jobs for english and creative writing graduates

Looking for new clients? Meet them on Reedsy

Create a free account to receive requests from authors.

Last updated on Aug 13, 2021

20 Creative Writing Jobs for Graduates (+ Entry-Level Positions)

Being passionate about creative writing hasn’t always been associated with a stable career path, but that’s not to say that there aren’t any opportunities out there to bring well-written stories into your job. In fact, we’re here to talk about 20 different creative writing jobs — 20 professions that let the storyteller in you shine! We’ll discuss the industries, entry level jobs, and potential income for each job below. 

When it comes to creative writing, the first thing that pops up in our mind is books! While writing is the obvious option (and we’ll cover that later on in the post), most writers choose to work in one of the following positions in the publishing industry to gain financial stability first. 

❗ Note: The “per book” rates below are made with 50,000-60,000 word manuscripts in mind. 

1. Ghostwriter 

👨🏽‍💼 Entry level positions: freelance writer, ghostwriter, editorial assistant 

💰 Potential beginner’s earning: $2,000-$9,000 per book or $0.10-$0.15 per word

If you’re all about creative writing but you’d prefer an upfront payment for your words, then ghostwriting is the job for you! Here’s how it works: an author hires you to help them write their story. It could (and usually is) a memoir or an autobiography which the author doesn't have the time or skills to write themselves. Fiction authors also sometimes use ghostwriters to help them write sequels and satisfy popular demands. 

Ghostwriters are freelancers, so you can start by getting some freelance writing gigs. As a beginner, you might start with short-form projects like articles, white papers, website content. Here are some resources, complete with tips from experienced professionals, that might be helpful:

• How to Become a Ghostwriter in 6 Essential Steps (+ Tips from Professionals) 
• How to Start Freelance Writing: 5 Steps to a Soaring Career
• How Much Do Ghostwriters Make: The Ultimate Breakdown

👩🏻‍💼 Entry level positions: editorial assistant

💰 Potential beginner’s earning: $25,000-$30,000 per year or $800-$1,000 per book

Writing is actually not all there is to creative writing jobs — if you really love stories and are always finding ways to make a story better, then editing is a suitable profession for you. There are many types of editors: some (like development editors) work more on the plot and theme of the book, and others (like copy editors ) specialize on its language and style. 

Editorial assistant jobs are the common first steps to this career path. Entry-level positions are quite competitive in publishing, so you’ll likely need a relevant degree (English Literature, MFA, etc.) to get the job. 

Freelancing, as always, is an option, but it can be quite difficult to get clients if you start without any editing experience. Oftentimes, editors start working in-house and later transition to freelance . 

Below are some more resources for you if you want to pursue this career path:

• How to Become an Editor: A Guide for Beginners
• Copyediting Certificates: Do You Need One and Where to Get It?
• Editor Salary: Can Your Skills Pay the Bills
• Working in Publishing: An Insider's Guide

JOIN REEDSY

Find exciting new projects

We connect publishing professionals with our community of 1,500,000 authors.

3. Proofreader

👨🏼‍💼 Entry level positions: freelance proofreader

💰 Potential beginner’s earning: $20-$30 per hour or $550-$650 per book 

Proofreading comes after editing — the proofreader reads the manuscript one final time, after all the revisions are made, to see if any spelling and grammatical errors are missed out. They’re incredibly crucial to the production of a spotless book, so there’s never a shortage of proofreading jobs . 

This task is often done on a freelance basis, either by full-time freelancers or by editors who want to take on side jobs. You can specialize in proofreading alone, though most professionals will combine editing and proofreading crafts for better income. As a beginner, opportunities for short-form projects will often be more accessible — stay open-minded about taking them up, but also do some proofreading training to prepare for more exciting gigs. 

We’ve also got some resources for this topic for you to check out:

• How to Become a Proofreader: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide
• How to Choose Your Proofreading Rates

There’s more to journalism than just breaking news on CNN, which means there’s plenty of space for the creative writer in you to flourish in this industry! Let’s take a look at a couple of options you can consider. 

4. Columnist 

👩🏽‍💼 Entry level positions: fellowships, junior writer/columnist, freelance writer

💰 Potential beginner’s earning: $25,000-$35,000 per year or $100-$300 per piece 

If you like creative nonfiction , you probably have already considered becoming a columnist. In fact, you can even be a books columnist! Job options range from book-specific sites like Electric Literature or Literary Hub, to prestigious newspapers like The Guardian or The New Yorker. But that’s not necessarily the only thing you can write about! You can become a columnist in just about any topic, from social issues to entertainment, as long as you’re interested in the niche. 

Look out for fellowships and junior writing jobs in newspapers and magazines and get ready to apply! A degree in relevant subjects like Journalism or English Literature is a great advantage, though your ability to follow up on leads, conduct thorough research, and keep up with the latest trends in a certain niche will be carefully assessed. You can also be a contributing writer first to forge a relationship with the editors before going after a full-time position. 

👨🏻‍💼 Entry level positions: junior writer, freelance writer

There’s a fine line between a critic and a columnist: critics are usually more academically inclined, and they often work more on the arts than columnists. Columnists cover social issues, sports, entertainment in their more general sense, while critics while home in on a particular piece of art, literature, theatre, or movie to offer expert assessment of it. 

Similar to the columnists, you can begin with junior writing positions and freelance gigs, in which you build up a writing portfolio of relevant work. Ideally, critics will be more savvy to the technicalities of whatever subject you critique — be it filmography or literature. In other words, formal training like a bachelor’s degree is a good launch pad. 

6. News journalist 

👩🏼‍💼 Entry level positions: staff writer/journalist

💰 Potential beginner’s earning: $30,000-$35,000 per year 

Writing news articles is different from the writing column pieces: a journalist must maintain an impartial voice and be succinct. Moreover, you’re always looking out for the latest story, whether on social media or on the street (which is where your love for creative writing can come in). 

The most common way to get into news journalism is to get a salaried position. You can also apply to internships as well, and there are compensated ones to look out for. What you will need is a degree and some journalist training so that you can use shorthand, know what makes a good story, and know what sources to chase, among other things. 

7. Investigative journalist 

👨🏽‍💼 Entry level positions: staff writer/journalist

And what if you’re a fan of true crime ? You might find yourself drawn to investigative journalism! You can chase the tail of anything under the sun, from kidnappings to factory production, from local to international events, so long as there’s an uncovered story there. The topic will often be assigned to you by an editor, and you’ll be given some time to collect information and write the article. It’s a slower pace than daily news, but it’s thrilling nonetheless. 

Similar to the news path, you’ll likely start off with an internship or a junior writing position. With this job opportunity, you can build a portfolio that demonstrates your ability to peel back the layers of the onion to reveal new insights to a matter. Again, a degree and training in journalism are essential. 

Copywriting

Copywriting is writing to sell a product or service, and it could be anything from newsletter emails to slogans to even commercial scripts! There’s definitely a creative element to it, as you’re always looking for a unique and memorable way to capture the attention of consumers. And since it's so rooted in consumption culture, copywriting is definitely a writing career that's in demand!

Below are several types of copywriting jobs you can go into. 

8. Technical copywriter

👩🏻‍💼 Entry level positions: technical writer, freelance writer

💰 Potential beginner’s earning: $32,000-$38,000 per year 

A technical writer works on instructional materials for manuals, white papers, and other informative pieces of writing. A technical copywriter combines that level of specialty with marketing tactics, thereby focusing on promoting products and services that are a bit more, well, technical. Think electronic companies, software developers, repair and maintenance services. 

Ideally, you’d have some education or experience in technical sectors (i.e. IT, engineering, finance). That way, you won’t take too much time to familiarize yourself with the jargon, and employers are more likely to hire you. You can also begin with technical writing, if you don’t mind working on material that’s a bit less creative. 

9. Advertising copywriter

👨🏼‍💼 Entry level positions: junior copywriter, communications copywriter

For a more creative writing job, you can go for advertising. This often involves a lot of brainstorming with the creative team of your agency to come up with advertisement campaigns that will leave a mark. When working on this you can write all kinds of content, from slogans to image copies to web content. 

Having a bachelor’s degree in marketing or an essay-based discipline is usually beneficial if you’re looking for this kind of job. You can work for a big brand, which will constantly be needing new content, or you can work for a marketing agency, tailoring your work to every client. 

10. PR copywriter

👩🏽‍💼 Entry level positions: junior copywriter

Public relations (PR) is, simply put, the art of building a good reputation, whether that’s for an individual or a brand. You’ll work on press releases, report and presentation writing, material for internal and external communications to present your client’s motivation and direction. 

For this kind of job, the precision of your language and your ability to stay up to date with the competitors will be important. A degree in communications or business administration are a plus point. And as is often the case in most writing jobs, the ability to find the human story behind everything will be your best tool. 

Content Marketing

Nowadays, traditional marketing on TV, billboards, and posters are only a part of the industry, the other is all about online content. And with so many things zooming about on the Internet, every company will be looking for the most creative person to help them stand out. Which means you get plenty of opportunities to be imaginative, working on website content, blog posts, social media posts, and even videos.

11. Social media manager 

👨🏻‍💼 Entry level positions: assistant/junior/freelance social media specialist

💰 Potential beginner’s earning: $20-$30 per hour or $30,000-$35,000 per year 

With our evermore online world, social media-related jobs definitely is a writing career that's in demand. So many things can happen on social media — you might very well go viral overnight! The challenge is getting there. As a social media manager, you get to be the voice of the company, interacting with customers in a friendly, casual way, while also learning their habits and preferences so that you and others on your team can better engage with them. 

This is a relatively hands-on job, so experience running a public social media account is the best thing you can have on your CV. A degree in communications can be beneficial, though many job postings don’t require anything specific.

12. Blogger

👩🏼‍💼 Entry level positions: blogger, freelance writer

💰 Potential beginner’s earning: $0.10-$0.15 per word

Blogging is probably something you’re familiar with as a writer — but do you know it can earn you a good penny? By focusing on a specific subject (it can be books , technology, fashion, the freelance life, etc.), you can attract companies who are looking to strengthen their brand awareness and will sponsor you. It’ll take time to build an attractive platform, but it’s definitely possible. 

Beyond that, you can write for others as well. There are plenty of websites that promote creative writing jobs all over, so you can sift through them for the suitable ones. No degree requirements for this job, just your skill with a (proverbial) quill! 

13. Content creator 

👨🏽‍💼 Entry level positions: content marketer

💰 Potential beginner’s earning: $27,000-$34,000 per year 

If you’re happy to do a bit of everything, then apply to become a content creator. You’ll also get to collaborate with a team to come up with an overall strategy in this position.

You can work for all kinds of companies in this career. A bachelor’s degree in Marketing, English, Communications are highly relevant, though adjacent, essay-based subjects tend to do the job, too. Brushing up on search engine optimization (SEO) is also wise. 

Pop culture, the latest rumors and gossip, interesting observations served on a pretty platter — if any of that sounds interesting to you, you can jump into the media industry. Here are some job options if you want to take this route. 

14. Screenwriter

👩🏻‍💼 Entry level positions: assistant/associate writer

💰 Potential beginner’s earning: $20-$30 per hour or $9,000-$15,000 per project 

Everyone of us has probably at one point or another thought about entering the film and TV industry, and that career goal is definitely achievable, if you know where to look. A lot of people start with assistant positions to learn the ropes and get an opportunity to work on bigger productions. If you prefer to write from the get-go, you can go for lower-budget projects. 

To get one of the assistant positions and put yourself out there, touch up on craft skills like plotting, story structures , character-building to be prepared. No qualifications are specified in most cases. 

15. Broadcast journalist 

👨🏼‍💼 Entry level positions: staff writer

We’ve covered written news — now comes broadcast news. From televised reports to radio sessions, you can be the writer behind the words that reporters or presenters read out. It’s a fast-paced job that deals with the latest real-life stories, which can be incredibly rewarding, even if it’s not explicitly creative. 

Many broadcast journalists work project by project (unless it’s periodical news), almost like a freelancer. You’ll still need to have all the skills necessary to put together a good news story, so some journalist training will be beneficial. 

16. Podcaster 

👩🏻‍💼 Entry level positions: assistant/associate writer or producer 

💰 Potential beginner’s earning: $18-$25 per hour, or $26,000-$32,000 per year 

Along the same lines as a broadcast journalist is the job of a podcaster. This is a bit more topical than journalism, and you can really home into certain fields and explore it in depth. Another special thing about podcasters is they usually host the shows, too! So if you’re confident about your voice, and about interviewing others, there’s no reason not to try this out. 

As with screenwriting, the route to get into this sector can be a little bit challenging, since it’s often a case of catching an opportunity from the right people at the right time. Which is why assistant jobs are a strong start. 

And finally, we arrive at the section that hopeful writers often dream about more than anything else. Publishing a book is not easy, it requires not just time and effort but also finances, if only to keep you afloat while completing the manuscript. That said, it’s possible to do it on the side with another full-time job, as is the case for most published writers. 

The cool thing about this career is that you are your own boss — i.e. there are no entry level positions. You are an author the day you call yourself one. 

17. Short story writer

Short stories are charming in their own right, and with the booming literary magazine sphere , there’s no shortage of space to get your words out there into the world. Publishing an anthology with a publisher is also an option but it’s harder — you often need to have an established career first. 

In any case, most magazines aim to have enough funds to pay their contributors. Small ones can pay $15-$20 per story, bigger ones $100-$200. You can also enter writing contests to win higher prizes.

