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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Foreign Languages & Linguistics Schools in California

21 Colleges in the United States
4,041 Foreign Languages & Linguistics Degrees Awarded
$44,395 Avg Early-Career Salary

Foreign Languages & Linguistics is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.

College Factual analyzed 169 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best foreign languages & linguistics schools.

What’s on this page:

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Best Schools for Foreign Languages & Linguistics in California

If you are not interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the foreign languages & linguistics degrees they offer, see the list below.

Top Schools in Foreign Languages & Linguistics

1
Stanford University crest
Stanford University
Stanford, CA

Stanford University is one of the finest schools in the country for getting a degree in foreign languages & linguistics. Located in the suburb of Stanford, Stanford University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Roughly 92% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 79 foreign languages & linguistics students who graduated with this degree at Stanford University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the foreign languages & linguistics program make about $100,827 in their early career. Stanford University graduates carry a median of $10,492 in student loans. Read more about the foreign languages & linguistics program at Stanford University

2

Students looking for a strong foreign languages & linguistics program will find one at San Jose State University, which ranked #2. This very large public university is located in the city of San Jose. San Jose State University graduates 69% of students within six years. There were roughly 41 foreign languages & linguistics students who graduated with this degree at San Jose State University in the most recent data year. Get the full foreign languages & linguistics details for San Jose State University

3

University Of California Los Angeles is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in foreign languages & linguistics, ranking #3. University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public school located in the city of Los Angeles. The six-year graduation rate is 93%. University Of California Los Angeles awarded about 215 foreign languages & linguistics degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, foreign languages & linguistics degree recipients from University Of California Los Angeles generally make around $28,360. Typical student debt for the program is $14,610. More information about a degree in foreign languages & linguistics from University Of California Los Angeles

4

University Of California Berkeley is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in foreign languages & linguistics, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Berkeley, University Of California Berkeley is a very large public university. Roughly 93% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 170 foreign languages & linguistics students who graduated with this degree at University Of California Berkeley in the most recent data year. Students who receive their foreign languages & linguistics degree from University Of California Berkeley earn around $35,202 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $12,334 to complete this degree. Get the full foreign languages & linguistics details for University Of California Berkeley

5

Students looking for a strong foreign languages & linguistics program will find one at University Of Southern California, which ranked #5. Located in the city of Los Angeles, University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit university. Roughly 92% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of Southern California awarded about 67 foreign languages & linguistics degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the foreign languages & linguistics program make about $75,677 in their early career. University Of Southern California graduates carry a median of $20,380 in student loans. See the full foreign languages & linguistics program report for University Of Southern California

6

University Of California Santa Barbara landed the #6 spot for foreign languages & linguistics this year. Set in the suburb of Santa Barbara, University Of California Santa Barbara is a very large public institution. University Of California Santa Barbara graduates 83% of students within six years. University Of California Santa Barbara awarded about 158 foreign languages & linguistics degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their foreign languages & linguistics degree from University Of California Santa Barbara earn around $31,482 in the first couple years of their career. University Of California Santa Barbara graduates carry a median of $15,596 in student loans. Read more about the foreign languages & linguistics program at University Of California Santa Barbara

7

California State University Stanislaus placed #7 among the best foreign languages & linguistics schools. Located in the suburb of Turlock, California State University Stanislaus is a large public university. About 53% of students finish within six years. California State University Stanislaus awarded about 24 foreign languages & linguistics degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, foreign languages & linguistics degree recipients from California State University Stanislaus generally make around $46,807. California State University Stanislaus graduates carry a median of $14,813 in student loans. Read more about the foreign languages & linguistics program at California State University Stanislaus

8

University Of California Irvine landed the #8 spot for foreign languages & linguistics this year. University Of California Irvine is a very large public school located in the city of Irvine. University Of California Irvine graduates 87% of students within six years. There were roughly 65 foreign languages & linguistics students who graduated with this degree at University Of California Irvine in the most recent data year. Graduates of the foreign languages & linguistics program make about $36,692 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $9,500. Read more about the foreign languages & linguistics program at University Of California Irvine

