Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services programs
CIP 1601 · Foreign Languages & Linguistics · ranked by median earnings four years after completion
99 institutions report graduate earnings for Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services programs (College Scorecard, 2024-25). Across them the median is $51,710 four years after completion, with a typical debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38× and 77% of graduates earning above the federal earnings threshold. Indicatively, 5 of the 100 programs with both earnings and a benchmark fall below the earnings-premium benchmark used by the 2025 federal test (effective July 1, 2026); the rest clear it.
| # | Institution | Earn 4yr | % > threshold | Median debt | Debt/earn | Earnings premium | 2 of 3 yrs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Middlebury CollegeVT · Master's | $95,625 n=37 | 89% 5yr | $76,938 | 0.81× | Above +78% | Clears 2/2 |
| 2 | Middlebury Institute of International Studies at MontereyCA · Master's | $95,625 n=37 | 89% 5yr | $76,938 | 0.81× | Above +27% | Below 1/2 |
| 3 | Duke UniversityNC · Bachelor's | $88,098 n=20 | 77% 5yr | $7,900 | 0.09× | Above +157% | Clears 2/2 |
| 4 | CUNY Graduate School and University CenterNY · Doctoral | $84,478 n=17 | – | – | – | Above +19% | – |
| 5 | Brandeis UniversityMA · Bachelor's | $78,746 n=17 | – | – | – | Above +81% | – |
| 6 | Emory UniversityGA · Bachelor's | $76,993 n=16 | 86% 5yr | $19,760 | 0.26× | Above +118% | Clears 2/2 |
| 7 | University of California-BerkeleyCA · Bachelor's | $76,724 n=33 | 75% 5yr | $14,000 | 0.18× | Above +100% | Clears 2/2 |
| 8 | Virginia Military InstituteVA · Bachelor's | $73,971 n=19 | – | $23,968 | 0.32× | Above +94% | – |
| 9 | American UniversityDC · UG cert | $69,517 n=40 | 78% 1yr | $24,250 | 0.35× | Above +93% | – |
| 10 | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityVA · Bachelor's | $68,263 n=76 | 89% 5yr | $22,500 | 0.33× | Above +79% | Clears 2/2 |
| 11 | University of Massachusetts-BostonMA · Master's | $67,132 n=44 | 87% 5yr | $20,500 | 0.30× | Below -11% | Below 2/2 |
| 12 | Texas A&M University-College StationTX · Bachelor's | $66,241 n=24 | – | $19,500 | 0.29× | Above +85% | – |
| 13 | Michigan State UniversityMI · Bachelor's | $65,667 n=16 | – | $24,915 | 0.38× | Above +87% | – |
| 14 | Georgetown UniversityDC · Bachelor's | $65,574 n=21 | 92% 5yr | $17,500 | 0.27× | Above +82% | Clears 2/2 |
| 15 | Stony Brook UniversityNY · Bachelor's | $64,547 n=31 | 85% 5yr | $18,938 | 0.29× | Above +70% | Clears 2/2 |
| 16 | University of California-Los AngelesCA · Bachelor's | $62,927 n=144 | 47% | $15,000 | 0.24× | Above +64% | Clears 2/2 |
| 17 | University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh CampusPA · UG cert | $62,435 n=42 | 91% 5yr | $25,308 | 0.41× | Above +66% | Clears 2/2 |
| 18 | James Madison UniversityVA · Bachelor's | $62,366 n=56 | 94% 5yr | $18,879 | 0.30× | Above +64% | Clears 2/2 |
| 19 | University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignIL · Bachelor's | $61,774 n=24 | – | $19,500 | 0.32× | Above +64% | – |
| 20 | University of California-Santa BarbaraCA · Bachelor's | $61,580 n=74 | 81% 5yr | $13,000 | 0.21× | Above +60% | Clears 2/2 |
| 21 | University of Missouri-ColumbiaMO · Bachelor's | $61,080 n=43 | 55% 1yr | $18,500 | 0.30× | Above +71% | – |
| 22 | Rutgers University-New BrunswickNJ · Bachelor's | $60,883 n=47 | 100% 5yr | $22,345 | 0.37× | Above +53% | Clears 2/2 |
| 23 | Brigham Young UniversityUT · Bachelor's | $60,469 n=49 | 100% | $11,742 | 0.19× | Above +52% | Clears 2/2 |
| 24 | North Carolina State University at RaleighNC · Bachelor's | $60,031 n=55 | 60% 1yr | $19,000 | 0.32× | Above +75% | – |
| 25 | The University of Texas at AustinTX · Bachelor's | $59,742 n=45 | 77% 5yr | $21,696 | 0.36× | Above +67% | Clears 2/2 |
