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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value Linguistics & Comparative Literature Bachelor’s Degree Schools

103 Colleges in the United States
$20,843 Avg Student Debt
$66,846 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Linguistics & Comparative Literature Bachelor's Degree Badge [Linguistics & Comparative Literature](/majors/foreign-languages-linguistics/linguistics-comparative-literature/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 533 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for linguistics & comparative literature students.

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2026 Best Value Linguistics & Comparative Literature Schools in the United States

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in linguistics & comparative literature, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Linguistics & Comparative Literature Schools

1

For return on investment in linguistics & comparative literature, no school beat Cuny Lehman College this year. Set in the city of Bronx, Cuny Lehman College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,410, with out-of-state students paying around $15,360. Typical student debt for linguistics & comparative literature graduates is $13,213. Soon after graduation, linguistics & comparative literature degree recipients from Cuny Lehman College generally make around $54,729. That is a strong return on a $13,213 median debt. Cuny Lehman College admits about 57% of applicants.

2

A rank of #2 makes Cuny Queens College one of the best values for linguistics & comparative literature. Cuny Queens College is a very large public school located in the city of Queens. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,538, while out-of-state students pay about $15,488. Typical student debt for linguistics & comparative literature graduates is $12,157. Soon after graduation, linguistics & comparative literature degree recipients from Cuny Queens College generally make around $24,900. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny Queens College admits about 64% of applicants.

3
University Of Florida crest
University Of Florida
Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value linguistics & comparative literature schools. Set in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. Linguistics & Comparative Literature graduates carry a median of $19,912 in student loans. Linguistics & Comparative Literature graduates of University Of Florida earn a median of $30,205 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted.

4

California State University Fullerton is a great value for students pursuing a degree in linguistics & comparative literature, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Fullerton, California State University Fullerton is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,470, compared with $20,070 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,833 to complete the linguistics & comparative literature program here. Linguistics & Comparative Literature graduates of California State University Fullerton earn a median of $22,723 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,833 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

5
Princeton University crest
Princeton University
Princeton, NJ

Students looking for strong value in linguistics & comparative literature will find it at Princeton University, which ranked #5. Princeton University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Princeton. Students from in state pay about $62,688 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for linguistics & comparative literature graduates is $10,888. Linguistics & Comparative Literature graduates of Princeton University earn a median of $67,532 early in their careers. Set against $10,888 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted.

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California State University Fresno landed the #6 spot for linguistics & comparative literature value this year. Set in the city of Fresno, California State University Fresno is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,341, with out-of-state students paying around $19,941. Students borrow a median of $15,598 to complete the linguistics & comparative literature program here. Linguistics & Comparative Literature graduates of California State University Fresno earn a median of $49,502 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.

7
Stanford University crest
Stanford University
Stanford, CA

Stanford University earned the #7 position for value in linguistics & comparative literature this year. Stanford University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Stanford. In-state tuition and fees average $65,910. Linguistics & Comparative Literature graduates carry a median of $10,492 in student loans. Early-career linguistics & comparative literature graduates make about $100,827. That is a strong return on a $10,492 median debt. The acceptance rate is 4%.

8

California State University Northridge came in at #8 for value in linguistics & comparative literature this year. Set in the city of Northridge, California State University Northridge is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,458 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,058. Students borrow a median of $16,202 to complete the linguistics & comparative literature program here. Early-career linguistics & comparative literature graduates make about $21,501. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Northridge admits about 93% of applicants.

9

University Of South Florida Main Campus ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value linguistics & comparative literature schools. Set in the city of Tampa, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,410, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Students borrow a median of $16,500 to complete the linguistics & comparative literature program here. Soon after graduation, linguistics & comparative literature degree recipients from University Of South Florida Main Campus generally make around $28,658. That is a strong return on a $16,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 43%.

10

New Mexico State University Main Campus earned the #10 position for value in linguistics & comparative literature this year. New Mexico State University Main Campus is a large public school located in the suburb of Las Cruces. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,183, with out-of-state students paying around $25,307. Students borrow a median of $19,125 to complete the linguistics & comparative literature program here. Early-career linguistics & comparative literature graduates make about $27,720. That is a strong return on a $19,125 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.

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11

Florida Atlantic University placed #11 among the best values for linguistics & comparative literature. Set in the city of Boca Raton, Florida Atlantic University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,879, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Linguistics & Comparative Literature graduates carry a median of $18,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, linguistics & comparative literature degree recipients from Florida Atlantic University generally make around $32,756. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Florida Atlantic University admits about 66% of applicants.

12

California State University Long Beach placed #12 among the best values for linguistics & comparative literature. Set in the city of Long Beach, California State University Long Beach is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,374, compared with $19,974 for out-of-state students. Linguistics & Comparative Literature graduates carry a median of $12,580 in student loans. Linguistics & Comparative Literature graduates of California State University Long Beach earn a median of $18,393 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $12,580 median debt. The acceptance rate is 46%.