9

University Of California Merced earned the #9 position for foreign languages & linguistics this year. Set in the suburb of Merced, University Of California Merced is a moderately-sized public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 69%. About 13 foreign languages & linguistics degrees were awarded at University Of California Merced in the most recent year. Graduates of the foreign languages & linguistics program make about $42,071 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $18,318 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in foreign languages & linguistics from University Of California Merced

10

Chapman University came in at #10 for foreign languages & linguistics this year. Located in the city of Orange, Chapman University is a large private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 82%. There were roughly 10 foreign languages & linguistics students who graduated with this degree at Chapman University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the foreign languages & linguistics program make about $36,546 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete this degree. Get the full foreign languages & linguistics details for Chapman University

11

University Of California Davis placed #11 among the best foreign languages & linguistics schools. University Of California Davis is a very large public school located in the suburb of Davis. Roughly 86% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 127 foreign languages & linguistics degrees were awarded at University Of California Davis in the most recent year. Graduates of the foreign languages & linguistics program make about $27,827 in their early career. University Of California Davis graduates carry a median of $14,903 in student loans. Read more about the foreign languages & linguistics program at University Of California Davis

12

California State University Monterey Bay ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best foreign languages & linguistics schools. Set in the suburb of Seaside, California State University Monterey Bay is a moderately-sized public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 59%. About 24 foreign languages & linguistics degrees were awarded at California State University Monterey Bay in the most recent year. Foreign Languages & Linguistics graduates of California State University Monterey Bay earn a median of $49,032 early in their careers. California State University Monterey Bay graduates carry a median of $14,622 in student loans. See the full foreign languages & linguistics program report for California State University Monterey Bay

13
Sonoma State University crest
Sonoma State University
Rohnert Park, CA

Sonoma State University came in at #13 for foreign languages & linguistics this year. Located in the suburb of Rohnert Park, Sonoma State University is a moderately-sized public university. The six-year graduation rate is 58%. Sonoma State University awarded about 19 foreign languages & linguistics degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, foreign languages & linguistics degree recipients from Sonoma State University generally make around $36,237. Sonoma State University graduates carry a median of $17,250 in student loans. Get the full foreign languages & linguistics details for Sonoma State University

14

California State University San Bernardino ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best foreign languages & linguistics schools. Located in the city of San Bernardino, California State University San Bernardino is a very large public university. Roughly 55% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 61 foreign languages & linguistics degrees were awarded at California State University San Bernardino in the most recent year. Foreign Languages & Linguistics graduates of California State University San Bernardino earn a median of $18,490 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $12,654. See the full foreign languages & linguistics program report for California State University San Bernardino

15
Occidental College crest
Occidental College
Los Angeles, CA

Occidental College earned the #15 position for foreign languages & linguistics this year. This small private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Los Angeles. Roughly 81% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 19 foreign languages & linguistics degrees were awarded at Occidental College in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, foreign languages & linguistics degree recipients from Occidental College generally make around $41,514. Occidental College graduates carry a median of $22,967 in student loans. Read more about the foreign languages & linguistics program at Occidental College

16
Mount St Marys College crest
Mount St Marys College
Los Angeles, CA

Mount St Marys College ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best foreign languages & linguistics schools. Mount St Marys College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Los Angeles. Roughly 48% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 17 foreign languages & linguistics students who graduated with this degree at Mount St Marys College in the most recent data year. Foreign Languages & Linguistics graduates of Mount St Marys College earn a median of $58,110 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $27,555 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in foreign languages & linguistics from Mount St Marys College

17

California State University Bakersfield came in at #17 for foreign languages & linguistics this year. This large public university is located in the city of Bakersfield. The six-year graduation rate is 50%. About 32 foreign languages & linguistics degrees were awarded at California State University Bakersfield in the most recent year. See the full foreign languages & linguistics program report for California State University Bakersfield

18

University Of California Santa Cruz ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best foreign languages & linguistics schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Santa Cruz. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 205 foreign languages & linguistics degrees were awarded at University Of California Santa Cruz in the most recent year. Graduates of the foreign languages & linguistics program make about $22,518 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $17,386. Get the full foreign languages & linguistics details for University Of California Santa Cruz