| 26 | George Mason UniversityVA · Bachelor's | $58,931 n=36 | 86% 5yr | $19,500 | 0.33× | Above +55% | Clears 2/2 |
| 27 | University of California-DavisCA · Bachelor's | $58,443 n=47 | 40% | $13,798 | 0.24× | Above +52% | Below 1/2 |
| 28 | College of Southern NevadaNV · Associate | $57,487 n=16 | – | – | – | Above +53% | – |
| 29 | Ashford UniversityCA · Bachelor's | $56,666 n=28 | 100% | $30,073 | 0.53× | Above +47% | Clears 2/2 |
| 30 | Appalachian State UniversityNC · Bachelor's | $55,778 n=29 | – | $20,625 | 0.37× | Above +63% | – |
| 31 | University of California-San DiegoCA · Bachelor's | $55,776 n=40 | 74% 5yr | $14,497 | 0.26× | Above +45% | Clears 2/2 |
| 32 | Colorado State University-Fort CollinsCO · Bachelor's | $55,647 n=27 | 87% 5yr | $15,479 | 0.28× | Above +34% | Clears 2/2 |
| 33 | University of Washington-Seattle CampusWA · Bachelor's | $55,540 n=25 | 100% | $16,374 | 0.29× | Above +30% | Clears 2/2 |
| 34 | University of Southern MaineME · Bachelor's | $55,435 n=17 | – | $23,018 | 0.41× | Above +52% | – |
| 35 | Montana State UniversityMT · Bachelor's | $55,352 n=24 | – | $27,000 | 0.49× | Above +60% | – |
| 36 | University of Michigan-Ann ArborMI · Bachelor's | $55,137 n=33 | 72% 5yr | $13,720 | 0.25× | Above +57% | Clears 2/2 |
| 37 | The University of Texas at DallasTX · Bachelor's | $54,985 n=54 | 67% 5yr | $20,205 | 0.37× | Above +54% | Clears 2/2 |
| 38 | Northern Arizona UniversityAZ · Bachelor's | $54,276 n=23 | 72% 1yr | $20,500 | 0.38× | Above +48% | – |
| 39 | Binghamton UniversityNY · Bachelor's | $54,215 n=26 | 77% 5yr | $20,843 | 0.38× | Above +43% | Clears 2/2 |
| 40 | University of North Carolina at Chapel HillNC · Bachelor's | $54,181 n=70 | 31% | $16,782 | 0.31× | Above +58% | Clears 2/2 |
| 41 | Christopher Newport UniversityVA · Bachelor's | $53,564 n=21 | 87% 5yr | $26,165 | 0.49× | Above +41% | Clears 2/2 |
| 42 | Gordon CollegeMA · Bachelor's | $53,475 n=17 | – | $26,856 | 0.50× | Above +23% | – |
| 43 | Western Illinois UniversityIL · Bachelor's | $53,453 n=21 | – | $29,875 | 0.56× | Above +42% | – |
| 44 | University of Mary WashingtonVA · Bachelor's | $53,282 n=23 | 83% 5yr | $21,021 | 0.40× | Above +40% | Clears 2/2 |
| 45 | Ramapo College of New JerseyNJ · Bachelor's | $53,085 n=43 | 74% 5yr | $22,925 | 0.43× | Above +33% | Clears 2/2 |
| 46 | University of ArizonaAZ · Bachelor's | $52,805 n=20 | 88% 5yr | $20,500 | 0.39× | Above +44% | Clears 2/2 |
| 47 | The University of Tennessee-KnoxvilleTN · Bachelor's | $52,703 n=52 | 60% 1yr | $20,612 | 0.39× | Above +51% | – |
| 48 | University of North Carolina at CharlotteNC · UG cert | $52,300 n=39 | 44% 1yr | $18,500 | 0.35× | Above +52% | – |
| 49 | Clemson UniversitySC · Bachelor's | $52,044 n=29 | – | $22,250 | 0.43× | Above +51% | Clears 2/2 |
| 50 | Portland State UniversityOR · Bachelor's | $51,925 n=23 | – | $23,499 | 0.45× | Above +41% | Below 1/2 |
| 51 | Stephen F Austin State UniversityTX · Bachelor's | $51,494 n=22 | – | $19,495 | 0.38× | Above +44% | – |
| 52 | University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh CampusPA · Bachelor's | $51,416 n=27 | 68% 1yr | $21,750 | 0.42× | Above +36% | Clears 2/2 |
| 53 | Metropolitan State University of DenverCO · Bachelor's | $50,926 n=29 | 80% 5yr | $24,867 | 0.49× | Above +22% | Below 1/2 |
| 54 | Hofstra UniversityNY · Bachelor's | $50,571 n=18 | – | $24,500 | 0.48× | Above +33% | – |
| 55 | University of California-Santa CruzCA · Bachelor's | $49,763 n=174 | 67% | $16,740 | 0.34× | Above +29% | Clears 2/2 |
| 56 | California State University-San BernardinoCA · Bachelor's | $49,732 n=25 | 74% 5yr | $15,288 | 0.31× | Above +29% | – |
| 57 | San Francisco State UniversityCA · Bachelor's | $48,959 n=18 | – | $18,000 | 0.37× | Above +27% | Clears 2/2 |
| 58 | Commonwealth University of PennsylvaniaPA · Bachelor's | $48,495 n=34 | 53% 1yr | $27,000 | 0.56× | Above +29% | – |