13

Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus earned the #13 position for value in linguistics & comparative literature this year. Set in the city of Atlanta, Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,058, while out-of-state students pay about $34,484. Typical student debt for linguistics & comparative literature graduates is $24,323. Soon after graduation, linguistics & comparative literature degree recipients from Georgia Institute Of Technology Main Campus generally make around $83,560. That is a strong return on a $24,323 median debt. The acceptance rate is 14%.

14

University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras earned the #14 position for value in linguistics & comparative literature this year. Set in the city of San Juan, University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,324. Linguistics & Comparative Literature graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, linguistics & comparative literature degree recipients from University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras generally make around $9,605. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 55%.

15

University Of North Georgia ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best value linguistics & comparative literature schools. University Of North Georgia is a very large public school located in the town of Dahlonega. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,444, while out-of-state students pay about $16,956. Typical student debt for linguistics & comparative literature graduates is $24,315. Soon after graduation, linguistics & comparative literature degree recipients from University Of North Georgia generally make around $32,521. Set against $24,315 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 68%.

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16

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill placed #16 among the best values for linguistics & comparative literature. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a very large public school located in the city of Chapel Hill. Students from in state pay about $8,994 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $41,203. Students borrow a median of $17,775 to complete the linguistics & comparative literature program here. Early-career linguistics & comparative literature graduates make about $24,658. That is a strong return on a $17,775 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill admits about 15% of applicants.

17

San Jose State University came in at #17 for value in linguistics & comparative literature this year. Located in the city of San Jose, San Jose State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. Median earnings reach $78,988 ten years out. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.

18

The University Of Texas At San Antonio placed #18 among the best values for linguistics & comparative literature. The University Of Texas At San Antonio is a very large public school located in the city of San Antonio. In-state tuition and fees average $9,326, with out-of-state students paying around $22,249. Students borrow a median of $29,250 to complete the linguistics & comparative literature program here. Linguistics & Comparative Literature graduates of The University Of Texas At San Antonio earn a median of $49,955 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $29,250 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.

19
Purdue University Main Campus crest
Purdue University Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Main Campus ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best value linguistics & comparative literature schools. Located in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue University Main Campus is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Linguistics & Comparative Literature graduates carry a median of $19,844 in student loans. Linguistics & Comparative Literature graduates of Purdue University Main Campus earn a median of $63,111 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $19,844 median debt. The acceptance rate is 50%.

20

The University Of Texas At El Paso ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best value linguistics & comparative literature schools. Located in the city of El Paso, The University Of Texas At El Paso is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,544, with out-of-state students paying around $25,502. Linguistics & Comparative Literature graduates carry a median of $16,502 in student loans. Linguistics & Comparative Literature graduates of The University Of Texas At El Paso earn a median of $26,475 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted.

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21

University Of California Los Angeles placed #21 among the best values for linguistics & comparative literature. Set in the city of Los Angeles, University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,233, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. Typical student debt for linguistics & comparative literature graduates is $15,000. Linguistics & Comparative Literature graduates of University Of California Los Angeles earn a median of $30,524 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 9%.

22

University Of North Carolina At Greensboro placed #22 among the best values for linguistics & comparative literature. Located in the city of Greensboro, University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,661, compared with $24,012 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for linguistics & comparative literature graduates is $26,414. Early-career linguistics & comparative literature graduates make about $24,058. Set against $26,414 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro admits about 88% of applicants.

23

University Of Southern Maine landed the #23 spot for linguistics & comparative literature value this year. Located in the city of Portland, University Of Southern Maine is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $12,090 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,940. Students borrow a median of $25,437 to complete the linguistics & comparative literature program here. Early-career linguistics & comparative literature graduates make about $27,895. That is a strong return on a $25,437 median debt. University Of Southern Maine admits about 79% of applicants.

24

University Of Southern Indiana earned the #24 position for value in linguistics & comparative literature this year. Set in the suburb of Evansville, University Of Southern Indiana is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,066 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,907 for out-of-state students. Linguistics & Comparative Literature graduates carry a median of $21,999 in student loans. Linguistics & Comparative Literature graduates of University Of Southern Indiana earn a median of $47,216 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.

25
University Of Utah crest
University Of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT

University Of Utah landed the #25 spot for linguistics & comparative literature value this year. Located in the city of Salt Lake City, University Of Utah is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $9,620 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $30,860. Students borrow a median of $21,715 to complete the linguistics & comparative literature program here. Soon after graduation, linguistics & comparative literature degree recipients from University Of Utah generally make around $30,251. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Linguistics & Comparative Literature Schools

These schools rounded out the top of this year’s linguistics & comparative literature value ranking:

26
27
28
29
30
31
Truman State University crest
Truman State University
Kirksville, MO
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
Harvard University crest
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
47
48
Oakland University crest
Oakland University
Rochester Hills, MI
49
Mississippi State University crest
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS
50

Other Linguistics & Comparative Literature Degree Levels

Explore the best-value linguistics & comparative literature schools at other degree levels:

All Degree Levels in Linguistics & Comparative Literature
Associate's Degrees in Linguistics & Comparative Literature
Master's Degrees in Linguistics & Comparative Literature
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View All Linguistics & Comparative Literature Rankings >

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Notes and References

The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 533 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 103 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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