2026 Best Value Foreign Languages Linguistics Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Foreign Languages Linguistics doctoral degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 1295 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor reviewed schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Foreign Languages Linguistics Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras this year in the United States. Based in San Juan, PR, University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,324. Students borrow a median of $5,500 to complete their Foreign Languages Linguistics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,723. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras
A rank of #2 makes University Of Delaware one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Newark, DE. In-state tuition and fees average $16,810, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,336 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,950. That is a strong return on a $25,336 median debt. University Of Delaware has an acceptance rate of 71%. More on University Of Delaware
A rank of #3 makes Gallaudet University one of the best values in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,654. Gallaudet University Foreign Languages Linguistics students take on a median of $30,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,101 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $30,500 median debt. About 58% of those who apply are admitted. More on Gallaudet University
Out of the 1295 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of Missouri Columbia landed the #4 spot. Based in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,837, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. Graduates carry a median of $19,286 in student loans. University Of Missouri Columbia alumni report median earnings of $63,403 a decade after entry. Set against $19,286 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Missouri Columbia admits about 78% of applicants. More on University Of Missouri Columbia
A rank of #5 makes University Of Nebraska Lincoln one of the best values in the United States. Set in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. Typical Foreign Languages Linguistics student debt is $21,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,887 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,000 median debt. University Of Nebraska Lincoln has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln profile
The University Of Texas At Austin offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. This public school is set in Austin, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,220 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,121. Set against $20,220 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. Read more about The University Of Texas At Austin
Texas Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,750 to complete their Foreign Languages Linguistics program here. Median earnings reach $62,454 ten years out. Set against $19,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Texas Tech University report
University Of Houston ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Foreign Languages Linguistics schools. Located in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,717 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. University Of Houston Foreign Languages Linguistics students take on a median of $18,750 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,377. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Houston
University Of California Los Angeles placed #9 among the best-value Foreign Languages Linguistics schools in the United States. Set in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,233, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. The median Foreign Languages Linguistics program debt is $14,610. University Of California Los Angeles alumni report median earnings of $82,511 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of California Los Angeles
University Of Virginia Main Campus came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Set in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,118, while out-of-state students pay about $61,591. University Of Virginia Main Campus Foreign Languages Linguistics students take on a median of $14,050 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $86,863. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Virginia Main Campus admits about 17% of applicants. Read more about University Of Virginia Main Campus
University Of California Berkeley offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. University Of California Berkeley is a public school based in Berkeley, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. The median Foreign Languages Linguistics program debt is $12,334. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,446. Set against $12,334 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
University Of Wisconsin Madison placed #12 among the best-value Foreign Languages Linguistics schools in the United States. Based in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Students borrow a median of $20,250 to complete their Foreign Languages Linguistics program here. University Of Wisconsin Madison alumni report median earnings of $73,792 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Based in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,092 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $81,054. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign admits about 42% of applicants. More on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Foreign Languages Linguistics schools. This public school is set in Chapel Hill, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $8,994, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. The median Foreign Languages Linguistics program debt is $14,815. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,200 ten years after entry. Set against $14,815 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill admits about 15% of applicants. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
University Of California Davis ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Foreign Languages Linguistics schools. Set in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,804 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $47,692. University Of California Davis Foreign Languages Linguistics students take on a median of $14,903 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $80,838. Set against $14,903 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of California Davis
Temple University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Temple University is a public school based in Philadelphia, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,005, with out-of-state students paying around $38,805. The median Foreign Languages Linguistics program debt is $26,391. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,727. That is a strong return on a $26,391 median debt. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Temple University
University Of Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. This public school is set in Gainesville, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. Typical Foreign Languages Linguistics student debt is $15,127. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,588. Set against $15,127 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Florida
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee placed #18 among the best-value Foreign Languages Linguistics schools in the United States. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public school based in Milwaukee, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,398, compared with $22,398 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,763 to complete their Foreign Languages Linguistics program here. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee alumni report median earnings of $54,990 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,763 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee has an acceptance rate of 91%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
University Of Utah landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Salt Lake City, UT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,620, while out-of-state students pay about $30,860. The median Foreign Languages Linguistics program debt is $21,715. University Of Utah alumni report median earnings of $67,170 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,715 median debt. University Of Utah admits about 86% of applicants. Read more about University Of Utah