| 59 | West Virginia UniversityWV · Bachelor's | $48,331 n=40 | 84% 5yr | $20,916 | 0.43× | Above +38% | Clears 2/2 |
| 60 | University of FloridaFL · Bachelor's | $48,198 n=61 | 77% | $17,758 | 0.37× | Above +43% | Clears 2/2 |
| 61 | Colorado State University PuebloCO · Bachelor's | $47,362 n=17 | – | – | – | Above +14% | – |
| 62 | Florida Atlantic UniversityFL · Bachelor's | $46,915 n=17 | – | $19,500 | 0.42× | Above +39% | – |
| 63 | University of OregonOR · Bachelor's | $46,886 n=27 | 74% 5yr | $20,680 | 0.44× | Above +28% | Clears 2/2 |
| 64 | University of Nebraska at OmahaNE · Bachelor's | $46,595 n=24 | 74% 5yr | $12,250 | 0.26× | Above +25% | Clears 2/2 |
| 65 | Towson UniversityMD · Bachelor's | $46,447 n=18 | 90% 5yr | $13,594 | 0.29× | Above +11% | Below 1/2 |
| 66 | University of California-RiversideCA · Bachelor's | $46,306 n=43 | 64% 5yr | $17,500 | 0.38× | Above +20% | Clears 2/2 |
| 67 | University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMN · Bachelor's | $46,081 n=49 | 88% 5yr | $16,677 | 0.36× | Above +15% | Clears 2/2 |
| 68 | Virginia Commonwealth UniversityVA · Bachelor's | $45,607 n=29 | 63% 5yr | $21,627 | 0.47× | Above +20% | Clears 2/2 |
| 69 | University of KentuckyKY · Bachelor's | $45,148 n=36 | – | $26,000 | 0.58× | Above +30% | – |
| 70 | Ohio State University-Main CampusOH · Bachelor's | $44,941 n=34 | 78% 5yr | $19,798 | 0.44× | Above +22% | Clears 2/2 |
| 71 | University at BuffaloNY · Bachelor's | $44,841 n=22 | – | $16,525 | 0.37× | Above +18% | Clears 2/2 |
| 72 | Western Washington UniversityWA · Bachelor's | $44,615 n=39 | 64% 5yr | $19,798 | 0.44× | Above +5% | Below 1/2 |
| 73 | University of UtahUT · Bachelor's | $44,336 n=24 | – | $20,250 | 0.46× | Above +11% | – |
| 74 | University of South FloridaFL · Bachelor's | $43,813 n=25 | – | $14,250 | 0.33× | Above +30% | – |
| 75 | Middle Tennessee State UniversityTN · Bachelor's | $43,666 n=48 | 56% | $18,578 | 0.42× | Above +25% | Below 1/2 |
| 76 | East Carolina UniversityNC · Bachelor's | $43,012 n=21 | – | $24,250 | 0.56× | Above +25% | – |
| 77 | San Diego State UniversityCA · Bachelor's | $42,922 n=28 | – | $11,000 | 0.26× | Above +12% | – |
| 78 | Southern Illinois University-CarbondaleIL · Bachelor's | $42,905 n=38 | – | $23,625 | 0.55× | Above +14% | – |
| 79 | Indiana University-BloomingtonIN · Bachelor's | $42,321 n=18 | – | $18,635 | 0.44× | Above +13% | Below 1/2 |
| 80 | The University of Tennessee-ChattanoogaTN · Bachelor's | $42,031 n=20 | – | $15,500 | 0.37× | Above +20% | Below 1/2 |
| 81 | Montclair State UniversityNJ · Bachelor's | $42,017 n=32 | 77% 5yr | $26,375 | 0.63× | Above +5% | Clears 2/2 |
| 82 | The University of Texas at San AntonioTX · Bachelor's | $41,778 n=18 | – | $27,000 | 0.65× | Above +17% | – |
| 83 | Missouri State University-SpringfieldMO · Bachelor's | $41,766 n=37 | 49% 1yr | $20,250 | 0.48× | Above +17% | – |
| 84 | University of VermontVT · Bachelor's | $41,124 n=18 | – | $21,625 | 0.53× | Above +5% | – |
| 85 | University of Missouri-St LouisMO · Bachelor's | $40,768 n=22 | – | $23,282 | 0.57× | Above +14% | Below 1/2 |
| 86 | Iowa State UniversityIA · Bachelor's | $40,726 n=19 | – | $23,250 | 0.57× | Above +6% | Below 1/2 |
| 87 | University of South AlabamaAL · Bachelor's | $40,641 n=23 | – | $22,000 | 0.54× | Above +18% | Clears 2/2 |
| 88 | New Mexico State University-Main CampusNM · Bachelor's | $40,432 n=41 | 100% | $19,125 | 0.47× | Above +24% | Clears 2/2 |
| 89 | Georgia State UniversityGA · Bachelor's | $40,310 n=43 | 65% 5yr | $21,588 | 0.54× | Above +14% | – |
| 90 | The University of Texas at El PasoTX · Bachelor's | $39,907 n=26 | – | $16,502 | 0.41× | Above +12% | – |
| 91 | Community College of AuroraCO · UG cert | $39,457 n=17 | – | – | – | Below -5% | – |
| 92 | University of MemphisTN · Bachelor's | $39,001 n=52 | 77% | $21,279 | 0.55× | Above +12% | Clears 2/2 |
