Compare 27 Linguistics. programs in the Midwest. Average earnings: $31,690.
With top graduates earning $52,107, Linguistics stands out as a field where program choice matters more than school name. The gap between the best and median programs exceeds $20K—proof that evaluating programs individually beats relying on institutional prestige across the Midwest's 27 ranked programs.
The University of Chicago's Linguistics program leads with graduates earning $52,107, while the regional average sits at $31,690. Michigan-Ann Arbor follows at $50,285, demonstrating how program-specific factors drive outcomes. Even Eastern Illinois University at $46,325 outperforms many programs at more prestigious institutions.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University Of ChicagoPrivate | $52,107 | 28 | $15,000 | Excellent | $33,297 | Challenging |
| #2 | $50,285 | 41 | $19,500 | Good | $30,250 | High | |
| #3 | $46,325 | 11 | $21,500 | Manageable | $17,781 | Challenging | |
| #4 | $45,739 | 28 | $19,500 | Good | $25,729 | High | |
| #5 | $42,348 | 44 | $19,976 | Manageable | $25,868 | High | |
| #6 | $41,032 | 21 | $20,484 | Manageable | $28,364 | High | |
| #7 | $38,368 | 12 | $20,500 | Manageable | $21,500 | High | |
| #8 | $37,792 | 34 | $19,000 | Manageable | $15,945 | High | |
| #9 | $37,155 | 15 | $25,251 | Challenging | $20,764 | High | |
| #10 | $36,549 | 17 | $23,000 | Challenging | $16,149 | High | |
| #11 | $35,214 | 19 | $19,509 | Challenging | $32,850 | High | |
| #12 | $33,264 | 17 | $20,000 | High | $15,027 | High | |
| #13 | $29,830 | 32 | $21,992 | High | $15,092 | High | |
| #14 | Wayne State UniversityPublic | $29,685 | 22 | $21,250 | High | $16,378 | High |
| #15 | $28,019 | 7 | $21,000 | High | $14,000 | High | |
| #16 | Iowa State UniversityPublic | $27,198 | 26 | $22,869 | High | $25,950 | High |
| #17 | $26,933 | 25 | $18,750 | High | $18,462 | High | |
| #18 | $26,353 | 25 | $19,500 | High | $34,511 | High | |
| #19 | $25,921 | 34 | $21,543 | High | $19,500 | High | |
| #20 | $25,194 | 12 | $25,000 | High | $16,878 | High | |
| #21 | Wichita State UniversityPublic | $24,421 | 16 | $20,500 | High | $14,306 | High |
| #22 | Indiana State UniversityPublic | $21,052 | 12 | $24,000 | High | $17,049 | High |
| #23 | University Of IowaPublic | $20,140 | 28 | $22,500 | High | $27,975 | High |
| #24 | $18,771 | 17 | $23,250 | High | $37,401 | High | |
| #25 | $18,771 | 21 | $19,500 | High | $29,448 | 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 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