Florida State University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Foreign Languages Linguistics schools. This public school is set in Tallahassee, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,517, with out-of-state students paying around $21,683. Graduates carry a median of $19,019 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,675 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,019 median debt. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted. More on Florida State University
Arizona State University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Based in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. The median Foreign Languages Linguistics program debt is $20,677. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. Set against $20,677 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Arizona State University
University Of California Santa Barbara landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,444 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $47,332. Typical Foreign Languages Linguistics student debt is $15,596. University Of California Santa Barbara alumni report median earnings of $74,915 a decade after entry. Set against $15,596 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 33% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of California Santa Barbara
The University Of Texas At Dallas offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Located in Richardson, TX, The University Of Texas At Dallas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,644, while out-of-state students pay about $40,144. The median Foreign Languages Linguistics program debt is $23,156. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,227 ten years after entry. Set against $23,156 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. See the full The University Of Texas At Dallas profile
George Mason University placed #24 among the best-value Foreign Languages Linguistics schools in the United States. This public school is set in Fairfax, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $14,220, while out-of-state students pay about $38,688. Typical Foreign Languages Linguistics student debt is $21,850. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $76,343. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on George Mason University
University Of Washington Seattle Campus ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Foreign Languages Linguistics schools. This public school is set in Seattle, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. The median Foreign Languages Linguistics program debt is $13,559. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,466 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 39%. Read more about University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Foreign Languages Linguistics Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
The University Of Tennessee came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Based in Knoxville, TN, The University Of Tennessee is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,812, while out-of-state students pay about $33,256. The median Foreign Languages Linguistics program debt is $20,612. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,249 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Tennessee admits about 42% of applicants. More on The University Of Tennessee
The University Of Texas At Arlington came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Arlington, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,950, with out-of-state students paying around $29,582. Graduates carry a median of $16,808 in student loans. Median earnings reach $63,199 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Read more about The University Of Texas At Arlington
University Of California San Diego came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in La Jolla, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $15,788, while out-of-state students pay about $47,676. The median Foreign Languages Linguistics program debt is $13,998. Median earnings reach $84,943 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 27%. Read the full report on University Of California San Diego
University Of Colorado Boulder placed #29 among the best-value Foreign Languages Linguistics schools in the United States. Set in Boulder, CO, University Of Colorado Boulder is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,214, with out-of-state students paying around $42,970. Graduates carry a median of $20,373 in student loans. University Of Colorado Boulder alumni report median earnings of $69,738 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Colorado Boulder has an acceptance rate of 78%. See the full University Of Colorado Boulder profile
University Of Georgia came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. University Of Georgia is a public school based in Athens, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. Typical Foreign Languages Linguistics student debt is $22,655. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,726. That is a strong return on a $22,655 median debt. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Georgia profile
Cornell University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $69,314. Typical Foreign Languages Linguistics student debt is $15,500. Cornell University alumni report median earnings of $104,043 a decade after entry. Set against $15,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cornell University admits about 9% of applicants. Get the full Cornell University report
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Based in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Graduates carry a median of $19,863 in student loans. Median earnings reach $69,020 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,863 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities report
University Of Maryland College Park landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in College Park, MD. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,809, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. Typical Foreign Languages Linguistics student debt is $22,750. Median earnings reach $82,860 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Maryland College Park has an acceptance rate of 45%. Get the full University Of Maryland College Park report
University Of Notre Dame ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Foreign Languages Linguistics schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Notre Dame, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,025. University Of Notre Dame Foreign Languages Linguistics students take on a median of $19,801 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $99,980. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Notre Dame has an acceptance rate of 11%. More on University Of Notre Dame
University Of Illinois At Chicago placed #34 among the best-value Foreign Languages Linguistics schools in the United States. University Of Illinois At Chicago is a public school based in Chicago, IL. Students from in state pay about $15,949 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $32,009. Students borrow a median of $17,559 to complete their Foreign Languages Linguistics program here. Median earnings reach $68,740 ten years out. Set against $17,559 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%. More on University Of Illinois At Chicago
University Of Arkansas offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Based in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,104, with out-of-state students paying around $29,966. The median Foreign Languages Linguistics program debt is $21,500. Median earnings reach $58,191 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Arkansas admits about 74% of applicants. See the full University Of Arkansas profile
Columbia University In The City Of New York came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Set in New York, NY, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $70,517. Students borrow a median of $20,250 to complete their Foreign Languages Linguistics program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $102,491. That is a strong return on a $20,250 median debt. