2026 Best Value Applied Linguistics Bachelor’s Degree Schools

1

New Mexico State University Main Campus
Las Cruces, NM

Our analysis ranked New Mexico State University Main Campus the best value for a degree in applied linguistics in the United States. New Mexico State University Main Campus is a large public school located in the suburb of Las Cruces. In-state tuition and fees average $8,183, compared with $25,307 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,125 to complete the applied linguistics program here. Early-career applied linguistics graduates make about $27,720. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%.

2

University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Champaign, IL

Students looking for strong value in applied linguistics will find it at University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign, which ranked #2. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a very large public school located in the city of Champaign. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. Applied Linguistics graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, applied linguistics degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign generally make around $25,921. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 42%.

3

University Of Arizona
Tucson, AZ

A rank of #3 makes University Of Arizona one of the best values for applied linguistics. Located in the city of Tucson, University Of Arizona is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,573, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. Typical student debt for applied linguistics graduates is $21,861. Applied Linguistics graduates of University Of Arizona earn a median of $50,834 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%.

4

University Of California Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA

University Of California Santa Cruz came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value applied linguistics schools. Set in the city of Santa Cruz, University Of California Santa Cruz is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,035, compared with $46,923 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for applied linguistics graduates is $17,491. Soon after graduation, applied linguistics degree recipients from University Of California Santa Cruz generally make around $21,793. That is a strong return on a $17,491 median debt. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted.

5

University Of Wisconsin Madison
Madison, WI

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Wisconsin Madison earned it the #5 place for applied linguistics. Set in the city of Madison, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Applied Linguistics graduates carry a median of $21,813 in student loans. Soon after graduation, applied linguistics degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Madison generally make around $59,877. Set against $21,813 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants.

6

University Of Kansas
Lawrence, KS

University Of Kansas ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value applied linguistics schools. Located in the city of Lawrence, University Of Kansas is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $12,102, while out-of-state students pay about $30,432. Applied Linguistics graduates carry a median of $23,608 in student loans. Soon after graduation, applied linguistics degree recipients from University Of Kansas generally make around $56,289. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.

7

Missouri State University Springfield
Springfield, MO

Missouri State University Springfield landed the #7 spot for applied linguistics value this year. Missouri State University Springfield is a very large public school located in the city of Springfield. Students from in state pay about $9,502 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. Applied Linguistics graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Early-career applied linguistics graduates make about $29,830. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

8

Iowa State University
Ames, IA

Iowa State University landed the #8 spot for applied linguistics value this year. Set in the city of Ames, Iowa State University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,787 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Typical student debt for applied linguistics graduates is $24,793. Soon after graduation, applied linguistics degree recipients from Iowa State University generally make around $53,900. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%.

9

University Of Oregon
Eugene, OR

University Of Oregon landed the #9 spot for applied linguistics value this year. Set in the city of Eugene, University Of Oregon is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,320 in tuition and fees, compared with $42,516 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for applied linguistics graduates is $23,187. Soon after graduation, applied linguistics degree recipients from University Of Oregon generally make around $23,615. Set against $23,187 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%.