18. Novelist 

Being a novelist comes with the difficulty of having the time and finances to write a full draft before you can propose it to publishers, or even publish it yourself. It’s a long commitment, and it doesn’t guarantee a payoff. If it does get printed, a book deal can get you an advance in the $5,000-$15,000 range. If you self-publish, what you get depends on how well you market your books — emphasis on the plural noun!

That said, it’s not impossible. We’ve got a whole post on how to become a novelist here if you want some pointers from famous writers like Anne Lamott and Zadie Smith! 

19. Nonfiction author 

Who says creative writing jobs have to be all about fiction? Creative nonfiction is a growing field that’s always welcoming new stories. From memoirs and biographies to true crime, from self-help to essay collections, you can focus on many different topics with this option. 

The nice thing about it all is that unlike fiction writers, you can pitch your book proposal to publishers before you complete a whole manuscript for nonfiction titles, meaning you can be guaranteed some kind of results before you start writing. The advance amount is similar to that for novels.

And last but not least, you can become a poet! Poets tell stories with rhythm and rich imagery, and not just on paper but also with their voice. Performing poetry is one of the special advantages that comes with this form of writing. Not only does it let you and the audience experience in a new way, it’s also a great opportunity to grow as an artist. 

On top of that, you can also dabble in other industries (advertising, music producers…) as a lyricist. As it’s a gig-based employment, you probably want to diversify your work portfolio to make sure there’s always something you can work on. The rates are usually similar to that of a ghostwriter.

And voila, that’s the end to our master list of creative writing jobs! Hopefully, there’s something to help you passion live on among this many options.

Earn more than you would at a publishing house

Create your free Reedsy profile to get started.

Create your Reedsy freelancer account

We have some great projects already lined up for you to work on.

Supercharge your freelance career

Sign up to receive tips for growing your business.

1 million authors trust the professionals on Reedsy. Come meet them.

Enter your email or get started with a social account:

18 Amazing Entry-Level Jobs for English Majors (With High Pay!)

Are you trying to figure out the best entry-level jobs for English majors so you can decide on the right career path?

Maybe you’re been asking yourself:

• What can you do with an English degree? …Like, really, what the heck are the exact jobs you can get with an English degree ?
• What are the best high-paying jobs for English majors?
• I really want to work alone, and prefer to avoid the classroom! What can I do with an English degree besides teach?

If any of this applies, I’ve got good news:

Contrary to popular belief, an English degree gives you lots of incredible, high-paying job options!

…And no, you don’t have to teach.

You can’t possibly choose the right career without knowing all of your options!

That’s why I’ve put the best options right here for you, all in one place. 🙂

Keep reading to learn about the top 15 entry-level jobs for English majors with all the juicy details you need to make the right career choice, such as:

• Starting salaries and salary ranges,
• Typical job duties and skills needed
• How to get your first entry-level job with an English degree
• Quotes and examples from people who broke into the listed careers
• Links to excellent resources for breaking into the top careers for English majors, with screenshots and tips included

Let’s jump right in!

Here are the best entry-level jobs for English majors:

15 Top Entry-Level Jobs for English Majors (And How to Start ASAP!)

1. corporate copywriter.

Average Starting Salary: $43,500/year

A corporate copywriter writes and edits brochures, websites, product descriptions, newsletters or any other type of marketing content.

I actually have a former corporate copywriter working on my own team here at Writing Revolt!

So, I asked him how he landed his first corporate copywriting job as an English major with no other writing experience.

“I didn’t know what copywriting even was when I graduated college, but I learned about it when I did a little research online about the best entry-level jobs for English majors. As a result, I was able to break into marketing copywriting working for a major household name in the luxury retail field!”

He went on to share that he got this job via signing up for a creative staffing agency and interviewing at their office.

The agency connected him with the job, and he got hired on a contract, which led to a full-time position!

Creative Circle is an example of a staffing agency specializing in high-paying creative jobs. Search for these types of agencies in your own area for an idea of the best careers with an English degree available near you!

So if corporate copywriting interests you…

Know that you can definitely break in with no prior experience!

2. Librarian or Library Assistant

Average Starting Salary: $26,000-$48,000/year

Why should you become a librarian?

Well, because you get to work with books, duh. 🙂

If you want to spend most of your day surrounded by literature and stories from around the world…

Then working as a librarian or library assistant is an excellent option for you.

It’s truly one of the best entry-level jobs for English majors, and a dream job for so many writers!

If you want to get a job as a librarian, keep in mind that as an English major, you’ll likely have more luck starting with a more entry-level job in a library, like “Library Assistant.”

Here’s an example of a job that would get your foot in the door working at a library!

Then, you can work your way up from your library assistant job.

And hey, if you truly love it, you may end up going back to school to pursue a Master’s degree in Library Science to reach the top of the field.

3. Social Media Manager

Average Starting Salary: $50,000/year

If you love Twitter and Instagram as much as I do, then this is the perfect job for you.

As a social media manager, your responsibility would be to create content that will get people talking about your company on these platforms.

You don’t need any formal training in communication or marketing either – just be good at working with words ( ahem! ) and understanding how social media works.

So, this is definitely one of the top careers for English majors who just can’t stop scrolling on social media! 😉

4. Freelance Copywriter

Average Starting Salary: Varies (I made $5,000/mo in my 4th month freelance copywriting – click here to see how!)

A freelance copywriter is a writer who is hired by different businesses to write for either their marketing or editorial materials.

They work from home and set their own schedule.

Some self-employed freelance writers even choose to travel full-time and work from anywhere in the world!

I traveled the country full-time thanks to my online business! This was a stop in Northern California. 🙂

If you want to become a copywriter without being tied down to an office, then freelancing is a great idea!

And fortunately, you don’t need any prior writing experience to get started freelance writing . 🙂

You can watch this video and check out my YouTube channel to learn how to break into freelance writing:

To fast-track your way into freelance writing…

Click here to learn how to make your first $1,000 freelance writing online.

(No experience, social media following, or college degree needed!)

5. Ghostwriter

Average Starting Salary: Varies

A ghostwriter is someone who writes on behalf of another person.

For example, some celebrities hire a ghostwriter to write a fiction book or autobiography on their behalf – and you only see the celebrity’s name listed as the author on the book.

Ghostwriters can create nonfiction or fiction works.

Although you may be able to find a ghostwriting job via a traditional job search, many ghostwriters work on a freelance basis and get writing jobs based on their own marketing.

For example, Hannah Sandoval of PurpleInkPen markets herself as a ghostwriter this way on her website:

Make no mistake:

You’ll need a pro website to market yourself independently as a ghostwriter too.

Click here to learn how to set up a pro writing portfolio that gets you hired – even if you have no experience!

Don’t let fear hold you back. Just  start  and take the first step.

6. Copywriter/Marketer for Advertising Agency

Average Starting Salary: $45,000-$55,000/year

A copywriter for an advertising company is responsible for developing the written component of an advertising campaign.

If you’ve seen Mad Men, you know what I’m talking about!

Of course, these days, copywriting looks quite a bit different

Ad agency copywriters typically work with the graphic designer, art director, and account managers to develop strategic ad copy. Copywriters must be able to communicate a message in a way that sells a product or service.

They write and create ads for print media, television, online video networks, and mobile apps.

A few of their responsibilities include:

– Writing strategy: The copywriter’s job is to develop messages that people will pay attention to or remember in different mediums.

– Advertising copy development : Copywriters are responsible for writing catchy and informative advertising copy that captures viewers’ attention by grabbing their interest and solving their problems.

– Creating headlines: The copywriter’s job is to create headlines that will make people want to read the full story.

– Editing: Copywriters are responsible for editing their work before it gets published or broadcast, which includes polishing up grammar and spelling mistakes in order to ensure a polished finished product.

As you grow your copywriting chops, you can move up into a senior copywriting role – or even become a creative director!

This is definitely a writing career that can lead to a six-figure salary if you stick with it.

7. Self-published book author

Average Starting Salary: Varies Widely

Self-published authors are becoming more mainstream, so it’s not surprising that a number of people are considering this as a career.

You can become a self-published author by learning the basics of writing and publishing a book on your own.

Romance author Yuwanda Black makes a full-time income self-publishing romance novels on Amazon. 

When Yuwanda was interviewed about her self-publishing accomplishments , she said:

“I had zero experience writing romance (or any kind of fiction) before I wrote my first romance novel in 2013.”

Pretty incredible, right?

Self-publishing certainly isn’t the easiest entry-level job for English majors to break into. But, with a bit of grit and the right marketing approach, you might just create the next top seller!

8. Assistant English Professor

Average Starting Salary: $67,000/year according to Indeed.com

If you’re a passionate reader and want to share your passion with others on a daily basis, teaching English at the college level is an excellent career choice.

Not only does it provide intellectual stimulation and professional growth opportunities, but it also allows for lifelong learning and personal enrichment.

You will be surrounded by books in your office as well as in the classroom.

And if you love immersing yourself in literature, there are few better ways of spending one’s time than reading and teaching it!

9. Website Content Manager

Average Starting Salary: ~$50,000/year 

A website content manager is responsible for updating and managing the content of a web site, including articles, blog posts, product descriptions, or other company information.

One of my first internships after quitting school was working as a website content manager for a tiny local business.

Mostly, I edited product descriptions and moved content around on their website, so having writing chops  and WordPress experience definitely played a big role in landing the job!

To get started, the first step you should take is to enroll in an undergraduate degree program in English or Journalism.

…Which, if you’re reading this, you’ve probably already done, so congrats! 🙂

Then, if you’re still in school, consider checking sites like Internships.com for opportunities to break into the field.

Working as a website content manager is one of the top English degree jobs on it’s own – and also a great way to get your foot in the door for a copywriting gig.

10. Technical Writer

Average Starting Salary: $45,000-$50,000/year

A technical writer works on technical documents, such as manuals or other instructional materials.

They may work in a variety of industries including computer software development and scientific research.

(I’ve actually done some technical editing for a small niche hardware business!)

Here’s an example of a technical writing job so you can get an idea of what the job usually entails:

Technical writers typically need at least an undergraduate degree in English (or Journalism), but some companies will train qualified candidates on the job.

If you’re looking to break into this field, focus your resume’s attention on any experience with computers and writing about technical content – whether that be through classes, programming language knowledge, or freelance writing gigs that were more technical in nature.

11. Medical Scribe

Average Starting Salary: $24,000-$30,000/year

A medical scribe’s job duties include taking accurate notes, performing research and organizing patient data.

Their goal is to make sure doctors have every detail of the patients’ story at their fingertips when they’re in the room with them.

Medical transcriptionists often have a certification in their craft, which is fairly quick and easy to achieve when compared with traditional, 4-year degree plans.

But, I’ve also heard that some people who are not medically trained get these jobs!

So, if you’re a wordsmith and want to work in the medical field, this could be an excellent way to do it!

12. Journalist

Average Starting Salary: $37,000-$40,000/year

Journalists can work in print, broadcast or online media.

They may specialize in areas such as general reporting, sports writing, or investigative journalism, and you can see this wide variety of options reflected when you search for journalism jobs!

Journalism is a great entry-level job for English majors, with a wide variety of topics to pursue.

Overall, journalism is a great entry-level job for English majors because it can offer a lot of variety and solid job security.

As you develop skills and experience in this field, your average salary can absolutely rise significantly, with more experienced journalists making upwards of $53,000 per year according to Glassdoor!

13. Content Marketer

Average Starting Salary: ~$50,000/year

Content marketers create, manage and grow content on websites to increase traffic and conversions. This is the kind of job for someone with a wide knowledge of digital marketing and how search planners work.

The goal of a content marketer is to get as many high-quality visitors as they can for their company’s website.

So, they’ve gotta be really good at is creating eye-catching headlines that will make people want to read more.

They also tend to be excellent content marketing strategists, planning the overall marketing efforts strategically based on what will convert the most customers.

The median annual salary of a content marketer is about $50,000/year according to Payscale.com.

Keep in mind you have the potential to move up in this career to a content marketing manager role.

And content marketing managers often earn around six figures!

14. Television Writer

Average Starting Salary: ~$47,000/year

A career in television writing is the dream for many English majors.

I mean, seriously. Imagine being able to say, “I helped write the script for one of my favorite television shows!”

Pretty awesome, right?

Television writing can be a great entry-level position for English majors and, if you’re successful, it can turn into something much more prestigious.

You can learn how to break into television writing right here, but keep in mind that it’s often much more competitive than the other jobs in this blog post!

You’ve gotta really want it, and you may want to even consider moving to a major filming city, like Los Angeles or Atlanta, to be able to network and find the most job opportunities.

Here’s an example of a TV writing job in the Los Angeles area!

If you think this might be an appropriate fit for you, then make sure your resume showcases any previous experience with television as well as basic TV writing skills and coursework.

15. Radio Writer

Average Starting Salary: ~$44,000/year according to Comparably

Radio writers have the opportunity to write scripts for audio content. This is a great entry-level job for someone with an English degree, as it offers plenty of variety and solid pay.

Radio writers often work on a variety of tasks, including:

• Writing sound bites, jingles and other types of audio content for radio
• Working as producers of segments and shows such as morning programs, with talk show hosts or on-air anchors
• Creating original programming
• Helping with copy that will be read by announcers during a broadcast
• Developing scripts for commercials or promotional programs

Radio writing usually starts at lower hourly wage (~$25-35 per hour) but can grow significantly with years of experience.

If you think this might be an appropriate fit for you, make sure your resume highlights any previous experience in the field or basic writing skills.

If you’re still in school, try to land a gig helping out your college radio station to get some excellent writing samples for your first big radio writing job!

16. SEO Specialist

Average Starting Salary: $35,000-$45,000

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a type of internet marketing technique that focuses on optimizing websites to rank higher in search engine result pages.

So, an SEO specialist is someone who plans the content on a website and writes it in such a way so that search engines will find the site.

They’re also in charge of analyzing data to see how visitors are interacting with their site, what keywords they use when searching, and where those interactions lead.

Higher search engine rankings mean more website traffic, and more website traffic means more sales! As you can imagine, that makes this job an important one!

If you want to get a higher starting salary, consider working as an SEO specialist at a larger corporation rather than a small business or advertising agency.

17. Copy Editor

Average Starting Salary: $42,000/year according to ZipRecruiter.com

Copy editors are professionals that review and edit written text for a variety of purposes, such as catching typos, correcting grammar usage or style, or making sure that the content of the text is consistent with style guidelines.

To get your first job as a copy editor, you can try the internship route or sign up for a creative staffing agency like Creative Circle, which offers loads of entry-level jobs for English majors in specific cities.

Here’s an example copy editing job posting so you can get an idea of the typical job responsibilities:

Copy editors often start their career working on a contract or for an hourly wage (~$25-35 per hour) but can grow significantly and land a salaried job or copywriting job later on.

18. Blog Post Writer

A blog post writer is someone who writes blog posts with the intent to attract readers and drive traffic to their website.

Businesses hire blog post writers because it’s not always easy to keep up with writing content on a regular basis without something like guest posts. Plus, who wouldn’t want the boost in brand authority, search engine rankings, and traffic that regular blog posts could give you?

What if you’d rather write blog posts on a freelance basis than work a 9-to-5?

Well, you’re in luck!

If you’re looking to start freelance writing, blog post copywriting is the #1 easiest writing niche to break into.

Learn more about how to write blog posts clients will pay $200-$400 each for in this free, in-depth masterclass.

On the other hand, if you want to take a more traditional career route, you can easily break into blog post writing while you’re still a student. Even after you graduate, blog post writing a great entry-level job for English majors because it’s one of the easiest writing gigs to break into.

Plus, blog post writing can easily lead to higher-paying jobs, like content marketing management and copywriting!

Now, get out there and land yourself one of these entry-level jobs for English majors!

No more asking yourself, “What can you do with an English degree?”

Now you know the answer!

And as you can see, there are plenty of entry-level jobs for english majors that pay super frickin’ well and offer great growth opportunities.

If you’re looking to get started freelance writing / copywriting with no experience so you can work from home and set your own schedule…

Take my free class right here on how to make your first $1,000 writing from home with zero experience.

Ready to get started? Click right here for instant access to the masterclass, enjoyed by thousands of beginner writers like you!

You don’t actually need a degree at all to become a freelance copywriter!

I made $5,000/mo freelance copywriting in just 4 months after losing my full-time job!

I didn’t – and still don’t – have a Bachelor’s degree at all.

So, don’t let fear and doubt hold you back.

Freelance copywriting is one of the best careers for writers who want the freedom to set their own schedule.

English degree or not, you can break in and start making a great living in as little as a month!

Click here to learn more, and take my free masterclass on how to start freelance writing (enjoyed by over 13,000 writers!).

Now, over to you:

Do you need help getting started with any of these entry-level jobs for English majors? Comment below and ask away – I love hearing from you! 🙂

Inspirationfeed

Inspiring and educating bright minds.

15 Jobs You Can Do With a Degree in Creative Writing

Last Updated on March 2, 2024

Table of Contents

Writing is an essential skill that humans have used for thousands of years to record their history, share their stories and communicate with each other. Today, writing is even more important, as we live in a highly digital world of emails, texts, posts and messages. Anyone who wants to write for a living needs a degree in creative writing, whether they want to be a novelist or a blogger. 

People who write regularly require additional talents as well, including grammatical knowledge and the ability to translate their work for international readers. The degree can help you develop these skills along with the writing techniques needed to tell a story or sell a product, which you had to master through such an unimaginable number of essay projects, that you had to go online to find someone to write your essays for you. It’s all part of the process of studying . If you are contemplating earning this major, you should spend some time becoming familiar with the many jobs with creative writing degree.

Here of creative writing degree jobs that graduates may be able to pursue.

1. Content Writer/Author

If you are creative and have a well of stories to tell, then careers that involve writing could be for you. Content writers create written content for websites, blogs, company brochures, social media posts, advertisements and more. The stories they tell can be both factual (to inform readers) or fictional (to engage them). To be a content writer, you will need a degree in creative writing, as well as a knowledge of relevant technology, such as desktop publishing software.

• Average salary: is $20.36 per hour in United States or $52,272 per year.
• Irregular work schedule.
• Office/Freelancer.

2. Ghostwriter

Ghostwriters are in high demand, and not just for celebrities and business executives. Increasingly, busy professionals and families are hiring ghostwriters to help them create books, blogs and other written content celebrating their lives and careers. You will need to know how to bring your clients’ ideas to life while maintaining their voice and integrity.

A ghostwriter may freelance or work directly for a publisher or other content creator. Other options include work for an agency that manages the whole process of ghostwriting. Ghostwriters may specialize in a particular subject, such as cookbooks or children’s books, or they may write on a variety of topics. 

• Average salary: is $25 per hour in United States or $55,753 per year.
• Irregular work schedule
• Office/Freelancer 

Publishing editors review manuscripts or other content before it is submitted to publications or a website. They also may oversee other writers and ensure that editorial policies and standards are followed. A creative writing degree will teach you the skills needed to complete these tasks, as well as give you an insider’s view of the publishing industry.

The publishing industry can be a competitive place, so it’s a good idea to get a foot in the door with an internship or volunteer work. Editors also may be able to move into a publisher role, which involves managing the entire publishing operation of a company.

• Average salary: is $36 per hour in United States or $66,300 per year.

4. Speechwriter

Speechwriters are in demand anywhere where politicians and other leaders make important public speeches. At the national or global level, speechwriters help leaders craft major addresses that will shape the public perception and even policy around international crises and social issues. At the local level, they create speeches for important ceremonies and events. You can go for this if you possess bachelors in creative writing jobs.

Beyond the basic skills of fact-finding and eloquent expression, the expert speechwriter will know how to craft a speech that will deliver a compelling message, sustain a consistent tone and serve the larger goals of its audience.

• Average salary: is $56 per hour in United States or $142,466 per year.

5. Digital Copywriter

This is among the creative writing major jobs. Digital copywriters specialize in writing web content, landing pages and email marketing materials. They write to persuade a reader to take a specific action, such as purchasing a product or signing up for a newsletter. As such, copywriting is an essential component of online marketing and e-commerce efforts.

To become a copywriter, you’ll need to have a solid foundation in basic writing skills, as well as some experience or special interest in the niche you plan to specialize in. It’s essential for copywriters to constantly stay up-to-date with industry trends and new technologies.

• Average salary: is $26 per hour in United States or $58,723 per year.

6. Technical Writer

With advancements in AI and automation, more and more companies are utilizing written instructions to help automate tasks and teach computers how to perform work traditionally done by humans. Technical writers are needed to develop these instructional manuals, websites and web pages that explain how things work. A creative writing degree can help you excel at this career, provided you also have strong technical skills (like a background in computer programming).

Technical writing may be done freelance, that will require a lot of self motivation , or you may work as a full-time employee for a company. Experienced technical writers may pursue opportunities for project management or Lead Writer roles.

• Average salary: is $37 per hour in United States or $78,060 per year.

7. Social Media Specialist

As a social media specialist, you will help create and maintain the online presence of a company or individual. This means creating and posting content to social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, as well as managing the profile information for your client. Specialists may work independently or as part of a larger team. Working independently means you’ll need the creativity to come up with consistent content to post, as well as the technical knowledge to manage your social media sites effectively. Working as a team means you’ll need to be able to coordinate with other members of the team to create and distribute content.

This position will require strong skills in marketing, communications, and technology. You’ll need to know how to research and write compelling content, as well as how to market a brand through social media.

• Average salary: is $20 per hour in United States or $44,403 per year.
• Regular hours + overtime

8. Cultural Consultant

A growing trend in business today is to deliver content that is relevant, interesting and inspiring to your audience. Cultural consulting involves researching popular trends and current events, as well as historical context, in order to provide insights into how a given message will be received and resonate with a particular audience.

The career of cultural consulting is useful for organizations that need to communicate a message in a certain context; for example, a museum may need to tell about an upcoming exhibit in a way that’s engaging and informative, or a university — about its upcoming events in a manner that’s exciting and relevant to students. Professionals in cultural consulting specialize in researching and delivering contextual content for their organizations. You can go for this if you have chosen creative writing as a career.

• Average salary: is $31 per hour in United States or $65,944 per year.

With the rise of food shows, celebrity cooking shows and food festivals, food criticism is growing in popularity. Anyone interested in writing about food — not just reviewing restaurants, but also sourcing and cooking unique foods — could benefit from a creative writing degree. Food critics need to have a deep knowledge of the culinary world in order to write compelling reviews that attract readers. 

In addition to food reviews, a creative writing degree can help you become a wine, beer or spirits critic — these culinary staples often go unnoticed until they negatively affect a meal. A critic writes with a keen eye for detail, recording the experience in a way that educates as it entertains.

Other opportunities for critics include entertainment reviews (think music festivals and art exhibitions). Critics may work independently or for a publication, and may also seek freelance work.

• Average salary: is $18 per hour in United States or $38,902 per year.

10. Translator

This is one of the jobs for writing majors. With so much international business being done, translators are vital to the operation of any company. From multinational corporations to small family-owned firms, companies rely on translators to facilitate communication between English-speaking clients and employees and their counterparts in other countries. Translation is also necessary when materials from research and other sources need to be translated into English for use by personnel at the company. So if you have a creative writing degree, and you’d like to transfer your skills into a real job, consider becoming a translator.

• Average salary: is $25 per hour in United States or $56,272 per year.

11. Songwriter

If you can sing or play an instrument, a creative writing degree can help you channel your creative energy into songwriting. Many popular songs are written from a personal perspective, and the degree can help you develop the skill set needed to craft compelling songs. Songwriters write original songs as well as cover songs; cover songs are popular with bands looking to preserve a unique sound while maintaining copyright protections.

For careers with writing, it can be a full-time or a side hustle — it all depends on your goals. 

• Average salary: is $41 per hour in United States or $84,260 per year.
• Office/Freelancer

12. Email Marketing Specialist

If you love sending (and getting) emails, a career as an email marketer could be a good fit. Email marketers create and send promotional email messages for a brand, product or service; this career requires the ability to write in a conversational yet compelling manner. Most businesses hope their customers read and act on the content of these emails. 

Earning a degree in creative writing might give you a leg up in the field; email marketers must have strong writing and analytical skills, as well as the capacity to quickly determine which customers want which emails. Most email marketing positions are full time, though freelancing opportunities in this area may be available.

• Average salary: is $30 per hour in United States or $59,145 per year.

13. Columnist

This is among the best jobs for writers. The columnist option demonstrates the wide variety of career opportunities. Columnists write articles of varying length on a given topic; the length and number of columns are most often determined by the publication for which they’re writing. Some popular columnists include writers of satire, advice, commentary and news. 

A creative writing degree helps columnists hone the critical thinking , research and writing skills they need to put together quality content. The length of a column is dependent on its subject and the type of publication it’s being released in — but whatever the length, you’ll need to ensure your writing is concise, engaging and persuasive. Column writing is a career for freelancers; most writers who want to make a living through it will need to self-promote and market their services.

• Average salary: is $ 19.86 per hour in United States o r $41,823 per year.

14. Video Games Screenwriter

This can be classified among the art writing jobs. Games are becoming an ever more popular form of entertainment; many video games include scripted cut scenes, dialogue and other parts that require the help of screenwriters. If you’re a fan of video games and movies, a screenwriting career may be the right choice for you. This job involves imagining and writing the dialogue, narration and character backstories. 

Screenwriters need strong critical thinking skills, along with the ability to imagine the scene they’re writing. Most of them enter this career through self-promotion and networking – after all, most screenwriters are huge fans of video games themselves! Screenwriting is a fast-paced career that’s always changing, and you need to be agile enough to keep up.

• Average salary: is $30 per hour in United States o r $60,250 per year.

15. Advertising Copywriter

Advertising copywriters are responsible for writing the text used in advertisements. This includes creating an image for a brand through written word. Though advertising copywriters specialize in advertising, their skills are useful for any type of copywriting, including web and email content, and promotional and marketing materials.

The ad copywriter role is similar to that of a journalist; they have to quickly digest large amounts of information and accurately represent a brand while maintaining an engaging, persuasive voice. Copywriters who excel in this field possess excellent grammatical and writing skills, as well as a keen sense of how to effectively market a product.

• Average salary: is $25 per hour in United States or $53,526 per year.

Can you pursue further education in creative writing and work?

Yes, you can. While a degree in creative writing isn’t a necessary entry-level requirement for many jobs, it does provide a great foundation for other career paths.

What skills do you need to become successful?

Creative thinking, problem-solving, tact and the ability to see things from different perspectives are just a few of the necessary skills required to pursue a successful career in writing.

Who hires professionals with creative writing degrees?

Aside from positions within schools and universities, writers with creative writing degrees can find employment with video game and software companies, entertainment companies, websites that feature user-generated content, publications, magazines, advertising agencies and nonprofit organizations.

How much does a Creative Writer make?

