Compare 127 Linguistics. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $44,975. Top programs: $88,098+.
Linguistics programs produce graduates earning between $50,216 and $76,134—a $26K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 128 ranked programs, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
Duke University's Linguistics program leads with graduates earning $76,134, well above the $37,435 average. But the story extends beyond Duke—Mississippi State ($63,452) and Georgetown ($61,644) show that strong outcomes aren't limited to the most selective institutions.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Duke UniversityPrivate | $88,098 | 19 | $13,000 | Excellent | $27,998 | Good |
| #2 | Brandeis UniversityPrivate | $78,746 | 15 | $25,648 | Excellent | $35,451 | Manageable |
| #3 | Emory UniversityPrivate | $76,993 | 28 | $18,250 | Excellent | $30,480 | Manageable |
| #4 | $76,724 | 96 | $13,000 | Excellent | $28,508 | Good | |
| #5 | $73,971 | 20 | $22,996 | Excellent | $36,278 | Manageable | |
| #6 | Clemson UniversityPublic | $69,274 | 29 | $21,500 | Excellent | $35,463 | Challenging |
| #7 | $68,263 | 69 | $21,500 | Excellent | $35,325 | Challenging | |
| #8 | $66,241 | 8 | $17,804 | Excellent | $32,258 | Manageable | |
| #9 | $65,667 | 9 | $23,250 | Excellent | $37,401 | Challenging | |
| #10 | Georgetown UniversityPrivate | $65,574 | 19 | $15,500 | Excellent | $33,944 | Manageable |
| #11 | Stony Brook UniversityPublic | $64,547 | 63 | $18,228 | Excellent | $21,400 | Manageable |
| #12 | $62,927 | 128 | $14,000 | Excellent | $26,176 | Manageable | |
| #13 | James Madison UniversityPublic | $62,366 | 44 | $20,093 | Excellent | $37,285 | Challenging |
| #14 | $61,774 | 29 | $19,500 | Excellent | $34,511 | Challenging | |
| #15 | $61,580 | 122 | $13,993 | Excellent | $26,465 | Manageable | |
| #16 | $61,080 | 34 | $20,500 | Excellent | $32,529 | Challenging | |
| #17 | $60,883 | 42 | $21,500 | Excellent | $25,294 | Challenging | |
| #18 | Brigham Young UniversityPrivate | $60,469 | 57 | $11,069 | Excellent | $9,699 | Good |
| #19 | $60,031 | 55 | $20,121 | Excellent | $23,000 | Manageable | |
| #20 | $59,742 | 50 | $20,500 | Excellent | $26,632 | Challenging | |
| #21 | George Mason UniversityPublic | $58,931 | 23 | $19,500 | Excellent | $25,142 | Challenging |
| #22 | $58,443 | 44 | $13,000 | Excellent | $25,733 | Manageable | |
| #23 | $55,778 | 29 | $20,231 | Good | $21,919 | Challenging | |
| #24 | $55,776 | 65 | $15,500 | Excellent | $24,257 | Manageable | |
| #25 | $55,647 | 44 | $20,000 | Good | $36,000 | 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 →
