Best Online English Degree Programs of 2026

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 2026

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

• Program Length

• Application Requirements

• Accreditation

• Curriculum

• Student Support

Cost and Financial Aid

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.

Program Length

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.

Frequently Asked Questions About English Degrees