The salary of a creative writer depends on their experience and the industry in which they work. The median income of writers in the United States is $41,440 per year, according to PayScale. This falls right in the middle of the pay scale, making creative writing a viable career for many professionals.

Posted by: Igor Ovsyannnykov

Igor is an SEO specialist, designer, photographer, writer and music producer. He believes that knowledge can change the world and be used to inspire and empower young people to build the life of their dreams. When he is not writing in his favorite coffee shop, Igor spends most of his time reading books, taking photos, producing house music, and learning about cinematography. He is a sucker for good coffee, Indian food, and video games.

• Log in
• Site search

Creative writing

A degree in creative writing allows you to develop your writing, research and creative thinking skills. You'll also gain skills that are useful in a range of other careers such as publishing, marketing, PR and teaching

Job options

Jobs directly related to your degree include:

• Advertising copywriter
• Arts administrator
• Creative director
• Digital copywriter
• Editorial assistant
• Higher education lecturer
• Lexicographer
• Magazine journalist
• Newspaper journalist
• Publishing copy-editor/proofreader
• Talent agent

Jobs where your degree would be useful include:

• Academic librarian
• Digital marketer
• Film director
• Marketing executive
• Primary school teacher
• Public librarian
• Public relations officer
• Social media manager
• Web content manager

Remember that many employers accept applications from graduates with any degree subject, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here.

Work experience

Building a portfolio of written work, especially any that you've had published, will help to evidence your writing skills and establish your reputation as a writer.

You can gain valuable experience by writing for your student newspaper or magazine, volunteering in schools, or getting involved with writers' groups. Also, try submitting work to journals or anthologies, entering competitions, performing at spoken word events or approaching local drama groups to see if they will use your scripts. This will boost your profile and help build your confidence.

To make yourself more employable, look for opportunities to gain some solid work experience. This could be in the form of paid administrative work for a company or volunteering, perhaps with a local charity helping them to promote the work they do.

You could also write speculatively to a number of businesses, including publishing houses and marketing firms, to ask if you could complete some short-term work experience or shadowing. This can have the advantage of getting you a foot in the door in a highly-competitive industry and could lead to a permanent position.

As well as creative talent and writing experience, you will also need perseverance and determination to succeed as a writer.

Search for placements and find out more about work experience and internships .

Typical employers

As a creative writing graduate you may work to establish yourself as a writer on a self-employed basis, either writing your own works, or writing for others in a freelance capacity.

Alternatively, you could find opportunities with a variety of employers, including:

• publishing houses or editorial/technical writing service companies
• advertising, marketing and public relations agencies, particularly in a copywriting capacity
• primary, secondary, further and higher education institutions
• media organisations and social media companies
• general businesses - in an administrative or general management position
• Civil Service, library or charitable organisations.

Find information on employers in marketing, advertising and PR , media and internet , teacher training and education , and other job sectors .

Further study

As a creative writing graduate you can develop your creative writing skills further by undertaking further study at Masters or PhD level. You can also specialise in an area such as screenwriting, the graphic novel, writing for young people, writing poetry, or writing and producing comedy.

Alternatively, you may want to undertake further vocational training in areas such as teaching, journalism, librarianship or publishing. Vocational courses allow you to study in an area in which you would like to have a career.

You may also want to consider further study in areas such as PR, marketing or advertising.

For more information on further study and to find a course that interests you, see Masters degrees and search postgraduate courses in creative writing .

What do creative writing graduates do?

A tenth (10%) of creative writing graduates in employment in the UK are working in artistic, literary and media occupations, while 7% are working as sales, marketing and related associate professionals. 4% are teaching professionals, and a further 4% are media professionals.

Find out what other creative writing graduates are doing 15 months after finishing their degrees in What do graduates do?

Graduate destinations data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency.

How would you rate this page?

On a scale where 1 is dislike and 5 is like

• Dislike 1 unhappy-very
• Like 5 happy-very

Thank you for rating the page

Top 10 jobs for English majors & who's hiring

Find the best jobs for your English major and see who's hiring. Explore the top positions and learn how to land your dream job.

The skills you develop in your studies as an English major are invaluable in every area of business. From critical thinking to communication skills, acute attention to detail, superior writing and editing, and the ability to think creatively, an English major prepares you incredibly well for jobs in law, business, marketing, and even tech.

Keep reading for a list of exciting jobs and career options that will allow you to make the most of your English degree.

1. Technical writer

Average salary: $61,872

A technical writer creates a company’s user manuals, guides, and other forms of documentation. The role’s main purpose is to present complex information in a way that end users can easily understand. This technical writing position generally entails much research and regular communication with engineers, marketers, project managers, and people from other departments to learn about specific products and services.

This role is great for entry-level English majors, especially those with a portfolio of written work. Some employers ask for two or more years of experience writing for nontechnical audiences.

Education required:

A bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, or a related field

• Analytical thinking
• Attention to detail
• Communication
• Proofreading

2. Copywriter

Average salary: $55,046

A copywriter is responsible for writing clear, persuasive content to help in a company’s marketing efforts. These professionals often work on content for web pages, advertisements, sales pages, emails, and other marketing materials. Their goal is to convince readers to take specific actions (like making a purchase).

Entry-level professionals can easily nab a job as a copywriter without a degree. In fact, many freelance writers start their copywriting careers without prior experience. However, you’ll need excellent creative writing skills and a solid portfolio to get into this role.

• Creative writing
• Time management
• Firm grasp of content marketing principles
• Familiarity with SEO best practices
• Knowledge of keyword research

3. Marketing manager

Average salary: $115,569

A marketing manager develops, implements, and oversees a company’s marketing plans. Their main function is to promote their company’s products, services, and brand to attract new customers. They do this by running different campaigns on various platforms, like social media, email, search engines, and more.

This is a senior position, so employers generally ask for five or more years of experience in a marketing or leadership role.

• A bachelor’s degree in English, marketing, business, or a related field
• Experience using website analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics)
• Google Adwords experience
• Social media marketing experience
• Content development

4. User experience (UX) writer

Average salary: $122,443

A UX writer creates content for digital products like mobile apps, websites, and software interfaces. Their goal is to help users easily navigate a product. They are usually responsible for writing copy on menus, error messages, quick guides for first-time users, and other types of “microcopy.” Most hiring managers look for candidates with two or more years of experience as a copywriter, technical writer, or UX designer.

A bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, communications, or a related field

• Familiarity with prototyping tools, like InVision and Sketch
• Firm grasp of copywriting best practices

5. Content strategist

Average salary: $45,833

A content strategist develops and manages content plans to help businesses attract new customers. The content strategist is responsible for clearly understanding the business’ goals and building a specific content plan to help meet those goals. Tasks usually include developing social media and SEO strategies to help the brand improve their rankings on search engines.

Landing this role usually requires two or more years of experience in a content marketing role as a writer, content manager, social media manager, or a similar position. Project management experience is also preferred.

• Using keyword research tools (e.g., Google Keyword Planner, Moz)
• Using content management systems (e.g., WordPress)
• Social media marketing
• Firm grasp of SEO and SEM principles

6. Grant writer

Average salary: $73,126

A grant writer researches funding opportunities for an organization and writes persuasive grant proposals to help secure those funds. They generally work for nonprofit organizations to help drive their fundraising efforts, but this role can also be found in other types of organizations (like those relying on outside funding for certain projects). Companies usually prefer candidates with at least one year of experience in a grant writing role.

• Persuasive writing
• Organization
• Nonprofitfundraising experience (preferred)

7. Public relations specialist

Average salary: $58,702

A public relations specialist is responsible for maintaining a company’s image in the public eye by creating content for press releases, social media, and other mediums. Regular duties include finding new media opportunities to promote the brand, maintaining current media relationships, and promoting a positive brand image to the public. Someone with two to four years of experience in a public relations (PR) environment will stand out as an excellent candidate for this role.

• Strategic thinking
• Content creation
• Public speaking
• Social media

8. Medical writer

Average salary: $103,549

Medical writers work with doctors and other healthcare professionals to create content for patients. Their role is to write about medical details, procedures, and documents in a way that patients can easily understand. Content may include white papers, newspaper articles, medical books, and more. Organizations often prefer candidates with two or more years of experience in the healthcare or pharmaceutical industry.

A bachelor’s degree in English, life sciences, research and statistics, or a similar field

• Flawless communication
• Knowledge of medical terminology

Average salary: $56,264 An editor is responsible for maintaining the quality of a company’s written material. This includes everything from fact-checking to proofreading and ensuring all content aligns with the company’s style guides and editorial policies. Editors generally work with a team of writers, delegating writing tasks and providing education as necessary. Employers typically ask for two or more years of experience in a content writing or editing role.

A bachelor’s degree in English or journalism

• Ability to give constructive feedback

10. English teacher

Average salary: $52,232

An English teacher is responsible for teaching students the foundational principles of the English language. They plan and deliver lessons, facilitate class discussions, and assess student work to promote reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. They also provide student guidance, support, and feedback.

This position is great for entry-level professionals. Those who have completed an English degree or another humanities degree program usually qualify for plenty of teaching opportunities, from elementary to high school positions. Some organizations might prefer a more advanced education to become a college English teacher, such as a master’s degree.

A bachelor’s degree in English

• Patience and resilience
• Basic computer skills

Who’s hiring English majors on Handshake?

Find the perfect job for your english degree.

Whether you’re passionate about working with nonprofit organizations or more interested in tech, your English degree qualifies you for many job opportunities. From critical thinking to creative writing and keen attention to detail, the skills you develop as an English major can easily transfer to any industry and lead to a variety of career paths.

Join Handshake today to kick-start your job search and land the perfect post to put your English degree to good use.

• https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/technical-writer-i-salary
• https://www.indeed.com/hire/job-description/technical-writer
• https://resources.workable.com/technical-writer-job-description
• https://business.linkedin.com/talent-solutions/resources/how-to-hire-guides/technical-writer/job-description
• https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/tools-and-samples/job-descriptions/pages/technical-writer.aspx
• https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/copywriter-i-salary
• https://www.upwork.com/hire/copywriters/job-description/
• https://resources.workable.com/copywriter-job-description
• https://business.linkedin.com/talent-solutions/resources/how-to-hire-guides/copywriter/job-description
• https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/marketing-manager-salary
• https://www.lhh.com/us/en/insights/job-descriptions/marketing-manager/
• https://emeritus.org/in/learn/what-are-the-roles-and-responsibilities-of-a-marketing-manager /
• https://resources.workable.com/marketing-manager-job-description
• https://www.betterteam.com/marketing-manager-job-description
• https://www.talent.com/salary?job=ux+writer
• https://www.coursera.org/articles/whats-a-ux-writer
• https://www.4cornerresources.com/job-descriptions/ux-writer/
• https://www.indeed.com/hire/job-description/ux-writer
• https://join.com/job-descriptions/ux-writer
• https://www.salary.com/research/salary/posting/content-marketing-strategist-salary
• https://www.betterteam.com/content-strategist-job-description
• https://resources.workable.com/content-strategist-job-description
• https://www.roberthalf.com/blog/salaries-and-skills/hot-job-content-strategist
• https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/grant-writer-salary
• https://www.ziprecruiter.com/hiring/job-description-template/grant-writer
• https://resources.workable.com/grant-writer-job-description/
• https://www.betterteam.com/grant-writer-job-description
• https://www.indeed.com/hire/job-description/grant-writer
• https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/public-relations-specialist-i-salary
• https://www.betterteam.com/public-relations-job-description
• https://resources.workable.com/public-relations-specialist-job-description
• https://www.glassdoor.com/employers/Job-Descriptions/Public-Relations-Specialist
• https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Medical-Writer-Salary#Yearly
• https://ckgroup.co.uk/candidate/job-profiles/medical-writer-job-profile/
• https://climbtheladder.com/medical-writer/
• https://hiredigital.com/job-descriptions/medical-writer
• https://www.totaljobs.com/advice/medical-writer-job-description
• https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Editor-Salary
• https://www.glassdoor.com/employers/Job-Descriptions/Editor
• https://resources.workable.com/editor-job-description
• https://www.betterteam.com/editor-job-description
• https://www.salary.com/research/salary/listing/english-teacher-salary
• https://resources.workable.com/english-teacher-job-description
• https://www.betterteam.com/english-teacher-job-description

Find the right jobs for you. Get hired.

Most recent stories.

• Bachelor’s Degrees
• Master’s Degrees
• Doctorate Degrees
• Certificate Programs
• Nursing Degrees
• Cybersecurity
• Human Services
• Science & Mathematics
• Communication
• Liberal Arts
• Social Sciences
• Computer Science
• Admissions Overview
• Tuition and Financial Aid
• Incoming Freshman and Graduate Students
• Transfer Students
• Military Students
• International Students
• Early Access Program
• About Maryville
• Our Faculty
• Our Approach
• Our History
• Accreditation
• Tales of the Brave
• Student Support Overview
• Online Learning Tools
• Infographics

Home / Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs / Online Bachelor’s (BA) in English Degree / Creative Jobs for English Majors

Creative Jobs for English Majors Creative Jobs for English Majors Creative Jobs for English Majors

Take your next brave step.

Receive information about the benefits of our programs, the courses you'll take, and what you need to apply.

Because of their valuable skills in writing, reading, persuasion, research, and analysis, there are a multitude of potential jobs for English majors. The number of industries that value the competencies associated with English is nearly limitless.

As an English major, you can develop your expertise in important areas like marketing products, conveying complex ideas, providing comprehensive instructions, generating engaged audiences, and telling stories.

