Compare 8 Arabic Language and Literature. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $48,107. Top programs: $96,927+.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Arabic Language and Literature tells a different story. Across 8 programs, earnings range from $20,140 to $96,927—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation. The nearly $77K spread means where you study Arabic matters far more than which institution's name appears on your diploma.
Columbia University's Arabic Language and Literature program leads with graduates earning $97K—well above the $48K field average. The more surprising finding: Michigan State, a public university admitting 85% of applicants, ranks second with graduates earning $75K. That's a Midwest public outperforming Notre Dame ($53K) on outcomes, a result prestige-based thinking simply doesn't predict.
Michigan State is the only program with full debt data, and the numbers are compelling. Graduates borrow $23,250 in student loans and face just a 6.1% payment burden—firmly in the 'Excellent' tier, where loan payments take a minimal bite out of post-grad income. For a program delivering $75K in earnings, that debt clears quickly. [Learn how to evaluate programs beyond school prestige →](https://collegeazimuth.com/blog/how-to-evaluate-programs)
Highest program earnings: $96,927
Strong outcomes ($75,147) with 84.8% acceptance
6.1% payment burden | Excellent
17.3% family burden | Manageable
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $96,927 | 16 | $21,500 | Excellent | $35,000 | Good | |
| #2 | $75,147 | 6 | $23,250 | Excellent | $37,401 | Manageable | |
| #3 | University Of Notre DamePrivate | $53,358 | 10 | $19,000 | Good | $40,731 | High |
| #4 | Binghamton UniversityPublic | $40,485 | 6 | $18,500 | Manageable | $27,270 | High |
| #5 | $36,848 | 7 | $19,000 | Challenging | $35,200 | High | |
| #6 | $35,600 | 8 | $20,500 | Challenging | $26,632 | High | |
| #7 | Brigham Young UniversityPrivate | $26,353 | 37 | $11,069 | High | $9,699 | High |
| #8 | $20,140 | 9 | $19,500 | High | $30,250 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on May 2026 refresh for 2026 rankings, based on Department of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
