Best Ivy League Schools for an English Degree

If you’re a high school student dreaming of one day being among the top literary minds of your generation, you’re probably already thinking about which undergraduate English programs you’ll eventually want to apply to. And if you’re aiming for an English degree, chances are you’re considering at least one Ivy League school you hope to attend.

But which Ivy League is the best for English, and why are English majors still highly valuable in a world increasingly focused on STEM studies? Fortunately, the answers to these key questions are within reach. In this blog, we’ve broken down the vital details of English programs at each of the eight Ivy League schools. This guide is here to help students like you interested in an English degree decide which Ivy League schools to target to best match your talents and passions.

• What Are the Best Ivy League Schools for an English Degree?
• Ivy League English Admissions Criteria
• Why Study English at an Ivy League School
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Are the Best Ivy League Schools for an English Degree?

Just like the national rankings for the best schools in the country change over time, so do the rankings for the best Ivy League schools for an undergraduate English degree.

That said, there’s been a pretty consistent trend in recent years regarding which Ivy League schools are most attractive for students interested in English—whether you’re aspiring to become a writer or aiming to go to graduate school and become an English professor someday.

Here’s how the Ivy League schools rank for English majors right now. Keep in mind, these rankings are based on the latest report from the U.S. News & World Report.

While these rankings can shift in the years to come, you can feel confident that they’ll likely stay fairly steady throughout your four years of pursuing an English degree.

1. Yale University

Average tuition cost: $67,250

Acceptance rate: 4%

Coming in at number one is the highly prestigious Yale University. If you’ve been a dedicated student throughout your life, you’ve probably daydreamed about the possibility of one day earning an English degree from this Ivy League school.

While Yale is known for offering some of the most competitive and renowned programs in the sciences, it also has one of the best English and literature programs in the world. For years, Yale has placed in the top five for both its English and Arts and Humanities programs.

As an English student at Yale, you’ll start with fascinating introductory courses that immerse you in some of the most important literature in history. You’ll dive into academic and professional prose, explore ancient works of theater and literature, and trace European literary traditions.

Beyond that, Yale also offers a distinguished department of comparative literature, which has been highly regarded for over 50 years. This program is considered one of the best comparative literature degrees on the planet—a perfect complement to an English degree at Yale.

2. Harvard University

Average tuition cost: $59,000

Acceptance rate: 3%

It’s no surprise that Harvard is considered a top Ivy League school for an English degree. Harvard consistently ranks as the number one university in the world and offers some of the most advanced degrees across all fields. For English majors, Harvard’s department of English offers a three-year program designed for students with an ambitious scholarly, critical, or creative approach to English literature.

This program allows you to combine your interests in English with a concentration in another field, all while receiving supervision and guidance from faculty in each department. This flexibility lets you explore your passions in-depth and sets you up for success, whether you plan to enter the workforce or pursue a master’s degree after completing your English degree.

3. Princeton University

Average tuition cost: $86,700

Acceptance rate: 4%

Next up in the Ivy League ranking for English majors is the fabulous Princeton University. Alongside Yale and Harvard, Princeton makes up the “Big Three” of the Ivy League—known for being the most competitive and prestigious of the Ivies.

Through Princeton’s English department, you’ll engage in a three-year English degree program where you’re required to take at least 10 courses. You’ll have a wide variety of classes to choose from, but there’s one course that everyone must complete: Literary and Cultural History.

This flexibility in Princeton’s program allows you to shape your English degree to suit your personal interests, while still grounding you in essential literary history and analysis.

4. University of Pennsylvania

Average tuition cost: $66,600

Acceptance rate: 5.9%

Next on the list of the best Ivy League schools for an English degree is the University of Pennsylvania. At UPenn, English majors dive into language, literature, and culture from all around the world and across different eras. You’ll get the chance to study a wide range of media within the field of English literature, from books and manuscripts to film, TV, theater, and more. Plus, UPenn’s English program is all about helping you sharpen your critical thinking and expressive skills along the way.

On top of that, you can personalize your English degree by choosing from various concentrations, such as the Standard Curriculum, Creative Writing, Cinema Studies, or Historical Concentration. This flexibility allows you to focus on areas that inspire you most.

5. Columbia University

Average tuition cost: $65,500

Acceptance rate: 3.9%

Next up is Columbia University, right in the heart of Manhattan, New York—a place once home to some of the most influential writers of their time. For students like you who choose to pursue an English degree at Columbia, the reasons for this choice are clear.

In Columbia’s undergraduate English program, you’ll complete 10 courses covering a wide range of topics. The major centers on three key principles of literary study: history, genre, and geography. Columbia’s approach encourages you to take a variety of courses while organizing your understanding of literature along these three perspectives, giving you a broad and deep exposure to literary studies.

With this structure, Columbia provides a unique experience for anyone passionate about earning an English degree and exploring literature in diverse ways.

6. Cornell University

Average tuition cost: $67,000

Acceptance rate: 8.7%

Though Cornell University may be ranked a bit lower among the Ivies for English majors, it still offers a good English degree program for aspiring writers. <strong>In Cornell’s English department, you’ll find a wide variety of courses in literature and writing that teach you how to analyze texts closely and deeply. The program places a strong emphasis on understanding the relationship between literary works and their historical contexts. There are also courses dedicated to honing your skills as a writer, helping you develop a unique voice.

Cornell’s English degree program encourages you to build a diverse skill set that prepares you for a range of future careers. As they say, it’s about equipping you with the tools you need to pursue many different paths.

7. Brown University

Average tuition cost: $68,000

Acceptance rate: 5.1%

Brown University is another fantastic choice if you’re interested in pursuing an English degree. Brown’s undergraduate program focuses on how literature works, how we understand it, and how we write about it.

