The Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in English Degree Programs
Careers in nearly all fields require some form of writing or editing. Professionals in various fields write political speeches, sports broadcasts, movie scripts, fiction novels, instruction manuals, advertising slogans, and social media posts. As a result, graduates with an English degree can pursue careers in nearly any industry. Graduates may write sports columns, edit for fitness magazines, create public statements for companies, and prepare scripts for business proposals.
Many writing and editing careers require a bachelor’s degree. However, candidates can use skills gained during English programs to excel in professions without education requirements. For example, graduates of programs that emphasize fiction writing can become fantasy authors and apply their knowledge related to plot, character development, and story structure.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects writer and author positions to increase 5% from 2023-2033 and technical writing positions to grow 4% during the same time frame. This growth is due in part to an increase in online writing options and advances in technology that require manuals.
This page explores these positions and other roles for graduates who have earned an English bachelor’s degree online. The sections below also detail English program traits and explore professional associations in the field.
The Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in English Degree Programs
Affordable Online Bachelor’s in English Degree Program Ranking Guidelines:
We selected the following online English programs based on each program’s quality, available online English classes, faculty, rankings, awards, and reputation. We also considered each school’s reputation for providing quality online programs.
The Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in English Degree Programs
Indiana University-East
Richmond, IN- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,895
- Out-of-state$19,346
- In-State$7,264
- Out-of-state$17,113
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance Rate63%
- Students Enrolled3,766
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment79%
- AccreditationYes
Thomas Edison State University
- Trenton, NJ
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$7,926
- Out-of-state$9,856
- In-State$12,024
- Out-of-state$12,024
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled10,227
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
University of Houston-Victoria
- Victoria, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,896
- Out-of-state$15,024
- In-State$6,338
- Out-of-state$13,934
- Retention Rate61%
- Acceptance Rate56%
- Students Enrolled4,506
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment83%
- AccreditationYes
Louisiana State University-Alexandria
- Alexandria, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,984
- Out-of-state$4,984
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate58%
- Acceptance Rate56%
- Students Enrolled3,381
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment65%
- AccreditationYes
Arizona State University-Skysong
- Scottsdale, AZ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,867
- Out-of-state$19,282
- In-State$6,384
- Out-of-state$6,384
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled45,073
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment98%
- AccreditationYes
University of Illinois at Springfield
- Springfield, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,520
- Out-of-state$15,948
- In-State$8,270
- Out-of-state$15,240
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate77%
- Students Enrolled4,275
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment70%
- AccreditationYes
Heritage University
- Toppenish, WA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$17,988
- Out-of-state$17,988
- In-State$9,336
- Out-of-state$9,336
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled971
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment4%
- AccreditationYes
University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus
- Denver, CO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,920
- Out-of-state$24,408
- In-State$6,786
- Out-of-state$22,590
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate67%
- Students Enrolled24,910
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment31%
- AccreditationYes
Clayton State University
- Morrow, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,064
- Out-of-state$14,786
- In-State$5,760
- Out-of-state$12,411
- Retention Rate71%
- Acceptance Rate51%
- Students Enrolled6,879
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment58%
- AccreditationYes
Ottawa University-Online
- Ottawa, KS
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$11,976
- Out-of-state$11,976
- In-State$11,430
- Out-of-state$11,430
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled261
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
University of Maine at Presque Isle
- Presque Isle, ME
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,170
- Out-of-state$11,460
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance Rate99%
- Students Enrolled1,445
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment41%
- AccreditationYes
Nicholls State University
- Thibodaux, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,922
- Out-of-state$6,015
- In-State$5,686
- Out-of-state$6,779
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled6,491
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment52%
- AccreditationYes
University of Maryland Global Campus
- Adelphi, MD
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$7,200
- Out-of-state$11,976
- In-State$8,640
- Out-of-state$11,862
- Retention Rate52%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled58,281
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment90%
- AccreditationYes