| 93 | California State University-Long BeachCA · Bachelor's | $38,996 n=58 | 64% 5yr | $11,543 | 0.30× | Above +1% | Below 1/2 |
| 94 | Wayne State UniversityMI · Bachelor's | $38,926 n=16 | – | $20,195 | 0.52× | Above +11% | – |
| 95 | University of Central ArkansasAR · Bachelor's | $38,631 n=16 | – | – | – | Above +13% | Below 1/2 |
| 96 | University of North TexasTX · Bachelor's | $37,441 n=18 | – | $19,750 | 0.53× | Above +5% | – |
| 97 | California State University-NorthridgeCA · Bachelor's | $32,939 n=26 | 81% 5yr | $10,983 | 0.33× | Below -14% | Below 1/2 |
| 98 | University of Puerto Rico-Rio PiedrasPR · Bachelor's | $31,930 n=106 | 16% | $5,500 | 0.17× | Above +94% | Clears 2/2 |
| 99 | University of New Mexico-Main CampusNM · Bachelor's | $31,036 n=27 | – | $22,125 | 0.71× | Below -5% | Below 2/2 |
| 100 | California State University-FullertonCA · Bachelor's | $29,715 n=19 | – | $12,979 | 0.44× | Below -23% | – |
% > threshold is ED's own share of graduates earning above the federal earnings threshold, taken from the best available measurement window (4-, 5- or 1-year) pooled across all nine College Scorecard Field-of-Study releases; a chip marks any figure not on the 4-year window. Earnings premium compares median earnings four years out to the U.S. Census ACS median for a high-school graduate (undergraduate credentials) or bachelor's-degree holder (graduate credentials) in the institution's state. 2 of 3 yrs flags programs below that benchmark in two of the latest three reported cohort-years, the statutory trigger under the 2025 federal earnings-premium test (effective July 1, 2026). Indicative estimates; the Department of Education's official determination may differ. Figures lag the current year by 2–3 years.
| State | Median earn 4yr | Programs |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $67,132 | 3 |
| Virginia | $58,931 | 7 |
| Michigan | $55,137 | 3 |
| North Carolina | $54,980 | 6 |
| New York | $54,215 | 5 |
| Illinois | $53,453 | 3 |
| New Jersey | $53,085 | 3 |
| Texas | $51,494 | 7 |
| Pennsylvania | $51,416 | 3 |
| California | $49,763 | 15 |
| Colorado | $49,144 | 4 |
| Florida | $46,915 | 3 |
| Tennessee | $42,849 | 4 |
| Missouri | $41,766 | 3 |
States with at least 3 reporting Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services programs, by median graduate earnings.
Which colleges have the highest-paying Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services programs?
By median earnings four years after completion, the highest-paying Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services programs in this dataset are Middlebury College ($95,625), Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey ($95,625), Duke University ($88,098). Earnings reflect College Scorecard field-of-study data (2024-25) and vary by credential level and location.
Are Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services programs at risk under the federal earnings-premium test?
Indicatively, 5 of the 100 Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services programs with both earnings and a state/national benchmark have median graduate earnings below the earnings-premium benchmark used by the 2025 federal test (effective July 1, 2026), under which a program can lose Title IV eligibility if its graduates earn less than a typical worker without the credential for 2 of 3 years. This estimate uses College Scorecard earnings vs U.S. Census ACS medians; the Department of Education's official determination uses its own cohort definition and may differ.
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Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard Field of Study, 2014–15 through 2022–23 cohorts plus the most-recent snapshot (2024-25); threshold pass-rates pooled across all nine releases. Earnings-premium benchmarks from the U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS). Compiled by Ibex Insights. See the methodology.