2026 Best Value Modern Languages Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

1

Cuny Lehman College
Bronx, NY

For return on investment in modern languages, no school beat Cuny Lehman College this year. Cuny Lehman College is a large public school located in the city of Bronx. In-state tuition and fees average $7,410, while out-of-state students pay about $15,360. Modern Languages graduates carry a median of $13,213 in student loans. Soon after graduation, modern languages degree recipients from Cuny Lehman College generally make around $54,729. Set against $13,213 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted.

2

Cuny Queens College
Queens, NY

A rank of #2 makes Cuny Queens College one of the best values for modern languages. Located in the city of Queens, Cuny Queens College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,538, while out-of-state students pay about $15,488. Modern Languages graduates carry a median of $12,157 in student loans. Modern Languages graduates of Cuny Queens College earn a median of $41,847 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny Queens College admits about 64% of applicants.

3

University Of Delaware
Newark, DE

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Delaware earned it the #3 place for modern languages. Set in the suburb of Newark, University Of Delaware is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,810, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. Modern Languages graduates carry a median of $24,861 in student loans. Early-career modern languages graduates make about $54,155. That is a strong return on a $24,861 median debt. The acceptance rate is 71%.

4

Suffolk County Community College
Selden, NY

Suffolk County Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in modern languages, landing the #4 spot this year. Suffolk County Community College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Selden. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,630, while out-of-state students pay about $12,460. Students borrow a median of $11,246 to complete the modern languages program here. Early-career modern languages graduates make about $35,667. Set against $11,246 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

5

Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College
New York, NY

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College earned it the #5 place for modern languages. Located in the city of New York, Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,170, while out-of-state students pay about $8,050. Modern Languages graduates carry a median of $8,794 in student loans. Early-career modern languages graduates make about $30,111. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

6

Towson University
Towson, MD

Towson University came in at #6 for value in modern languages this year. Set in the city of Towson, Towson University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,728, while out-of-state students pay about $29,820. Typical student debt for modern languages graduates is $21,241. Early-career modern languages graduates make about $50,370. That is a strong return on a $21,241 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%.

7

University Of Maryland Baltimore County
Baltimore, MD

University Of Maryland Baltimore County ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value modern languages schools. Set in the suburb of Baltimore, University Of Maryland Baltimore County is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,256, compared with $31,225 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for modern languages graduates is $18,500. Modern Languages graduates of University Of Maryland Baltimore County earn a median of $23,742 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%.

8

Commonwealth University Of Pennsylvania
Bloomsburg, PA

Commonwealth University Of Pennsylvania earned the #8 position for value in modern languages this year. Set in the town of Bloomsburg, Commonwealth University Of Pennsylvania is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,046, while out-of-state students pay about $22,870. Median earnings reach $52,416 ten years out. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.

9

Columbia University In The City Of New York
New York, NY

Columbia University In The City Of New York ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value modern languages schools. Located in the city of New York, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $70,517. Typical student debt for modern languages graduates is $23,258. Early-career modern languages graduates make about $86,770. That is a strong return on a $23,258 median debt. Columbia University In The City Of New York admits about 4% of applicants.

10

The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey
Galloway, NJ

The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey came in at #10 for value in modern languages this year. The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey is a large public school located in the rural area of Galloway. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,266, compared with $24,524 for out-of-state students. Modern Languages graduates carry a median of $24,990 in student loans. Early-career modern languages graduates make about $43,490. Set against $24,990 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%.

11

West Chester University Of Pennsylvania
West Chester, PA

West Chester University Of Pennsylvania earned the #11 position for value in modern languages this year. Set in the suburb of West Chester, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,775, with out-of-state students paying around $22,599. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,258. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania admits about 78% of applicants.

12

Rutgers University New Brunswick
New Brunswick, NJ

Rutgers University New Brunswick came in at #12 for value in modern languages this year. Rutgers University New Brunswick is a very large public school located in the city of New Brunswick. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,929, compared with $37,441 for out-of-state students. Modern Languages graduates carry a median of $24,249 in student loans. Soon after graduation, modern languages degree recipients from Rutgers University New Brunswick generally make around $16,796. That is a strong return on a $24,249 median debt. Rutgers University New Brunswick admits about 58% of applicants.

13

New York University
New York, NY

New York University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best value modern languages schools. Set in the city of New York, New York University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $62,796 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $21,897 to complete the modern languages program here. Soon after graduation, modern languages degree recipients from New York University generally make around $64,516. Set against $21,897 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted.

14

Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY

Syracuse University placed #14 among the best values for modern languages. Set in the city of Syracuse, Syracuse University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $65,528. Typical student debt for modern languages graduates is $26,130. Modern Languages graduates of Syracuse University earn a median of $54,785 early in their careers. Set against $26,130 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 46%.