How To Pay For an English Degree

You can pay for an English degree program by taking advantage of the financial aid programs and types of aid you are eligible for. Filling out the FAFSA and looking into additional financial support programs like scholarships, fellowships, and grants can help make your education more affordable.

Even though undergraduate and advanced degrees come with different costs and forms of financial support, the coursework provides students with a well-rounded education to enter the job market.

English language grads can use their versatile skills in many career paths and industries, allowing them to access high-paying jobs. Exploring the various financial aid options and contacting your school's financial aid office can help you find the best way to finance your college education.

How Much Does an English Degree Cost?

The overall cost of an English degree depends on the program you choose, the school you attend, and the financial aid you use. This also varies depending on the type of degree.

Associate Degree

Associate degrees often have lower tuition rates and fewer credit hours to cover. On average, they cost around $4,000 to $8,000, making them an affordable degree option. Some schools have tuition assistance programs for eligible students that can cover a significant portion of their education costs.

Students can earn associate degrees in English at community or online colleges, providing a more cost-effective route to higher education. After completing a two-year program, you can begin gaining real-world experience or utilize transfer credits to earn your bachelor's degree at a lower cost.

Bachelor's Degree

The cost of an bachelor's degree in English can vary significantly depending on where you enroll, ranging anywhere from $10,000 to $40,000 or more per year. Public universities and schools with online degrees provide a more affordable option. They generally have fewer fees and lower tuition rates than private universities.

By utilizing all of the financial support you are eligible for, it is possible to have the entire cost covered. With field-specific scholarships, research grants, and other tuition assistance programs you can earn a tuition-free bachelor's degree.

Master's Degree

After completing a bachelor's degree, you may continue your education by enrolling in a master's program. The total cost of an English master's degree program varies, with the average cost around $60,000.

They usually take one to two years to complete, so enrolling in a self-paced or competency-based online program can allow you to finish faster and lower the cost. If you attend an in-state school, you can benefit from paying a lower tuition rate than your out-of-state peers.

Tips for Paying for an English Degree

There are many financial resources available to fund your education, each with its own qualifying criteria. These tips outline the different types of financial aid that can help you pay for an English degree.

1. Complete the FAFSA

The first step in deciding how to pay for a degree is filling out and submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This will determine eligibility for various forms of financial assistance, including federal, state, and college-based aid. Once you understand your options, you can begin researching other types of financial support.

Learn more: Understanding Your FAFSA Package

2. Explore Scholarships for English Majors

Scholarships can help you pay for an English degree, by providing financial assistance that doesn't need to be paid back. Aside from the many federal, state, and college-based scholarships, some are intended specifically for English majors.

Larry Morris Memorial Scholarship

The Larry Morris Memorial Scholarship is awarded to students who are majoring in English literature or language. The scholarship provides support for academic projects, like short stories, poetry, and literary analyses, focusing on spirituality. It awards $2,500 and can be used to travel, conduct research, and fund creative writing projects.

JSU Lovett Scholarship

English majors at Jacksonville State University can pay for their education with the help of the Lovett Scholarship. It provides financial support for students who have completed at least one year of their degree program. Students studying English, history, or art are considered for the scholarship.

Literature Lover Scholarship

The Literature Lover Scholarship is awarded to students earning an English degree or a degree in a related field like creative writing. Aside from demonstrating academic commitment, students need to be interested and enthusiastic about literary studies to receive this scholarship.

3. Discover English Degree Fellowships

English degree fellowships provide students with financial assistance during their degree program. They provide opportunities to contribute to the field. While they are typically geared to graduate students, they may be offered to undergrads as well.

Charlotte W. Newcombe Dissertation Fellowships

Students who have reached the final stage of their graduate studies can apply for the Charlotte W. Newcombe Dissertation Fellowship. It focuses on accepting candidates in the humanities and social sciences field, including English majors. Those accepted into the fellowship receive a $31,000 stipend to help cover their expenses while they finish writing their dissertation.

Harvard Research and Travel Fellowships

The research and travel fellowships offered through Harvard University provide financial support for students traveling for academic purposes. English majors who apply for the fellowship can experience different cultures, access archives, and conduct research.

English Language Fellow (EL Fellow) Program

The U.S. Department of State's English Language Fellow program is intended for qualified teachers with an English language education and a TESOL certification. The fellowship provides $35,000 for educators to teach English abroad for 10 months.

4. Look for Student Loans

Student loans can be used to pay for an English degree, but they need to be repaid after you graduate. Federal student loans are offered based on the information you provide on the FAFSA. They usually have better rates and more flexible repayment terms than private student loans.

5. Consider a Work-Study Program

Work-study programs provide part-time jobs to help you cover education-related expenses while earning your degree. When students submit their FAFSA, they are considered for work-study programs and those who are eligible can participate.

Is English a High-Paying Degree?

English can be a high-paying degree depending on the career path you choose after college. With a well-rounded education and a broad range of skills, graduates can choose from many career opportunities.

Access to the highest-paying English degree careers, like project management, can sometimes require years of experience. For example, working in an entry-level public relations role can prepare you to become a public relations specialist, where you can earn a higher salary.

If you decide to use your degree and subject expertise to pursue a career in education, you can become a high school English teacher. While high school educators earn more than elementary due to their subject expertise, higher education English departments pay even more.

What Can I Do With an English Degree?

English degree programs equip graduates with a range of transferable skills that can qualify them for various job opportunities. Graduates can use their critical thinking and communication skills to excel in roles as writers, educators, and managers.

Copywriter

A copywriter is an example of an English degree job that uses creative and professional writing skills. Many fields, from computer science to public relations, depend on copywriters to effectively provide information and communicate with their audience. Their role involves writing, proofreading, and even translation.

Technical Writer

Technical writers take complex information and simplify it for the reader. The job involves collaborating with a team of experts, gathering all the necessary information, and writing it in a way that is easy to follow and comprehend. Technical writing is used for many documents, such as white papers, reports, and instruction materials like manuals and guides.

Social Media Manager

Social media managers work with clients to create engaging content and manage their social media accounts. Social media managers are responsible for helping companies build their brand and reach their intended audience. They collaborate with marketing managers and use their analytical skills to develop more effective marketing and communication strategies.