If you’re wondering what you can do with an English degree, there are many possible career paths that offer a growing number of job opportunities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), careers in fundraising, marketing, public relations, and technical writing are growing quickly. Other rewarding career opportunities, which may require further education or experience, include becoming a law editor, advertising manager, public relations manager, and more.

What industries are hiring graduates with English degrees?

While graduates with an  online bachelor’s degree in English  can pursue careers in a number of fields. Many industries seek employees who can communicate effectively — something English majors are well equipped to do. Some of the most common options include:

• Creative writing
• Science and medicine

What are some popular careers for English majors?

English degree holders are not limited to careers at for-profit organizations such as corporations or small businesses. They may also find fulfilling jobs in the government and nonprofit sectors.

The following list of careers for English majors provides an array of exciting, diverse career paths. While a bachelor’s degree is an appropriate starting place for each of these positions, additional experience, training, and certifications will allow for advancement in the field.

Author or Writer

Authors  and  writers  are ideally situated to inform, inspire, and engage audiences through the written word. These creative professionals develop original ideas, research them, and then write original content.

As a writer, you may be tasked with writing diverse content like biographies, novels, nonfiction books, speeches, essays, plays, screenplays, marketing copy, and more. Because their opportunities are so varied, writing skills apply to a wide variety of subjects and purposes. Many authors and writers work under deadlines, making time management skills a necessity.

Growth and Salary

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), two-thirds of authors and writers are self-employed, and an anticipated 10,000 new opportunities will develop between 2016 and 2026. Their median pay in 2017 was approximately $62,000 a year.

Skills recommended to succeed:

• Time management
• Organization

Managing Editor

In today’s content-driven world, managing editors play an essential role in curating content. Highly organized and strategic, these individuals must oversee the creation of content that helps further the goals of their organization — including magazines, newspapers, marketing and advertising campaigns, and blogs.

Managing editors maintain creative oversight while also managing those who contribute to the process. These team members may include writers, editors, designers, contractors, desktop publishers, and more. In addition, managing editors serve as liaisons with other departments and stakeholders in the organization. Deadlines are often tight, so managing editors must have excellent time management skills, while also adapting to new challenges as they arise.

The position of managing editor is typically not an entry-level one and often requires additional training and experience. The number of new employment opportunities for editors and managing editors is projected to remain flat according to the BLS. But compensation for this position is good: Data compiled by PayScale.com shows that the average salary for managing editors is $60,000, with a typical range depending on location and experience of $39,000 to $97,000.

• Proofreading

Public Relations Specialist

In an effort to increase transparency and communication with the public, organizations call on the expertise of public relations specialists. Their job is to develop a positive image for their employer by showcasing its most admirable traits and actions. From drafting speeches and press releases to working directly with the news media, public relations specialists are both proactive and reactive, ready to respond at a moment’s notice.

As a PR specialist, you’ll be tasked with working closely with executives, advertisers, marketers, social media managers, and others to ensure all communications remain on-message. By leveraging data from many sources, public relations specialists pay attention to the public’s opinion and adjust accordingly.

The BLS estimates nearly 23,000 new public relations specialist positions to become available between 2016 and 2026. The median pay for a public relations specialist in 2016 was just over $59,000.

Legal Editor

Legal editors  are essential for interpreting the law and providing resources for attorneys, paralegals, and other professionals in the field. While some legal editors find employment as news correspondents or bloggers, others work in the legal publishing industry, corporations, or law firms.

Regardless of industry, legal editors must have a solid grasp of the law and how to perform legal research, in addition to advanced writing skills. And wherever legal editors base their careers, they are responsible for ensuring clear communication of complex legal ideas and concepts.

According to data compiled by PayScale.com, the average salary for a legal editor is $68,000, with some highly experienced professionals earning $20,000 to $30,000 more. According to the BLS, employment opportunities for writers and editors will grow by 10% from 2016 to 2026.

• Understanding of law
• Legal research
• Persuasive writing
• Legal analysis

Digital Marketing Specialist

A large number of businesses are turning to digital marketing to boost revenue and raise public awareness, driving demand for digital marketing specialists. Digital marketing includes all advertising and marketing efforts that leverage electronics or the internet, including social media, digital advertisements, search engines, email, websites, blogs, and mobile apps.

When you earn your English degree, you’ll have the opportunity to build and develop a skill set suited to connect with audiences, build awareness, and generate higher profits through digital marketing strategies.

The BLS anticipates 9% growth in this and other public relations specialists fields from 2016 to 2026. The 2017 median salary is just under $60,000. According to the American Marketing Association, social media managers’ salaries increased by 20% from 2016 to 2017, and the highest-earning marketers specialize in conversion rate optimization, content marketing, and search engine optimization.

• Understanding of digital marketing

Investigative Journalist

The public relies on  investigative journalists  to keep them informed about current events and major stories. Investigative journalists may find work with newspapers, magazines, television stations, radio, websites, books, or other media sources.

In our increasingly digital world, reporters sometimes contribute a more diverse array of content types, including articles, videos, blog posts, and social media posts. Sometimes they create and pitch ideas, and other times editors provide assignments with a deadline. From there, investigative journalists interview sources, conduct in-depth research, and put together a story.

Investigative journalists also must cultivate professional relationships with fellow news professionals, as well as trusted contacts and experts. After writing their stories, reporters must review them for accuracy, style, and grammar, and then update them if additional information becomes available.

While limited job opportunities exist along this career path, the increasing consumption of digital news indicates there are more ways for investigative reporters to ensure their work reaches the public. In 2017, the BLS reported the median pay for reporters was over $40,000.

• Interviewing
• Researching

Discover what you can do with an English degree.

Jobs for English majors are plentiful and diverse, and this list is just a sample of the opportunities available.

At Maryville University, our online bachelor’s degree in English can help you build valuable writing, analysis, critical thinking, communication, and research skills to pursue a variety of career opportunities.

If you’re interested in exploring these opportunities, you can begin your educational journey by learning more about our  online Bachelor of Arts in English  program.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers

Bureau of Labor Statistics, Editors

Bureau of Labor Statistics, Public Relations Specialists

Bureau of Labor Statistics, Reporters, Correspondents, and Broadcast News Analysts

Bureau of Labor Statistics, Writers and Authors

Forbes, “14 Jobs For English Majors That Pay At Least $60,000 ”

Inc., “Just-Released Salary Info: Here’s What Digital Marketers Really Earn in 2018”

PayScale, Average Managing Editor Salary

Related Articles

Copywriter salary, job description, and career path.

Have you ever considered joining the exciting field of copywriting? Learn more about what they do and who they write for, along with copywriting salary numbers.

How to Become a Ghostwriter

Pursue an engaging writing career and discover how to become a ghostwriter. Build your skills and industry knowledge with a degree in English.

How to Become a Freelance Travel Writer

Pursue your ambition to become a freelance travel writer and write while you explore. Take hold of your future today with a bachelor’s in English degree.

Grant Writer Salary, Job Description, and Career Path

Have you considered pursuing a career as a grant writer? Learn about the grant writer job description and explore recent grant writer salary figures.

How to Become an Author

What does an author do, and what’s the typical author salary? Check out this Maryville University article to learn more about how to become an author.

How to Become a Social Media Copywriter

Are you ready to take the next step toward becoming a social media copywriter? Explore how earning a bachelor’s degree in English can help you pursue your goal.

How to Become a Legal Editor

Ever wondered how to become a legal editor? Explore the legal profession’s need for editors across multiple platforms and how to join the fast-paced profession.

How to Become a Writer

Want to learn how to become a writer and what writers do? These creative experts are vital in many settings. Find out how you can begin your career here.

How to Become an Investigative Journalist

If you want to learn more about how to become an investigative journalist, explore how a Bachelor of Arts in English degree program can jumpstart your career.

Bring us your ambition and we’ll guide you along a personalized path to a quality education that’s designed to change your life.

• Requirements
• Creative Writing Opportunities
• Student Achievement
• Advanced Degree Partnership in Writing Studies
• Sigma Tau Delta

Jobs for Grads

• Art and Art History
• Museum Studies
• Performing and Visual Arts Design and Technology
• Theater and Dance
• Anthropology and Sociology
• Business Economics
• Educational Studies
• Environment and Sustainability
• Health and Society
• Management Studies
• Media and Communication Studies
• Politics and International Relations
• Pre-Engineering
• Pre-Health Professions
• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Biostatistics
• Health Sciences
• Mathematics, Computer Science and Statistics
• Neuroscience
• Physics and Astronomy
• Scientific Computing
• Parlee Center for Science and the Common Good
• Melrose Center for Global Civic Engagement
• U-Imagine Center for Integrative and Entrepreneurial Studies
• American Studies
• Art History
• Creative Writing
• East Asian Studies
• German Studies
• Modern Languages
• Philosophy and Religion
• African American and Africana Studies
• Animal Behavior
• Applied Ethics
• Applied Sustainability
• Biodiversity & Wildlife Conservation
• Climate Change
• Comparative and Global Literatures
• Data Analytics
• Earth & Environmental Science
• Entrepreneurial Studies
• Environmental Justice
• Film Studies
• Food Studies
• Digital Studies
• Gender, Women’s, and Sexuality Studies
• Latin American Studies
• Legal Studies
• Marine Science
• Science and the Common Good

A major in English is great preparation for careers in both the non-profit and for profit industries, as well continued graduate training in areas such as English, law,  education, political science, public administration, communications, and religious studies.

Career Resources & Articles for English Majors

In the Salary Race, Engineers Sprint but English Majors Endure

Why English Majors are the Hot New Hires — Open Forum

Why I Hire English Majors — Steve Strauss

Every Tech Company Needs an English Major — Matt Asay

What Can I do with an English Major - Ursinus College Career and Post-Graduate Development Office

35 Best Colleges for Creative Writing – 2024

April 12, 2024

Bookworms and aspiring writers can pursue an undergraduate degree in creative writing where they will tackle coursework covering the reading and writing fiction, nonfiction, and poetry as well as the theory and history of the craft. While becoming the next J.K Rowling, Stephen King, or Margaret Atwood may be the goal, holders of creative writing degrees end up on a variety of career paths. This can include: publishing, editing, journalism, web content management, advertising, or for those who “make it” as writers—the next generation of literary superstars. Our list of Best Colleges for Creative Writing goes beyond the most famous writer factories like the University of Iowa and Columbia University, providing you with 35 institutions known for their stellar programs in this field.

Finally, note that although some of the colleges featured below do not offer a formal major in creative writing, their undergraduate offerings in this subject area are so strong that they warrant inclusion on our list.

Methodology 

Click here to read our methodology for the Best Colleges for creative writing.

Best Creative Writing Colleges

Here’s a quick preview of the first ten creative writing institutions that made our list. Detailed profiles and stats can be found when you scroll below.

1) Columbia University

2) Brown University

3) Johns Hopkins University

4) University of Chicago

5) Washington University in St Louis

6) Emory University

7) Stanford University

8) Northwestern University

9) Duke University

10) Yale University

All of the schools profiled below have stellar reputations in the field of creative writing and commit substantial resources to undergraduate education. For each of the best colleges for creative writing, College Transitions will provide you with—when available—each school’s:

• Cost of Attendance
• Acceptance Rate
• Median  SAT
• Median  ACT
• Retention Rate
• Graduation Rate

We will also include a longer write-up of each college’s:

• Academic Highlights – Includes facts like student-to-faculty ratio, average class size, number of majors offered, and most popular majors.
• Professional Outcomes – Includes info on the rate of positive outcomes, companies employing alumni, and graduate school acceptances.

Columbia University

• New York, NY

Academic Highlights: Columbia offers 100+ unique areas of undergraduate study as well as a number of pre-professional and accelerated graduate programs.  Class sizes at Columbia are reasonably small and the student-to-faculty ratio is favorable; however, in 2022, it was revealed that the university had been submitting faulty data in this area. It is presently believed that 58% of undergraduate courses enroll 19 or fewer students. The greatest number of degrees are conferred in the social sciences (22%), computer science (15%), engineering (14%), and biology (7%).

Professional Outcomes: Examining the most recent graduates from Columbia College and the Fu Foundation School of Engineering & Applied Science, 73% had found employment within six months, and 20% had entered graduate school. The median starting salary for graduates of Columbia College/Columbia Engineering is above $80,000. Many graduates get hired by the likes of Amazon, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Google, Citi, McKinsey, and Microsoft.

• Enrollment: 8,832
• Cost of Attendance: $89,587
• Median SAT: 1540
• Median ACT: 35
• Acceptance Rate: 4%
• Retention Rate: 98%
• Graduation Rate: 95%

Brown University

• Providence, RI

Academic Highlights: Students must choose one of 80+ “concentration programs,” but there are no required courses. Class sizes tend to be small—68% have fewer than twenty students—and 35% are comprised of nine or fewer students. Biology, economics, computer science, mathematics, and engineering are among the most popular areas of concentration at Brown; however, it is hard to distinguish any one program, because Brown possesses outstanding offerings across so many disciplines.

Professional Outcomes: Soon after receiving their Brown diplomas, 69% of graduates enter the world of employment. Companies employing the greatest number of Brown alums include Google, Microsoft, Goldman Sachs, Amazon, Morgan Stanley, Apple, McKinsey & Company, and Bain & Company. The Class of 2022 saw 27% of graduates go directly into graduate/professional school. Right out of undergrad, Brown students boasted an exceptional 81% admission rate to med school and an 81% admission rate to law school.