19

California State University Sacramento earned the #19 position for foreign languages & linguistics this year. Set in the city of Sacramento, California State University Sacramento is a very large public institution. California State University Sacramento graduates 56% of students within six years. California State University Sacramento awarded about 34 foreign languages & linguistics degrees in the most recent data year. Foreign Languages & Linguistics graduates of California State University Sacramento earn a median of $34,117 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $20,000. Read more about the foreign languages & linguistics program at California State University Sacramento

20

California State University Fullerton landed the #20 spot for foreign languages & linguistics this year. California State University Fullerton is a very large public school located in the suburb of Fullerton. Roughly 70% of students complete a degree within six years here. California State University Fullerton awarded about 60 foreign languages & linguistics degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, foreign languages & linguistics degree recipients from California State University Fullerton generally make around $22,723. California State University Fullerton graduates carry a median of $10,742 in student loans. Read more about the foreign languages & linguistics program at California State University Fullerton

21

California State University Northridge ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best foreign languages & linguistics schools. Located in the city of Northridge, California State University Northridge is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 57%. There were roughly 59 foreign languages & linguistics students who graduated with this degree at California State University Northridge in the most recent data year. Graduates of the foreign languages & linguistics program make about $21,501 in their early career. California State University Northridge graduates carry a median of $15,184 in student loans. Get the full foreign languages & linguistics details for California State University Northridge

22

Santa Rosa Junior College ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best foreign languages & linguistics schools. Set in the city of Santa Rosa, Santa Rosa Junior College is a very large public institution. About 26 foreign languages & linguistics degrees were awarded at Santa Rosa Junior College in the most recent year. Students who receive their foreign languages & linguistics degree from Santa Rosa Junior College earn around $80,047 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $14,692. See the full foreign languages & linguistics program report for Santa Rosa Junior College

23

California State University Fresno came in at #23 for foreign languages & linguistics this year. California State University Fresno is a very large public school located in the city of Fresno. The six-year graduation rate is 57%. California State University Fresno awarded about 82 foreign languages & linguistics degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the foreign languages & linguistics program make about $20,070 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $10,250 to complete this degree. Get the full foreign languages & linguistics details for California State University Fresno

24

California State University Chico landed the #24 spot for foreign languages & linguistics this year. This large public university is located in the city of Chico. The six-year graduation rate is 63%. California State University Chico awarded about 13 foreign languages & linguistics degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their foreign languages & linguistics degree from California State University Chico earn around $22,917 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $17,200. More information about a degree in foreign languages & linguistics from California State University Chico

25

San Francisco State University placed #25 among the best foreign languages & linguistics schools. This very large public university is located in the city of San Francisco. San Francisco State University graduates 50% of students within six years. There were roughly 44 foreign languages & linguistics students who graduated with this degree at San Francisco State University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their foreign languages & linguistics degree from San Francisco State University earn around $23,320 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $14,899. Read more about the foreign languages & linguistics program at San Francisco State University

Rest of the Top 50 Foreign Languages & Linguistics Schools

These schools rounded out the top of this year’s foreign languages & linguistics ranking:

26
27
28
29
30
31
De Anza College crest
De Anza College
Cupertino, CA
32
33
34
Foothill College crest
Foothill College
Los Altos Hills, CA
35
Diablo Valley College crest
Diablo Valley College
Pleasant Hill, CA
36
37
Santa Barbara City College crest
Santa Barbara City College
Santa Barbara, CA
38
39
40
41
Saddleback College crest
Saddleback College
Mission Viejo, CA
42
Palomar College crest
Palomar College
San Marcos, CA
43
44
Golden West College crest
Golden West College
Huntington Beach, CA
45
Grossmont College crest
Grossmont College
El Cajon, CA
46
Oxnard College crest
Oxnard College
Oxnard, CA
47
Santa Ana College crest
Santa Ana College
Santa Ana, CA
48
Miracosta College crest
Miracosta College
Oceanside, CA
49
50

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Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 169 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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