Central Washington University
- Ellensburg, WA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,318
- Out-of-state$21,999
- In-State$9,582
- Out-of-state$22,449
- Retention Rate71%
- Acceptance Rate85%
- Students Enrolled11,658
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment92%
- AccreditationYes
Valley City State University
- Valley City, ND
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,884
- Out-of-state$10,297
- In-State$5,872
- Out-of-state$5,872
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled1,665
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment55%
- AccreditationYes
University of Memphis
- Memphis, TN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,208
- Out-of-state$12,048
- In-State$9,216
- Out-of-state$12,672
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate85%
- Students Enrolled21,685
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
University of Central Florida
- Orlando, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,478
- Out-of-state$19,810
- In-State$6,916
- Out-of-state$25,759
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate44%
- Students Enrolled69,402
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment59%
- AccreditationYes
Western New Mexico University
- Silver City, NM
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,167
- Out-of-state$11,400
- In-State$3,356
- Out-of-state$8,730
- Retention Rate59%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,193
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment66%
- AccreditationYes
Eastern Oregon University
- La Grande, OR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,515
- Out-of-state$20,160
- In-State$13,572
- Out-of-state$17,118
- Retention Rate72%
- Acceptance Rate98%
- Students Enrolled3,067
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment68%
- AccreditationYes
East Tennessee State University
- Johnson City, TN
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,340
- Out-of-state$25,487
- In-State$8,640
- Out-of-state$23,760
- Retention Rate72%
- Acceptance Rate86%
- Students Enrolled14,191
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment56%
- AccreditationYes
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The Advantages of an English Education
Candidates with an online bachelor’s degree in English often pursue positions as editors and writers. Other graduates become public relations specialists who create advertisements, press releases, and social media posts for companies. English graduates can also write speeches and journalistic pieces, become news reporters, or pursue paralegal professions.
In addition to these careers, English majors can pursue roles that require only an associate degree, such as announcer and self-published author. The BLS projects growth for many of these professions. For example, the BLS projects public relations specialist and technical writing positions to both increase 4% from 2023-2033.
Bachelor’s programs also prepare students for graduate studies, which can lead to advanced positions. For example, many colleges require postsecondary teachers to hold a master’s degree. Also, K-12 schools may require instructional coordinators, who shape English curricula for classrooms, to hold a graduate degree.
The following section explores some bachelor’s-level positions in the field, detailing each position’s responsibilities and average salary by experience level.
| Degree Level | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Associate Degree in English | $35,000 |
| Bachelor’s Degree in English | $70,000 |
Source:PayScale
English Degree Salary Information
After earning an English bachelor’s degree online, graduates can write novels, instructional manuals, and news reports. Graduates can also help companies with editing, public relations, and advertising.
Professionals with an English degree can pursue career options in various fields. For example, reporters can focus on an area such as sports, international news, theater, or travel. Individuals who provide public relations or advertising services can work with restaurants, game companies, floral shops, television networks, and nonprofit organizations. Candidates for any of these careers should understand grammar and writing structure, boast strong research skills, and demonstrate attention to detail.
- Editors
- Editors may assign or approve articles for publication and make formatting decisions. These professionals review drafts and either offer critiques or make changes to the text. Editors ensure final products are grammatically, structurally, and factually accurate. Companies may also hire editors to review public submissions and determine which pieces to accept.
- Writers and Authors
- Writers and authors create fiction and nonfiction books, as well as articles, scripts, speeches, and advertisements. These pieces often require research and citations. Writers work with deadlines and incorporate editor feedback. Specific positions include copywriters, biographers, and children’s authors. Approximately 64% of writers and authors are self-employed and can work remotely.
- Public Relations Specialists
- Public relations specialists design promotions that reflect positive company images. They may construct press releases, write speeches, and correspond with the public. These professionals may also oversee social media efforts and preview advertising materials. Public relations specialists can work in advertising, education, business, and government settings.
- Reporters, Correspondents, and Broadcast News Analysts
- These professionals work with television networks, newspapers, and radio stations to provide information on current events. Responsibilities include gathering facts and public opinions on local and worldwide occurrences and editing work for grammatical correctness and factual accuracy. Individuals should boast strong communication skills and hold a relevant degree, such as an online bachelor’s degree in English.
