Best Online English Degrees Of 2025 – Forbes Advisor

Consider Your Future Goals

You might be tempted to pursue a degree from a “name-brand” school or another one with which you’re familiar. But while school name recognition may be helpful in some situations, you shouldn’t discount the schools on this list that you don’t know as well.

When considering which online English program might be the best choice for you, look closely at each program’s curriculum and ask yourself whether it aligns with your long-term goals. Does it offer concentrations, electives or other opportunities in your area of interest? If you want to be a writer, for example, does the program have a creative writing concentration or a literary journal where you can submit your work? If a school doesn’t have what you need to achieve your goals, remove it from consideration.

If you plan on applying to graduate school, consider colleges and universities that offer both bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in your chosen field of study. If you attend grad school online, you’ll already be familiar with your school’s online experience from your time as an undergrad. And some schools may offer programs allowing students to earn a bachelor’s and a master’s on a condensed timeline.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

A college degree is a huge investment.

According to National Center for Education Statistics data, annual tuition and fees at four-year U.S. institutions during the 2022–23 school year averaged $17,709. At this rate, a four-year degree would cost an average of nearly $71,000.

The in-state, per-credit cost of the online programs on this ranking range from $179 to $569. For a 120-credit bachelor’s degree, in-state tuition for these online English degrees can cost between $21,480 and $68,280.

And tuition isn’t the only line item on your degree’s price tag; while online students avoid paying for on-campus dormitories and dining hall meal plans, they typically pay distance learning or other fees, and some courses may require students to purchase textbooks.

College expenses can feel overwhelming, but financial aid can help alleviate some of your cost burden. Explore scholarship opportunities available through your prospective college, as well as third-party organizations such corporations and civic groups. Apply to any for which you may qualify; even $500 or $1,000 scholarships can add up. And because scholarships are considered a gift that you don’t have to repay, each one represents money that won’t come out of your pocket.

Some scholarship applications may prompt students to complete the FAFSA®, which is also a requirement if you hope to receive federal financial aid.

Even after using scholarship funds and paying any expenses upfront that you can, you may still owe money toward your degree and want to apply for a loan. Student loans can be helpful as you work through your program, but be aware that unlike scholarships, you have to pay loans back with interest.

It’s also important to think about the return on investment you’ll expect from your degree. Many jobs for people with English degrees aren’t typically high paying, so before you enroll in a degree program, be sure you have a plan to pay for it.