English & Literature · Illinois

English & Literature colleges in Illinois

CampusPin lists 122 U.S. colleges in Illinois that offer English & Literature programs. Compare tuition, acceptance rate, and enrollment in the table below, every figure links back to the institution's official IPEDS data.

English develops critical reading, analytical writing, and rhetorical skill, a flexible major that feeds into law, publishing, education, marketing, and any field that values communication.

Schools in Illinois that offer English & Literature

English & Literature programs in Illinois: by the numbers

A quick comparison of the 50 schools (of 122 total) listed above, drawn from each institution's published IPEDS data.

Schools listed

122

Public / private

28 / 22

Universities / 2-year

23 / 27

Cities represented

34

In-state tuition range

$3,180–$55,704

Median in-state tuition

$9,485

Lowest published in-state tuition

Elgin Community College

$3,180

Most selective

Chicago State University

41% acceptance

Largest by enrollment

DePaul University

21,257 students

Figures reflect the schools currently listed and each institution's most recent reported data. Verify current tuition and admissions details with the school before applying.

What you'll study in a English & Literature program

  • Literary analysis and theory
  • Survey of American, British, and world literature
  • Rhetoric and composition
  • Creative or professional writing workshops
  • Linguistics fundamentals
  • Research methods in the humanities
  • Genre studies (poetry, fiction, drama, nonfiction)
  • Senior thesis or portfolio

Where a English & Literature degree can lead

  • Editor / Copy Editor
  • Technical Writer
  • Content Marketer
  • Journalist
  • High School English Teacher (with cert)
  • Lawyer (with JD)

Typical pay: $42,000–$60,000 early-career

An English major covers literature (American, British, world, multicultural), creative writing, rhetoric and composition, and literary theory. Programs typically include a tracking choice, Literature, Creative Writing, Professional Writing, or Secondary Education, plus a senior research thesis or portfolio. The major builds skills (writing, analysis, evidence-based argument) that transfer broadly across professional fields.

English graduates work in publishing, journalism, marketing/content, technical writing, education, and law (English is a common pre-law major). The major pairs well with a minor in Communications, Marketing, or a foreign language.

English & Literature in other states

Other majors in Illinois

Find more English & Literature schools

Use CampusPin's filter-first search to narrow 122+ English & Literature programs in Illinois by tuition, school size, acceptance rate, and campus setting.

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