• Enrollment: 7,639
• Cost of Attendance: $84,828
• Median SAT: 1530
• Acceptance Rate: 5%
• Retention Rate: 99%
• Graduation Rate: 96%

Johns Hopkins University

• Baltimore, MD

Academic Highlights: With 53 majors as well as 51 minors, JHU excels in everything from its bread-and-butter medical-related majors to international relations and dance. Boasting an enviable 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio and with 78% of course sections possessing an enrollment under 20, face time with professors is a reality. Many departments carry a high level of clout, including biomedical engineering, chemistry, English, and international studies. Biology, neuroscience, and computer science, which happen to be the three most popular majors, can also be found at the top of the national rankings.

Professional Outcomes: The Class of 2022 saw 94% of graduates successfully land at their next destination within six months of exiting the university; 66% of graduates entered the world of employment and a robust 19% went directly to graduate/professional school. The median starting salary across all majors was $80,000 for the Class of 2022. JHU itself is the most popular choice for graduate school. The next most frequently attended institutions included Columbia, Harvard, Yale, and MIT.

• Enrollment: 6,044
• Cost of Attendance: $86,065
• Acceptance Rate: 7%
• Retention Rate: 97%

University of Chicago

• Chicago, IL

Academic Highlights: There are 53 majors at UChicago, but close to half of all degrees conferred are in four majors: economics, biology, mathematics, and political science, all of which have particularly sterling reputations. Economics alone is the selection of roughly one-fifth of the undergraduate population. Over 75% of undergrad sections have an enrollment of nineteen or fewer students, and undergraduate research opportunities are ubiquitous as 80% of students end up working in a research capacity alongside a faculty member.

Professional Outcomes: On commencement day, 99% of the Class of 2023 were employed or continuing their education. Business and financial services (30%) and STEM (12%) were the two sectors that scooped up the most graduates, but public policy and consulting were also well-represented. The most popular employers of recent grads include Google, JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, McKinsey & Company, Bank of America, Citi, and Accenture. For those heading to grad school, the top seven destinations are Yale, Columbia, Penn, MIT, Stanford, UCLA, and Johns Hopkins.

• Enrollment: 7,653 (undergraduate); 10,870 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $89,040

Washington University in St. Louis

• St. Louis, MO

Academic Highlights : WashU admits students into five schools, many of which offer nationally recognized programs: Arts & Sciences, the Olin School of Business, the School of Engineering & Applied Sciences, and the Art of Architecture programs housed within the Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts. The most commonly conferred degrees are in engineering (13%), social sciences (13%), business (13%), biology (11%), and psychology (10%). 66% of classes have fewer than 20 students, and over one-quarter have single-digit enrollments. 65% double major or pursue a minor.

Professional Outcomes: The Class of 2022 sent 52% of grads into the workforce and 28% into graduate and professional schools. Companies employing the highest number of WashU grads feature sought-after employers such as Amazon, Bain, Boeing, Deloitte, Google, IBM, Goldman Sachs, and Microsoft. Of the employed members of the Class of 2022 who reported their starting salaries, 79% made more than $60k. The universities welcoming the largest number of Bears included the prestigious institutions of Caltech, Columbia, Harvard, Penn, Princeton, and Stanford.

• Enrollment: 8,132 (undergraduate); 8,880 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $83,760
• Median ACT: 34
• Acceptance Rate: 11%
• Retention Rate: 96%
• Graduation Rate: 93%

Emory University

• Atlanta, GA

Academic Highlights: This midsize university offers a diverse array of majors (80+) and minors (60+), and 30% of Emory students pursue more than one area of study. Over half of Emory’s student body works directly with a faculty member on academic research and 58% of courses have class sizes of under twenty students. Ultimately, the greatest number of students go on to earn degrees in the social sciences (15%), biology (14%), business (14%), health professions (12%), and mathematics (9%).

Professional Outcomes: Shortly after graduation, 66% of 2022 grads were already employed, and 96% had arrived at their next destination. The top employers of recent Emory grads include Deloitte, Epic, ScribeAmerica, Meta, Morgan Stanley, and Cloudmed. Graduates of the Goizueta Business School found strong starting salaries with an average of $81k.  In the last few years, multiple Emory grads/alums received acceptance letters from the following top law schools like Columbia, Berkeley, and Georgetown. Med school acceptances included Duke, Johns Hopkins, and Vanderbilt.

• Enrollment: 7,101
• Cost of Attendance: $83,702
• Median SAT: 1500
• Median ACT: 33
• Retention Rate: 95%
• Graduation Rate: 90%

Stanford University

• Palo Alto, CA

Academic Highlights: Stanford has three undergraduate schools: the School of Humanities & Sciences, the School of Engineering, and the School of Earth, Energy, and Environmental Sciences. 69% of classes have fewer than twenty students, and 34% have a single-digit enrollment. Programs in engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics, international relations, and economics are arguably the best anywhere. In terms of sheer volume, the greatest number of degrees are conferred in the social sciences (17%), computer science (16%), engineering (15%), and interdisciplinary studies (13%).

Professional Outcomes: Stanford grads entering the working world flock to three major industries in equal distribution: business/finance/consulting/retail (19%); computer, IT (19%); and public policy and service, international affairs (19%). Among the companies employing the largest number of recent grads are Accenture, Apple, Bain, Cisco, Meta, Goldman Sachs, Google, McKinsey, Microsoft, and SpaceX. Other companies that employ hundreds of Cardinal alums include LinkedIn, Salesforce, and Airbnb. Starting salaries for Stanford grads are among the highest in the country.

• Enrollment: 8,049 (undergraduate); 10,236 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $87,833

Northwestern University

• Evanston, IL

Academic Highlights : Northwestern is home to six undergraduate schools, including Medill, which is widely regarded as one of the country’s best journalism schools. The McCormick School of Engineering also achieves top rankings, along with programs in economics, social policy, and theatre. The social sciences account for the greatest number of degrees conferred (19%), followed by communications/journalism (13%), and engineering (11%). 45% of classes have nine or fewer students enrolled; 78% have fewer than twenty enrollees. 57% of recent grads had the chance to conduct undergraduate research.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduating, 69% of the Class of 2022 had found employment and 27% were in graduate school. The four most popular professional fields were consulting (18%), engineering (18%), business/finance (16%), and communications/marketing/media (13%). Employers included the BBC, NBC News, The Washington Post , NPR, Boeing, Google, IBM, Deloitte, PepsiCo, Northrop Grumman, and Goldman Sachs. Across all majors, the average starting salary was $73k. Of those headed straight to graduate school, engineering, medicine, and business were the three most popular areas of concentration.

• Enrollment: 8,659 (undergraduate); 14,073 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $91,290
• Graduation Rate: 97%

Duke University

Academic Highlights: The academic offerings at Duke include 53 majors, 52 minors, and 23 interdisciplinary certificates. Class sizes are on the small side—71% are nineteen or fewer, and almost one-quarter are less than ten. A stellar 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio helps keep classes so reasonable even while catering to five figures worth of graduate students. Computer Science is the most popular area of concentration (11%), followed by economics (10%), public policy (9%), biology (8%), and computer engineering (7%).

Professional Outcomes: At graduation, approximately 70% of Duke diploma-earners enter the world of work, 20% continue into graduate schools, and 2% start their own businesses. The industries that attract the largest percentage of Blue Devils are tech (21%), finance (15%), business (15%), healthcare (9%), and science/research (6%). Of the 20% headed into graduate school, a hefty 22% are attending medical school, 18% are in PhD programs, and 12% are entering law school. The med school acceptance rate is 85%, more than twice the national average.

• Enrollment: 6,640
• Cost of Attendance: $85,238
• SAT Range: 1490-1570
• ACT Range: 34-35
• Acceptance Rate: 6%

Yale University

• New Haven, CT

Academic Highlights: Yale offers 80 majors, most of which require a one- to two-semester senior capstone experience. Undergraduate research is a staple, and over 70% of classes—of which there are over 2,000 to choose from—have an enrollment of fewer than 20 students, making Yale a perfect environment for teaching and learning. Among the top departments are biology, economics, global affairs, engineering, history, and computer science. The social sciences (26%), biology (11%), mathematics (8%), and computer science (8%) are the most popular areas of concentration.

Professional Outcomes: Shortly after graduating, 73% of the Yale Class of 2022 had entered the world of employment and 18% matriculated into graduate programs. Hundreds of Yale alums can be found at each of the world’s top companies including Google, Goldman Sachs, McKinsey & Company, Morgan Stanley, and Microsoft. The most common industries entered by the newly hired were finance (20%), research/education (16%), technology (14%), and consulting (12%). The mean starting salary for last year’s grads was $81,769 ($120k for CS majors). Nearly one-fifth of students immediately pursue graduate school.

• Enrollment: 6,590 (undergraduate); 5,344 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $87,705
• Graduation Rate: 98%

Hamilton College

• Clinton, NY

Academic Highlights: The student-to-faculty ratio is 9:1, and without any pesky graduate students to get in the way, face time with professors is a regular occurrence. In fact, 28% of all classes have nine or fewer students; 72% have nineteen or fewer. Economics, government, and biology are among the strongest and most popular majors; other standout programs include public policy, mathematics, and environmental studies. Thirty percent of students earn social science degrees, with biology (13%), visual and performing arts (9%), physical science (7%), and foreign languages (7%) next in line.

Professional Outcomes: Examining the 491 graduates in Hamilton’s Class of 2022, an enviable 97% wasted no time landing jobs, graduate school acceptances, or fellowships. The most commonly entered industries were finance (17%), education (13%), business (12%), and science/tech (11%). Only 17% of 2022 graduates went directly into an advanced degree program. In one recent year, 33% of Hamilton grads were studying a STEM field, 22% were in the social sciences, 17% pursued a health care degree, and 5% went to law school.

• Enrollment: 2,075
• Cost of Attendance: $82,430
• Median SAT: 1490
• Acceptance Rate: 12%
• Graduation Rate: 92%

Princeton University

• Princeton, NJ

Academic Highlights: 39 majors are available at Princeton. Just under three-quarters of class sections have an enrollment of 19 or fewer students, and 31% have fewer than ten students. Princeton is known for its commitment to undergraduate teaching, and students consistently rate professors as accessible and helpful. The Engineering Department is widely recognized as one of the country’s best, as is the School of Public and International Affairs.

Professional Highlights: Over 95% of a typical Tiger class finds their next destination within six months of graduating. Large numbers of recent grads flock to the fields of business and engineering, health/science, & tech. Companies presently employing hundreds of Tiger alumni include Google, Goldman Sachs, Microsoft, McKinsey & Company, Morgan Stanley, IBM, and Meta. The average salary ranges from $40k (education, health care, or social services) to $100k (computer/mathematical positions). Between 15-20% of graduating Tigers head directly to graduate/professional school.

• Enrollment: 5,604 (undergraduate); 3,238 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $86,700

Carnegie Mellon University

• Pittsburgh, PA

Academic Highlights: There are a combined 80+ undergraduate majors and 90 minors available across the six schools. Impressively, particularly for a school with more graduate students than undergrads, CMU boasts a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio and small class sizes, with 36% containing single digits. In a given school year, 800+ undergraduates conduct research through the University Research Office. The most commonly conferred degrees are in engineering (21%), computer science (16%), mathematics (12%), business (10%), and visual and performing arts (9%).

Professional Outcomes: By the end of the calendar year in which they received their diplomas, 66% of 2022 grads were employed, and 28% were continuing to graduate school. The companies that have routinely scooped up CMU grads include Google, Meta, Microsoft, Apple, Accenture, McKinsey, and Deloitte. With an average starting salary of $105,194, CMU grads outpace the average starting salary for a college grad nationally. Of those pursuing graduate education, around 20% typically enroll immediately in PhD programs.

• Enrollment: 7,509
• Cost of Attendance: $84,412

University of Iowa

• Iowa City, IA

Academic Highlights: 200+ undergraduate majors, minors, and certificate programs are available across eight colleges, including the Tippie College of Business, which has a very strong reputation. The most commonly conferred degree is business (24%), with parks and recreation (10%), social sciences (8%), health professions (8%), engineering (7%), and communication & journalism (5%) next in popularity. Over half of its undergraduate sections enroll 19 or fewer students, and 30% of undergrads conduct or assist research.

Professional Outcomes: 96% of Class of 2022 grads found their first job or advanced degree program within six months of receiving their diploma. The most commonly entered industries were healthcare (23%), entertainment/the arts (14%), finance and insurance (11%), and marketing/PR (10%). Companies that employ hundreds of alumni include Wells Fargo, Collins Aerospace, Principal Financial Group, Amazon, Accenture, and Microsoft. The median salary for 2022 grads was $50,000. 28% of recent graduates went directly into graduate school; 76% remained at the University of Iowa.

• Enrollment: 22,130 (undergraduate); 7,912 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $28,846-$32,259 (in-state); $50,809-$54,822 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1240
• Median ACT: 25
• Acceptance Rate: 85%
• Retention Rate: 89%
• Graduation Rate: 73%

Emerson College

Academic Highlights: All 26 majors offered by the school have some element of performance or artistry and include highly unique academic concentrations such as comedic arts, sports communication, and musical theater. Emerson has a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio and 69% of courses seat fewer than 20 students. The Journalism and Communications Studies programs rank among the top in the country. By sheer popularity, the top majors are film/video production, journalism, marketing, theater arts, and creative writing.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of leaving Emerson, 61% of recent grads were employed, 4% were enrolled in graduate school, and 35% were still seeking their next landing spot. Top employers include the Walt Disney Company, Warner Media, Sinclair Broadcast Group, and CNN. The average full-time salary for employed grads is $40,255. Of those entering a master’s program, the bulk stay put, pursuing a master’s at Emerson in an area like writing for film and television, creative writing, or journalism.

