2026 Best Value Foreign Languages & Linguistics Schools in Massachusetts

1

Harvard University
Cambridge, MA

For return on investment in foreign languages & linguistics, no school beat Harvard University this year. Set in the city of Cambridge, Harvard University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $61,676 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for foreign languages & linguistics graduates is $16,616. Soon after graduation, foreign languages & linguistics degree recipients from Harvard University generally make around $95,207. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted.

2

Williams College
Williamstown, MA

A rank of #2 makes Williams College one of the best values for foreign languages & linguistics. Located in the town of Williamstown, Williams College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $68,560 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $12,615 to complete the foreign languages & linguistics program here. Early-career foreign languages & linguistics graduates make about $37,968. Set against $12,615 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 8% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of Massachusetts Boston
Boston, MA

University Of Massachusetts Boston is a great value for students pursuing a degree in foreign languages & linguistics, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Boston, University Of Massachusetts Boston is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,898, while out-of-state students pay about $38,115. Typical student debt for foreign languages & linguistics graduates is $26,236. Soon after graduation, foreign languages & linguistics degree recipients from University Of Massachusetts Boston generally make around $59,206. That is a strong return on a $26,236 median debt. University Of Massachusetts Boston admits about 84% of applicants.

4

University Of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, MA

University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a great value for students pursuing a degree in foreign languages & linguistics, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Amherst, University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,772, compared with $40,449 for out-of-state students. Foreign Languages & Linguistics graduates carry a median of $25,234 in student loans. Soon after graduation, foreign languages & linguistics degree recipients from University Of Massachusetts Amherst generally make around $20,334. Set against $25,234 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted.

5

Boston University
Boston, MA

Boston University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value foreign languages & linguistics schools. Set in the city of Boston, Boston University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $68,102. Students borrow a median of $25,232 to complete the foreign languages & linguistics program here. Soon after graduation, foreign languages & linguistics degree recipients from Boston University generally make around $63,598. Set against $25,232 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted.

6

Smith College
Northampton, MA

Smith College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value foreign languages & linguistics schools. Located in the city of Northampton, Smith College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $65,178. Foreign Languages & Linguistics graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. Foreign Languages & Linguistics graduates of Smith College earn a median of $35,407 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $19,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 21%.

7

Mount Holyoke College
South Hadley, MA

Mount Holyoke College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value foreign languages & linguistics schools. Located in the suburb of South Hadley, Mount Holyoke College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $67,018 in tuition and fees. Foreign Languages & Linguistics graduates carry a median of $23,828 in student loans. Foreign Languages & Linguistics graduates of Mount Holyoke College earn a median of $26,013 early in their careers. Set against $23,828 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 36% of applicants are accepted.

8

Northeastern University
Boston, MA

Northeastern University came in at #8 for value in foreign languages & linguistics this year. Northeastern University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Boston. Students from in state pay about $66,162 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for foreign languages & linguistics graduates is $25,611. Early-career foreign languages & linguistics graduates make about $74,800. That is a strong return on a $25,611 median debt. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted.

9

College Of The Holy Cross
Worcester, MA

College Of The Holy Cross landed the #9 spot for foreign languages & linguistics value this year. Set in the city of Worcester, College Of The Holy Cross is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $64,500 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for foreign languages & linguistics graduates is $26,975. Soon after graduation, foreign languages & linguistics degree recipients from College Of The Holy Cross generally make around $52,210. That is a strong return on a $26,975 median debt. The acceptance rate is 18%.