shorter completion times can significantly lower your overall tuition costs and additional expenses.
Full-time students typically need 120 credits to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in English, which takes around four years to complete. However, those enrolled on a part-time basis often take a year longer or more due to a lighter course load.
If you have prior college experience, transferring your credits can significantly reduce your graduation timeline — and some schools have more generous credit transfer requirements than others.
For instance, the English programs at the University of Central Florida and University of Missouri both require 120 credits to complete.
But Mizzou accepts transfer students with up to 60 credits, which can cut your graduation time in half. Not only does this save you time, but it also saves you money, as transfer students pay around $35,856 compared to $71,712 for those completing the whole program.
Keep in mind that many institutions also grant credit for Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams.
Application Requirements
Application requirements vary across institutions and whether you are enrolling as a first-year or transfer student. However, applicants typically need to submit the following:
High school diploma or GED certificate (or an equivalent such as HiSET)- Official high school transcripts
- Official college transcripts (for transfer students)
- Minimum 2.5 high school GPA
- College preparatory work with a minimum “C” grade
- Official ACT or SAT test scores (optional at some institutions)
- A writing sample (optional at some institutions)
- An application and fee that can range from $30-$60
Carefully review each program’s requirements so that you can tailor your application to increase your chance for admission.
Accreditation
Verifying a school’s accreditation status is a good way to ensure the program you plan to attend meets high academic standards.
Start by verifying if your preferred school is institutionally accredited. Colleges with this accreditation undergo a rigorous review process conducted by independent accrediting agencies that are recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and/or the U.S. Department of Education.
Schools can also have regional accreditation from agencies such as the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), and New England Commission of Higher Education.
Checking for accreditation is also important if you want to qualify for federal financial aid, transfer credits to another school, and be admitted into graduate school. Some employers also verify if your degree is from an accredited institution.
You can verify a school’s accreditation status through its website or check accrediting agencies’ lists or the CHEA database.
Curriculum
From Shakespeare to Virginia Woolf, English students often immerse themselves in literature from world-renowned authors. But beyond literature, students also learn to critically analyze texts and develop strong communication, writing, and research skills.
Some common core courses included in English curriculums include:
- American Literature: A survey of American literary works from the precolonial period to contemporary times
- English Literature: A survey of English literature from Shakespeare to 19th-century, postcolonial, or modern literature
- Advanced Composition: Students learn how to construct arguments, essays, fiction, and other works for a targeted audience.
- Literary Theory: Students explore various approaches to analyze and interpret literature.
You can also choose elective courses that align with your personal or career interests, such as business writing or marketing. Some programs go further by offering specializations such as creative writing, technical writing, or English teaching certifications.
Since course offerings and specializations can differ significantly between programs, carefully comparing curriculums ensures the program you choose aligns with your career goals, interests, and academic needs.
Student Support
Getting some additional support while studying online can be crucial for your success and continued engagement.
Colleges often offer resources like academic advising, online library access, career services, and technical support.
But some institutions, such as Maryville University and Texas Tech, go the extra mile offering access to online life coaches, 24/7 online tutoring, and personal counselors. Texas Tech also offers legal support by a team of licensed attorneys to help students with issues such as landlord disputes and family law matters.
With this in mind, carefully evaluate which tools and services might best support your studies and online experience.
What Can You Do With an English Degree?
An English degree isn’t just for aspiring authors, librarians, and teachers. This degree can actually open doors to many other opportunities.
English majors learn ways to dissect complex problems, gather and analyze data, find imaginative solutions, and communicate effectively.
These skills are attractive to employers in various fields beyond literature and education, such as law, business, and technology. For instance, English majors may decide to pursue careers as lawyers, marketing specialists, or even human resources (HR) managers.
In reality, career possibilities for English majors are vast and largely depend on your individual skills, experiences, and interests. Below is a list of some popular jobs for English majors.
| Job | Median Annual Salary(May 2024) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Editor | $75,260 | Editors plan, develop, and edit content for publication and release in books, newspapers, and broadcast and digital media. |
| Journalist | $60,280 | Journalists keep the public updated about events at the local, national, and international levels. |
| Technical Writer | $91,670 | These writers specialize in creating easily understood and user-friendly documents about products and services. |
| High School Teacher | $64,580 | High school teachers teach English and other subjects to students in grades 9-12. |
| Public Relations Specialists | $69,780 | These professionals develop and implement strategies to maintain a positive public image for their clients. |
Frequently Asked Questions About English Degrees
The average cost (tuition plus fees) for a bachelor’s in English in 2020 was $13,675 for an online program and $20,357 for an in-person one. However, how much you’ll pay depends on the per-credit price of the program you attend, scholarships and grants you qualify for, and your residency status.
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