Compare 30 Linguistics. programs in the West. Average earnings: $37,182.
The highest-earning Linguistics program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $22K earnings gap across 30 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand. Western programs range from $34K to $55K in graduate earnings—variation that demands program-specific evaluation.
UCLA's Linguistics program leads with graduates earning $55,469, closely followed by UC Berkeley at $55,407. But the story extends beyond these flagships—UC Santa Barbara ($51,160) and University of Arizona ($50,490) demonstrate how strong regional programs compete effectively while offering different value propositions to students.
Highest program earnings: $55,469
Strong outcomes ($50,490) with 86% acceptance
5.4% payment burden | Excellent
11.1% family burden | Good
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $55,469 | 153 | $14,000 | Excellent | $26,176 | Challenging | |
| #2 | $55,407 | 81 | $13,000 | Excellent | $28,508 | Challenging | |
| #3 | $51,160 | 108 | $13,993 | Excellent | $26,465 | Challenging | |
| #4 | University Of ArizonaPublic | $50,490 | 26 | $19,620 | Good | $30,126 | High |
| #5 | Brigham Young UniversityPrivate | $50,095 | 83 | $11,069 | Excellent | $9,699 | Good |
| #6 | $48,265 | 57 | $14,615 | Excellent | $24,883 | Challenging | |
| #7 | $47,694 | 13 | $18,500 | Good | $30,988 | High | |
| #8 | $44,631 | 61 | $15,500 | Good | $24,257 | High | |
| #9 | $44,532 | 58 | $20,000 | Manageable | $36,000 | High | |
| #10 | $41,102 | 31 | $21,500 | Manageable | $13,743 | High | |
| #11 | University Of OregonPublic | $40,897 | 39 | $20,139 | Manageable | $44,405 | High |
| #12 | $40,462 | 26 | $13,872 | Good | $13,522 | Challenging | |
| #13 | $40,426 | 60 | $17,500 | Manageable | $18,275 | High | |
| #14 | $39,776 | 57 | $18,500 | Manageable | $23,123 | High | |
| #15 | $38,878 | 233 | $16,666 | Manageable | $28,682 | High | |
| #16 | $38,565 | 54 | $17,095 | Manageable | $10,166 | Challenging | |
| #17 | $38,177 | 34 | $19,000 | Manageable | $23,489 | High | |
| #18 | $34,835 | 28 | $19,500 | Challenging | $46,340 | High | |
| #19 | $34,682 | 41 | $14,289 | Manageable | $15,177 | High | |
| #20 | $33,752 | 30 | $20,500 | High | $18,859 | High | |
| #21 | $30,444 | 52 | $13,000 | Challenging | $25,733 | High | |
| #22 | $28,960 | 12 | $21,500 | High | $14,786 | High | |
| #23 | Montana State UniversityPublic | $28,960 | 20 | $22,500 | High | $25,000 | High |
| #24 | University Of UtahPublic | $26,739 | 23 | $19,000 | High | $18,886 | High |
| #25 | Reed CollegePrivate | $25,561 | 20 | $21,500 | High | $48,773 | 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 →