Within the program, you’ll dive deeply into language, form, genre, and critical methods. Brown is committed to exploring literature from both American and European perspectives, but they go further, encouraging you to study literature across national borders and through the lenses of race, gender, and sexuality, both in historical and modern contexts. This well-rounded approach makes Brown a strong option for earning an English degree that’s both thoughtful and globally aware.

8. Dartmouth College

Average tuition cost: $65,000

Acceptance rate: 6.2%

Rounding out the list of top Ivy League schools for an English degree is Dartmouth College. Although Dartmouth comes last here, it’s still a fantastic choice if you’re interested in pursuing a degree in English.

Dartmouth’s English program focuses on developing critical thinking skills that are valuable no matter what career path you choose. You’ll have the opportunity to explore a variety of literary theories and perspectives, including structuralism, post-structuralism, feminism, Marxism, deconstruction, queer theory, psychoanalysis, and post-colonialism. This broad approach makes Dartmouth a unique place to earn an English degree with a wide-ranging view of literary analysis and thought.

Ivy League English Admissions Criteria

If you’re planning to major in English, it’s important to prioritize certain aspects of your education to make your application stand out. Let’s break down some of the key things to focus on.

First off, you should immerse yourself in core reading that will shape your understanding of literature. Every high school will have its own requirements, but there are a few classic works of literature—both fiction and non-fiction—that are almost universally included.

These texts will not only prepare you for your English degree but also help you build the analytical and writing skills you’ll need. Some of these would include works by William Shakespeare, Oscar Wilde, and Edgar Allan Poe. While you likely have a sense of the literature you’ll encounter, it’s also important to stay flexible and be ready to dive into different aspects of English literature.

Here’s what you can expect as you progress through high school:

• In 9th grade, you’ll practice basic essay-writing skills, study different literary genres, and learn to analyze characters, plot, and narrative voice.
• In 10th grade, you’ll focus on outlining essays, developing drafts, and revising your work. You’ll also delve into themes and literary devices such as voice and imagery.
• In 11th grade, you’ll tackle more complex writing, including research papers. You’ll read with historical context in mind, and taking advanced U.S. history courses will help you understand the historical backdrop of literature.
• In 12th grade, you’ll study British and world literature more in-depth. This is when you’ll refine your literary analysis skills, crafting research papers and multimedia projects. Advanced European or world history classes will give you deeper insights into the literature you’ll be analyzing.

By focusing on these areas throughout high school, you’ll be well on your way to successfully pursuing an English degree at one of the Ivy League schools.

Why Study English at an Ivy League School

If you’re passionate about the English language and interested in writing, editing, or journalism, pursuing an English degree at an Ivy League school could be the perfect fit for you. But beyond just writing, there are many other valuable reasons why getting an English degree can open doors to a variety of careers.

An English degree offers you the opportunity to explore both English and American literary traditions, helping you develop as a reader and interpreter of literature. You’ll gain a deep understanding of critical perspectives, which are invaluable in analytical situations. Plus, your enjoyment of literature will only grow as you enhance your skills as a writer and editor.

Throughout your studies, you’ll also develop key abilities that are crucial in many careers, such as:

• Organization
• Research
• Attention to detail
• Creativity
• Analysis and information processing
• Empathy
• Verbal and nonverbal communication
• Social awareness
• Writing skills

And while many English majors go on to become writers or professors, there’s a wide range of other career opportunities available. The skills you develop while pursuing an English degree can set you up for success in fields like:

• Communications executive
• Brand strategist
• Lawyer
• Research analyst
• Publisher
• Content manager
• Public relations manager
• Marketing associate
• Reporter
• Production assistant
• Technical writer

As you can see, an English degree isn’t just for those who want to write. It’s a versatile degree that prepares you for many paths, allowing you to excel in a wide range of industries. Studying English strengthens your reading and writing abilities and also helps you become a more well-rounded person, ready to take on any challenge in the professional world.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best Ivy League college for English majors?

According to US News and World Report, Yale University is considered to be the best Ivy for English majors.

2. What is the average salary of English majors in the US?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for English-related occupations stands at around $60,000.

However, this figure can fluctuate based on factors such as experience, location, and industry. For example, roles in corporate communications, such as a communications manager, can have an average salary of over $116,000. On the other hand, positions like grant writers may earn around $47,000 annually. High-paying roles like speechwriting can lead to salaries well above $200,000, especially for those who work with high-profile clients​.

3. How can I improve my chances of getting into an Ivy League school for English?

To increase your chances of getting into an Ivy League school for English, you should focus on excelling in your high school English courses, engaging in extracurricular activities that demonstrate your passion for literature (such as writing for the school paper or joining a literary club), and preparing for standardized tests (such as the SAT or ACT).

It’s also important to work on crafting a compelling personal statement and gathering strong recommendation letters from teachers who can speak to your writing abilities and academic potential.

Takeaways

• If you’re thinking about pursuing an English major, some of the best schools you can apply to are Yale, Princeton, and Harvard.
• An English degree opens up a world of possibilities for you! You can work in the media and entertainment industry, in legal and other professional fields, as well as in the academe.
• If you’re wondering whether you have what it takes to get into an Ivy League school for English, AdmissionSight is here to help. For years, our team has helped countless students like you gain acceptance to Ivy League schools and other top 10 universities such as Stanford, the University of Chicago, and MIT. We offer personalized training, tutoring, and guidance designed to give you the best chance of beating the odds and getting into these prestigious institutions. Don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule your free consultation. We’re here to help you make your dream school a reality!