- Technical Writers
- Technical writers create guides and manuals that help the public understand programs, processes, and concepts. Candidates may use visual elements, such as charts and pictures to express ideas. These writers may revise instructional materials based on public reactions or product alterations. Companies often require technical writers to have expertise in the field about which they write.
| Careers | Entry Level (0-12 Months) | Early Career (1-4 Years) | Midcareer (5-9 Years) | Experienced (10-19 Years) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Editor | $45,000 | $54,000 | $63,000 | $68,000 |
| Writer or Author | $33,000 | $50,000 | $55,000 | $75,000 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $45,000 | $54,000 | $61,000 | $68,000 |
| News Analyst, Reporter, or Correspondent | $50,000 | $66,000 | $51,000 | $108,000 |
| Technical Writer | $47,000 | $54,000 | $76,000 | $60,000 |
Source: PayScale
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Choosing an Online English Degree Program
Prospective students should consider factors such as cost, admission, school size, and program requirements when choosing where to pursue their online bachelor’s degree in English. In-state public institutions typically offer the lowest tuition rates. Additionally, students attending nearby schools can more easily fulfill on-campus requirements. However, the flexibility of online learning means students can consider geographically distant institutions with programs that fit their interests and career goals.
- Program Cost: Students must pay for college expenses, including tuition, fees, and books, while also managing living costs. Learners should only consider schools that fit their budget. Choosing a school outside your financial capacity can lead to delayed tuition payments, which can hinder future enrollment. Choosing a less expensive program can also prevent excessive student loan debt.
- Transfer Policies: Students with previous college credit should consider schools that participate in transfer agreements. These agreements often allow learners to apply previous coursework toward major or general education requirements, rather than electives. Generous transfer policies can reduce both graduation time and total program cost.
- School Size and Type: Learners who prefer interactive learning environments can select smaller schools with low student-to-faculty ratios. Students should also consider school type, since some private schools integrate religious philosophies into coursework. Additionally, private institutions typically charge higher tuition rates than public schools.
- Program Length: Learners who want to graduate quickly can consider programs with accelerated enrollment options or fewer credit requirements. Other students may need a slower learning pace to balance family, professional, and academic responsibilities. These students should choose programs that allow part-time enrollment and offer tuition guarantees that prevent yearly tuition increases.
- On-Campus Requirements: Online programs may include on-campus components such as orientations, labs, and seminars. Some departments require multiple campus visits per year. Prospective students should consider travel time and the frequency of in-person components to determine whether the program fits their lifestyle.
Accreditation for Online English Degrees
Accreditation indicates a school has been reviewed and approved by a recognized accrediting agency. These agencies must hold approval from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Students should only consider accredited institutions, since accreditation verifies the institution offers quality programs. Many employers and graduate schools only accept degrees from accredited schools. Additionally, students at unaccredited colleges and universities do not qualify for federal aid. Choosing an accredited school ensures your time and financial investments result in a degree with practical value.
Schools may hold national or regional accreditation. Generally, national accreditation applies to vocational or trade programs. Regional accrediting agencies evaluate institutions within their geographic region. Regional accreditation is older and more prestigious than national accreditation.
Individual programs can receive accreditation from a field-specific agency. Since English programs rarely hold programmatic accreditation, students should search for programs at regionally accredited institutions. Regional accrediting agencies include the Higher Learning Commission and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Prospective students can search databases of accredited institutions through the ED website and CHEA website.
English Concentrations
Some online bachelor’s degrees in English offer concentrations that relate to certain careers. For example, a fiction concentration prepares students to write novels, while aspiring advertisers can benefit from earning a media writing specialization. Candidates pursuing a bachelor of English online should search for concentrations that are relevant to their career goals.
- Fiction:
This concentration may explore multiple fictional styles or focus on one type, such as screenwriting or poetry. Students typically explore topics such as literary devices, plot and character development, and publication. Coursework may cover specific genres, such as fantasy.- Careers this concentration prepares for: A fiction concentration prepares students for careers as novelists, playwrights, and screenwriters.
- Nonfiction:
Students specializing in nonfiction prepare to write factual pieces such as biographies, essays, news articles, and social science texts. Coursework may emphasize research and citation formats, writing styles, and editing techniques.- Careers this concentration prepares for: Graduates often work as journalists, reporters, and authors of scholarly books and articles.