• Enrollment: 4,149
• Cost of Attendance: $73,000
• Median SAT: 1360
• Median ACT: 31
• Acceptance Rate: 43%
• Retention Rate: 86%
• Graduation Rate: 77%

University of Southern California

• Los Angeles, CA

Academic Highlights : There are 140 undergraduate majors and minors within the Dornsife College of Arts & Sciences alone, the university’s oldest and largest school. The Marshall School of Business, Viterbi School of Engineering, and programs in communication, the cinematic arts, and the performing arts are highly acclaimed. Popular areas of study are business (22%), social sciences (11%), visual and performing arts (11%), communications/journalism (9%), and engineering (8%). Most courses enroll 10-19 students, and USC does an excellent job facilitating undergraduate research opportunities.

Professional Outcomes: 96% of undergrads experience positive postgraduation outcomes within six months of earning their degree. The top five industries entered were finance, consulting, advertising, software development, and engineering; the median salary across all majors is an astounding $79k. Presently, between 300 and 1,500 alumni are employed at each of Google, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, KPMG, Goldman Sachs, and Meta. Graduate/professional schools enrolling the greatest number of 2022 USC grads include NYU, Georgetown, Harvard, Stanford, Pepperdine, and UCLA.

• Enrollment: 20,699 (undergraduate); 28,246 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $90,921
• Median SAT: 1510

Cornell University

Academic Highlights: A diverse array of academic programs includes 80 majors and 120 minors spread across the university’s seven schools/colleges. Classes are a bit larger at Cornell than at many other elite institutions. Still, 55% of sections have fewer than 20 students. Most degrees conferred in 2022 were in computer science (17%), engineering (13%), business (13%), and biology (13%). The SC Johnson College of Business houses two undergraduate schools, both of which have phenomenal reputations.

Professional Outcomes: Breaking down the graduates of the College of Arts and Sciences, the largest school at Cornell, 68% entered the workforce, 28% entered graduate school, 1% pursued other endeavors such as travel or volunteer work, and the remaining 3% were still seeking employment six months after receiving their diplomas. The top sectors attracting campus-wide graduateswere financial services (18%), technology (17%), consulting (15%), and education (10%). Of the students from A&S going on to graduate school, 15% were pursuing JDs, 5% MDs, and 22% PhDs.

• Enrollment: 15,735
• Cost of Attendance: $88,150
• Median SAT: 1520

Oberlin College

• Oberlin, OH

Academic Highlights: Over 40 majors are available at Oberlin, which is an extremely strong provider of a liberal arts education. 79% of classes had 19 or fewer students enrolled. The greatest number of degrees conferred are typically in music, political science, biology, psychology, and history. The Conservatory of Music has a worldwide reputation, and programs in the natural sciences are similarly strong, leading to remarkable medical school acceptance rates and a high number of future PhD scientists and researchers.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months, 74% of recent grads found employment, 17% enrolled in graduate school, and just 5% were still seeking employment. Multiple recent grads were hired by Google, Netflix, and Sony Pictures. Over the last few years, multiple students have gone on to pursue advanced degrees at Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Brown, Columbia, Princeton, and the University of Michigan. Oberlin also has a reputation for churning out future PhDs and, is among the top 20 schools (per capita) across all disciplines in producing graduates who go on to earn their doctoral degrees.

• Enrollment: 2,986
• Cost of Attendance: $85,496
• Median SAT: 1400-1540
• Median ACT: 32-34
• Acceptance Rate: 33%
• Retention Rate: 87%
• Graduation Rate: 83%

University of Pittsburgh

Academic Highlights: Pitt admits freshmen to the Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences, the College of Business Administration, the Swanson School of Engineering, and the School of Nursing. Pitt’s engineering and business schools are top-rated and among the most commonly chosen fields of study. Premed offerings are also top-notch, with majors in the health professions (12%), biology (11%), psychology (9%), and computer science (9%) rounding out the list of most popular majors. Pitt has a strong 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio; 42% of sections have an enrollment of under twenty students.

Professional Outcomes: Within a few months of graduating, 94% of 2022 grads entered full-time employment or full-time graduate or professional school. Engineering, nursing, business, and information sciences majors had 73-86% employment rates while other majors tended to flock to graduate school in large numbers. Employers scooping up the highest number of grads in one recent year included the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (170), PNC (57), BNY Mellon (36), and Deloitte (19). Median starting salaries fluctuated between $37k-65k depending on major.

• Enrollment: 20,220 (undergraduate); 9,268 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $38,034-$43,254 (in-state); $56,400-$66,840 (out-of-state)
• Acceptance Rate: 50%
• Retention Rate: 92%
• Graduation Rate: 84%

Swarthmore College

• Swarthmore, PA

Academic Highlights: Swarthmore offers forty undergraduate programs and runs 600+ courses each academic year. Small, seminar-style courses are the norm—an outstanding 33% of sections enroll fewer than ten students, and 70% contain a maximum of nineteen students. Social science degrees are the most commonly conferred, accounting for 24% of all 2022 graduates. Future businessmen/women, engineers, and techies are also well-positioned, given Swat’s incredibly strong offerings in economics, engineering, and computer science.

Professional Outcomes: 68% of Class of 2022 grads entered the workforce shortly after graduation. Popular industries included education (17%), consulting (16%), and financial services (13%); the median starting salary was $60,000. Google is a leading employer of Swarthmore grads followed by Amazon, Goldman Sachs, IBM, and a number of the top universities.  18% of 2022 grads pursued advanced degrees, with 35% pursuing a PhD, 35% entering master’s programs, 10% heading to law school, and 7% matriculating into medical school.

• Enrollment: 1,625
• Cost of Attendance: $81,376
• Graduation Rate: 94%

Bryn Mawr College

• Bryn Mawr, PA

Academic Highlights: On the home campus, undergraduates can choose from 35 majors and 50 minors. Roughly 35% of the student body earns degrees in the natural sciences or mathematics, a figure four times the national average for women. By volume, the most popular majors are mathematics, psychology, biology, English, and computer science. An 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio leads to small class sizes with 74% of sections having fewer than twenty students, and 24% of sections enrolling nine students or fewer.

Professional Outcomes: One year after receiving their diplomas, 57% of Bryn Mawr graduates had found employment and a robust 28% had already entered graduate school. Most of the organizations employing the greatest number of alumni are universities and hospital systems, although Google, Accenture, JPMorgan Chase, and Vanguard do employ a fair number of Bryn Mawr graduates. Among recent grads pursuing further education, 63% were in master’s programs, 13% were already working on their PhD, and 10% were in medical school.

• Enrollment: 1,409
• Cost of Attendance: $79,880
• Median SAT: 1400
• Acceptance Rate: 31%
• Retention Rate: 90%

Wellesley College

• Wellesley, MA

Academic Highlights: There are 50+ departmental and interdisciplinary majors. Thirty-six percent of course sections have single-digit enrollments while 77% have 19 or fewer students. In addition, opportunities for participation in research with faculty members abound. Most programs possess sterling reputations, including chemistry, computer science, neuroscience, and political science, but the Department of Economics shines most brightly, leading many into PhD programs and high-profile careers. Economics, biology, and computer science are the most frequently conferred degrees.

Professional Outcomes : Six months after graduating, 97% of the Class of 2022 had achieved positive outcomes. Of the 76% of grads who were employed, 24% were working in the finance/consulting/business fields, 17% in education, 17% in internet and technology & engineering, and 15% in healthcare/life sciences. Top employers included JPMorgan Chase, Google, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Goldman Sachs. The average starting salary for one recent cohort was a solid $63k. Of the 20% of 2022 grads who directly entered an advanced degree program, common schools attended included Harvard, Columbia, Brown, Stanford, MIT, and Emory.

• Enrollment: 2,447
• Cost of Attendance: $84,240
• Acceptance Rate: 14%

Colby College

• Waterville, ME

Academic Highlights: Offering 56 majors and 35 minors, Colby provides a classic liberal arts education with a high degree of flexibility and room for independent intellectual pursuits. A 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio is put to good instructional use as roughly two-thirds of courses have fewer than 19 students. Being a true liberal arts school, Colby has strengths across many disciplines, but biology, economics, and global studies draw especially high praise. These programs along with government and environmental science attract the highest number of students.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduation, 93% of the Class of 2022 had either obtained jobs or were enrolled full-time in a graduate program. Eighteen percent of graduates enter the financial industry and large numbers also start careers in education, with government/nonprofit, STEM, and healthcare next in popularity. The Medical school acceptance rate over the past five years is 68%, nearly double the national average.

• Enrollment: 2,299
• Cost of Attendance: $86,720
• Average SAT: 1485
• Average ACT: 33
• Acceptance Rate: 8%
• Retention Rate: 93%
• Graduation Rate: 87%

University of Michigan

• Ann Arbor, MI

Academic Highlights: There are 280+ undergraduate degree programs across fourteen schools and colleges, and the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA) enrolls the majority of students. The Ross School of Business offers highly rated programs in entrepreneurship, management, accounting, and finance. The College of Engineering is also one of the best in the country. By degrees conferred, engineering (15%), computer science (14%), and the social sciences (11%) are most popular. A solid 56% of classes have fewer than 20 students.

Professional Outcomes: Within three months of graduating, 89% of LSA grads are employed full-time or in graduate school, with healthcare, education, law, banking, research, nonprofit work, and consulting being the most popular sectors. Within three months, 99% of Ross grads are employed with a median salary of $90k. Top employers include Goldman Sachs, Deutsche Bank, EY, Morgan Stanley, PwC, Deloitte, and Amazon.  Within six months, 96% of engineering grads are employed (average salary of $84k) or in grad school. General Motors, Ford, Google, Microsoft, Apple, and Meta employ the greatest number of alumni.

• Enrollment: 32,695 (undergraduate); 18,530 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $35,450 (in-state); $76,294 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1470
• Acceptance Rate: 18%

Bucknell University

• Lewisburg, PA

Academic Highlights: Over 60 majors and 70 minors are on tap across three undergraduate schools: the College of Arts & Sciences, Freeman College of Management, and the College of Engineering. Getting well-acquainted with your professors is easy with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, and class sizes are reasonably small. The greatest number of degrees are conferred in the areas of the social sciences (26%), engineering (14%), business (14%), biology (11%), and psychology (9%).

Professional Outcomes: Nine months after graduation, 94% of the Class of 2022 had launched their careers or entered graduate school. Financial services is the most common sector for Bucknell grads to enter, attracting 24% of alumni. Across all disciplines, the average salary for a Class of 2022 grad was $69,540. Bucknell saw 18% of 2022 grads go directly into an advanced degree program. Bison alumni heading to graduate school predominantly pursue degrees in the medical field, social sciences, business, or engineering.

• Enrollment: 3,747
• Cost of Attendance: $80,890
• Median SAT: 1380
• Median ACT: 32
• Retention Rate: 91%

Haverford College

• Haverford, PA

Academic Highlights: Haverford offers 31 majors, 32 minors, 12 concentrations, and eleven consortium programs—areas of study that can be pursued at partner campuses. The school’s 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio and exclusive emphasis on undergraduate education lead to exceptionally intimate classes, 33% of which have fewer than 10 students, and 72% have fewer than 20. The most popular areas of study at Haverford include the social sciences (24%), biology (14%), psychology (11%), physical sciences (10%), computer science (9%), and mathematics (7%).

Professional Outcomes: Six months after leaving Haverford, 63% of the Class of 2022 had found employment, 19% had enrolled in graduate school, and 9% were still job hunting. Employers hiring multiple recent Haverford grads include Epic, JP Morgan Chase Bank, Boston Consulting Group, Goldman Sachs, the National Institutes of Health, and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Of the 19% of 2022 grads who elected to continue their education, the most commonly entered fields of study were STEM (51%) and medicine/health (15%).

• Enrollment: 1,421
• Cost of Attendance: $87,180
• Graduation Rate: 91%

Colorado College

• Colorado Springs, CO

Academic Highlights: Rather than the typical semester schedule, Colorado College operates on the “block plan,” a series of eight three-and-half-week periods during which students take only one course. You won’t find a more intimate liberal arts college than CC. Classes have a cap of 25 students, and no more than a handful of courses exceed that figure. The average class consists of 16 students. In terms of sheer volume, most degrees are conferred in the social sciences (28%), biology (17%), natural resources and conservation (8%), and physical science (6%).

Professional Outcomes: Among the Class of 2022, an impressive 99% arrived successfully at their next destination within six months of earning their diploma. The largest number of graduates who pursue employment end up in the fields of education, technology, health care, the arts, and government.  The bachelor’s degree earned at Colorado College is unlikely to be the last degree a graduate will earn. Five years after graduation, the typical cohort sees 70-90% of its members having either completed or finishing an advanced degree.

• Enrollment: 2,180
• Cost of Attendance: $87,128
• Acceptance Rate: 16%
• Graduation Rate: 86%

Brandeis University

• Waltham, MA

Academic Highlights: Brandeis offers 43 majors, the most popular of which are in the social sciences (18%), biology (17%), business (10%), psychology (8%), public administration (8%), and computer science (7%). The student-faculty ratio is 11:1, and 60% of courses contain nineteen or fewer students. Departments with a particularly strong national reputation include economics, international studies, and sociology as well as all of the traditional premed pathways including biology, and chemistry.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduation, 98% of the Class of 2022 had found their way to employment (59%), graduate school (35%), or another full-time activity like travel or volunteer work (4%). Members of the Class of 2022 were hired by Red Hat, Deloitte, Nasdaq, NPR, and McKinsey & Company. The average starting salary for recent grads is $61k. A large contingent of grads elects to continue at Brandeis for graduate school. Many others go to BU, Columbia, Duke, Harvard, and Yale.