- American Literature:
Students examine famous U.S. writers such as Mark Twain and Walt Whitman. Departments may divide this information by time period or writing type, such as short stories, poetry, and novels. Learners also examine literary traits of American writers and their evolution over time.- Careers this concentration prepares for: Graduates with an American literature specialization can write reviews and analyses of American writing styles or pursue certification to teach literature in K-12 classrooms.
- Editing and Publishing:
This concentration explores modern publication, including digital opportunities and varied editions. Coursework often covers legal concerns, such as public domain and copyrights. Students may explore editing strategies and entrepreneurial aspects of professional writing. Departments may require an internship.- Careers this concentration prepares for: Students prepare for careers as editors and book publishers.
- Media Writing:
Media writing students explore various writing formats, including magazine and web articles. Learners may study technological opportunities for news writing and advertising, along with research and editing techniques for contemporary pieces. This concentration may cover grant writing and expository works.- Careers this concentration prepares for: Graduates often create advertising or news publication pieces for print and virtual sources.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Degree in English?
An online bachelor’s degree in English typically requires 120 credits, which most full-time students complete in four years. Learners with previous college credits can shorten this time frame by choosing programs with generous transfer policies. Students can also take course loads that exceed full-time requirements.
Learners with busy schedules can study part time. However, this choice generally increases degree completion time.
Personalizing your learning pace can impact the overall program cost. For example, tuition can increase each year, which could increase total college expenses for part-time students. Additionally, schools may charge fees or higher per-credit tuition rates for students who take course loads above or below full-time status.
Institutions may also offer accelerated enrollment options that allow students to earn credits more quickly. Other programs use a cohort format, in which learners progress through the curriculum in groups. Cohort programs do not permit individual learning paces.
Courses in an Online Bachelor’s in English Program
- Introduction to Literature
Students explore literary techniques for writing and analyzing fictional works, including relevant terminology. Departments may focus on a specific genre, such as novels and poetry, or provide theoretical examinations of several genres. The class may also address stories’ historical and sociological contexts and examine strategies for finding literary meaning. - Creative Writing
This class provides a foundational understanding of creative formats, such as short stories, novels, and poetry. Students may also learn to use creative elements in nonfiction writing. This course often requires several writing assignments and workshops, during which learners obtain peer feedback. Students often analyze techniques used in famous writing examples. - Shakespeare
These courses focuses on Shakespeare’s works, typically with consideration to each piece’s historical context. Students may examine the impact of these works on the English language, as well as their influence on literary genres such as tragedy and romance. This course may address character development and thematic choices within Shakepeare’s plays.
- Grammar
Students explore rules for word usage and learn to create effective and structurally sound sentences. This class helps learners choose appropriate and clear phrases and formats to convey intended meanings. Coursework may examine grammar throughout history, along with current approaches to semantics and syntax. - Technical Writing
This course trains students to present complicated information in ways readers can easily understand. Coursework may focus on medical or scientific documents or may cover general formats and techniques for technical guides. Students learn to identify and assess audiences to choose the most effective methods for delivering information.
Paying for Your Online Bachelor’s in English Degree Program
Paying for an online bachelor’s degree in English varies on a student-by-student basis, with tuition costs depending on the college or university. Learners should complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine what types of federal aid and how much federal aid they might qualify for. Federal aid provides degree-seekers with loan and grant opportunities. Many English students choose to explore scholarship opportunities since they do not need to pay those awards back after graduation, unlike student loans.
Scholarships for Writing Students
Who Can Apply: The ACES Merv Aubespin Scholarship provides financial assistance to five students majoring in journalism, creative writing, communications, or English. Applicants must be juniors and plan to pursue a career in copy editing through a full-time copy editing internship or job.
Amount: $1,000 to $2,500
Who Can Apply: The Kathleen Fisher Memorial Scholarship provides annual awards to students across the country majoring in English, creative writing, journalism, horticulture, or plant science who meet the 3.0 minimum GPA requirement. Applicants must provide a letter of support from a faculty member and plan on pursuing a career in garden media communications.
Amount: $500