• Enrollment: 3,687
• Cost of Attendance: $86,242
• Median SAT: 1440
• Acceptance Rate: 39%

Macalester College

• St. Paul, MN

Academic Highlights: Students can choose from roughly 40 majors and over 800 courses that are offered each academic year . Being an undergraduate-only institution, Macalester students enjoy the full benefits of the school’s 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The average class size is only 17 students, and 14% of class sections have single-digit enrollments. Macalester possesses strong offerings across many different disciplines. Programs in economics, international studies, and mathematics are among the best anywhere.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduating, 95% of the Macalester Class of 2022 had found employment, graduate school, or a fellowship. Employers of recent grads include ABC News, Google, Goldman Sachs, Dow Chemical Company, McKinsey & Company, the ACLU, the National Cancer Institute, and National Geographic . Across all sectors, the average starting salary for recent grads was above $62k. Sixty percent of Mac grads pursue an advanced degree within six years of earning their bachelor’s.

• Enrollment: 2,175
• Cost of Attendance: $79,890
• Median SAT: 1430
• Acceptance Rate: 28%
• Retention Rate: 88%

Barnard College

Academic Highlights: Barnard has a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, and a sensational 71% of courses are capped at nineteen or fewer students; 18% have fewer than ten. Many get the chance to engage in research alongside a professor as 240+ undergraduates are granted such an opportunity through the Summer Research Institute each year. Barnard’s most popular majors, by number of degrees conferred, include economics, English, political science, history, psychology, neuroscience, computer science, and art history.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduation, 91% of 2022 Barnard grads had found employment or were enrolled in a graduate program. JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, Blackrock, Citibank, and Morgan Stanley all appear on the list of the top fifteen employers of Barnard alumni. Within ten years of graduation, over 80% of Barnard alums eventually enroll in graduate school. Those entering graduate school flock in large numbers to Columbia, with 112 heading there over the last three years.

• Enrollment: 3,442
• Cost of Attendance: $90,928
• Acceptance Rate: 9%

Georgetown University

• Washington, D.C.

Academic Highlights: The student-faculty ratio is 11:1, and 60% of classes enroll fewer than 20 students. While some classes are a bit larger, only 7% cross the 50-student threshold. Those desiring to join the world of politics or diplomacy are in the right place. The Government and International Affairs programs are among the best in the country. The greatest number of degrees are conferred in the social sciences (38%) followed by business (20%), interdisciplinary studies (8%), and biology (7%).

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduating, 75% of members of the Class of 2022 entered the workforce, 19% went directly into a graduate or professional program of study, and 3% were still seeking employment. The Class of 2022 sent massive numbers of graduates to a number of major corporations including JPMorgan Chase (22), Citi (21), BOA (18), Morgan Stanley (16), and EY (10). Those attending grad school stay at Georgetown or flock to other elite schools like Columbia and Harvard.

• Enrollment: 7,900
• Cost of Attendance: $85,000

Elon University

Academic Highlights: Students choose from 70 majors and can add a number of interesting minors like adventure-based learning, coaching, and multimedia authoring. Elon’s 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio leads to an average class size of 20 students; 51% of sections contain fewer than 20 students. The areas in which the greatest number of degrees are conferred are business (29%), journalism/communication (20%), social sciences (8%), the visual and performing arts (6%), and psychology (6%).

Professional Outcomes: Results of a survey administered nine months after graduation found that 96% of the Class of 2022 had found employment, a graduate school, or an internship. Top employers of recent Elon graduates include Bloomberg, Deloitte, EY, Google, Goldman Sachs, Red Ventures, and Wells Fargo. Recent business grads enjoyed a median salary of $61k while communications majors earned $47k. Just under one-quarter of recent grads gained acceptance into graduate/professional school and many remain at Elon.

• Enrollment: 6,337
• Cost of Attendance: $66,657
• Median SAT: 1260
• Median ACT: 28
• Acceptance Rate: 78%

DePauw University

• Greencastle, IN

Academic Highlights: No matter which of the 40+ majors you pursue at DePauw, you will enjoy the benefits of small class sizes and face time with faculty. A 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio and the fact that only four class sections in the whole university enroll more than 29 students assures that. The greatest number of DePauw undergrads earn degrees in the social sciences (17%), biology (10%), the visual/performing arts (9%), communication/journalism (8%), and computer science (6%).

Professional Outcomes: The university’s “Gold Commitment” guarantees that all grads will land at their next destination within six months, or they will be provided with an entry-level professional opportunity or an additional tuition-free semester. Top employers of DePauw grads include Eli Lilly and Company, IBM, Northern Trust Corporation, AT&T, and Procter & Gamble. Tigers applying to graduate and professional schools experience high levels of success. Of medical school applicants who earned a 3.6 GPA and scored in the 80th percentile on the MCAT, 90% are accepted to at least one institution.

• Enrollment: 1,752
• Cost of Attendance: $74,400
• Acceptance Rate: 66%
• Graduation Rate: 79%

University of Washington – Seattle

• Seattle, WA

Academic Highlights: 180+ undergraduate majors are offered across thirteen colleges/schools. Personal connections with professors abound as 55% of grads complete a faculty-mentored research project. The College of Engineering, which includes the College of Computer Science & Engineering, is one of the best in the nation; UW also boasts strong programs in everything from business to social work to environmental science. The most popular degrees are the social sciences (13%), biology (12%), computer science (11%), and business (8%).

Professional Outcomes: Within months of graduation, 73% of Class of 2022 grads were employed and 17% were continuing their education. The most popular employers of the Class of 2022 included Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, and KPMG. Across all living alumni, 6,000+ work for Microsoft, and 4000+ work for each of Boeing and Amazon. Of those headed to graduate/professional school, just over half remain in state, mostly at UW itself. Large numbers of 2022 grads also headed to Columbia, Johns Hopkins, and USC.

• Enrollment: 36,872 (undergraduate); 16,211 (graduate)
• Cost of Attendance: $34,554 (in-state); $63,906 (out-of-state)
• Median SAT: 1420
• Acceptance Rate: 48%
• Retention Rate: 94%

We hope you have found our list of the Best Colleges for Creative Writing to be useful and informative as you continue your college search process. We also invite you to check out some of our other resources and tools including:

• AP Score Calculators 
• SAT Score Calculator 
• ACT Score Calculator
• Best Summer Programs 
• College List Building Tool
• Best Colleges by Major

Andrew Belasco

A licensed counselor and published researcher, Andrew's experience in the field of college admissions and transition spans two decades. He has previously served as a high school counselor, consultant and author for Kaplan Test Prep, and advisor to U.S. Congress, reporting on issues related to college admissions and financial aid.

• 2-Year Colleges
• Application Strategies
• Best Colleges by State
• Big Picture
• Career & Personality Assessment
• College Essay
• College Search/Knowledge
• College Success
• Costs & Financial Aid
• Dental School Admissions
• Extracurricular Activities
• Graduate School Admissions
• High School Success
• High Schools
• Law School Admissions
• Medical School Admissions
• Navigating the Admissions Process
• Online Learning
• Private High School Spotlight
• Summer Program Spotlight
• Summer Programs
• Test Prep Provider Spotlight

“Innovative and invaluable…use this book as your college lifeline.”

— Lynn O'Shaughnessy

Nationally Recognized College Expert

College Planning in Your Inbox

Join our information-packed monthly newsletter.

I am a... Student Student Parent Counselor Educator Other First Name Last Name Email Address Zip Code Area of Interest Business Computer Science Engineering Fine/Performing Arts Humanities Mathematics STEM Pre-Med Psychology Social Studies/Sciences Submit

Secondary Menu

2024 creative writing award winners, april 11, 2024.

Quantá Holden | Duke English | Digital Communication Specialist

The English Department at Duke University is honored to announce the winners of the 2024 Creative Writing Contests and Creative Writing Scholarships. Annually, the department administers creative writing contests to recognize fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry works by English majors and non-major undergraduates. 

The English Department is honored to announce the winners of its 2024 writing contests. The department administers writing contests to recognize fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and critical writing by English majors and non-major undergraduates. 

Congratulations to all of this year's winners! 

Anne Flexner Memorial Award for Fiction Family members and friends of former English student Anne Flexner (1945) established the Anne Flexner Memorial Award for Creative Writing to recognize undergraduates for their work in fiction and poetry. 

Makee Gonzalez Anderson ’24  -  “Here, in the Past Tense” Second Prize: Emma Huang, ’25  -  "ABEL’S PLACE"

Reynolds Price Award for Fiction The Reynolds Price Fiction Award was established in memory of the distinguished novelist, essayist, poet, and public intellectual Reynolds Price, a graduate of Duke and professor in the English Department for over 50 years.  Tomas Esber, ’24  -  “Ridgewood” Second Prize: Matthew Chen, ’26  -  “ABC” & “Chair"

CREATIVE NONFICTION

George P. Lucaci Award for Creative NonFiction This award was created to encourage creative nonfiction writing and honor George P. Lucaci, a former Duke student who has actively supported undergraduate creative writing in the English Department for many years. 

Ruby Wang, ’24  -  “Blood Orison” Second Prize: Rowan Huang, ’24  -  “Arms Outstretched"

Academy of American Poets Prize Founded in 1934 in New York City, the Academy of American Poets is the largest membership-based nonprofit organization advocating for American poets and poetry.  Its mission is to support American poets at all stages of their careers and foster contemporary poetry appreciation.  Nima Babajani-Feremi, ’24  -  “Dreams to Persepolis” Honorable Mention: Tyler King, ’25  -  "NO QUARTER"

Anne Flexner Memorial Award for Poetry   Family members and friends of former English student Anne Flexner (1945) established the Anne Flexner Memorial Award for Creative Writing to recognize undergraduates for their work in fiction and poetry.   Jocelyn Chin, 24 -   “Endurance” Second Prize:   Arielle Stern, ’25  -  "The Poem as Event"

Terry Welby Tyler, Jr. Award for Poetry This award was established by the family of Terry Welby Tyler, Jr., who would have graduated with the class of 1997 to recognize and honor outstanding undergraduate poetry.  Arim Lim, ’26  -  "Archeopteryx"

Related Articles

• Duke English Administration
• Learning Objectives
• Resources for Faculty
• Best Practices
• English Minor
• Creative Writing Minor
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Student Spotlight
• Global Education
• Thesis & Distinction
• Creative Writing Contest
• 2024 Award Winners
• Critical Essay Contest
• Scholarships & Awards
• Past Winners
• Resources & Forms
• 2023-2024 English Department Ambassadors
• Undergraduate Alumni
• Collective Standards of Conduct and Values
• Timeline and Deadlines
• Statement of Expectations for Advising
• Best Practices Exams & Reading Lists
• Graduate Courses
• Graduate Placements
• Stephen Horne Award for Excellence in Teaching
• Professional Development
• Student Handbook
• Ph.D. Alumni
• Spring 2024 Courses
• Fall 2023 Courses
• Spring 2023 Courses
• Fall 2022 Courses
• 2020-21 Courses and Requirement
• Gateway Courses
• Area I: Medieval & Early Modern
• Area II: 18th & 19th Century
• Area III: Modern & Contemporary
• Criticism, Theory or Methodology Courses
• Creative Writing Courses
• Primary Faculty
• Joint Faculty
• Secondary Faculty
• Instructors and Affiliated Faculty
• Graduate Students
• David L. Paletz Creative Writing Guest Series
• Faculty Books
• Recent Work Online
• Faculty Works-in-Progress Series
• Novel Dialogue Podcast
• The Wellian Magazine
• Master of English Alumni
• J.D./M.A. Alumni
• All Alumni Profiles
• Alumni Profiles
• Assisting Duke Students

• Phone: +90 (212) 875 19 08
• E-Mail: [email protected]

• Company Profile
• Company Policy
• Mission and Vision
• Certificates
• Aluminium Windows
• Aluminium Doors
• Aluminium Sliding Elements
• Aluminium Curtain Walls
• Aluminium Skylight Elements
• Aluminium Frames for Safety and Security
• Aluminium Conservatories
• Metal Panel Sheet Claddings
• Aluminium Entrance Frames
• Glass Structures
• Complementary Items
• Lightweight Steel Structures
• Human Resources OPEN

We are Hiring!

Current job openings, bookkeeper and accounts administrator.

• Organizing the internal accounts, company files and reporting to accountants, company directors,
• Liaising with the suppliers, certificates bodies, external consultants, clients and main office staff ( Fluent in English )
• Assisting Project Managers and Directors with all the paperwork involved during the flow of business,

Preferred Candidate

• Years of Experience: 3-25 years of experience
• Graduated School: Business, Economics, Accounting to similar disciplines
• Level of Education:  High School ( Graduate ), Bachelor's ( Graduate )
• Languages: English ( Reading: Advanced, Writing: Advanced, Speaking: Advanced
• Microsoft Office: Excel, Powerpoint, Word ( Advanced )

Position Information

• Company Industry:  Aluminium, Building, Architecture
• Job Type:  Permanent / Full-time
• Position Level:  Staff
• Job Location: United Kingdom, London

safari hat patagonia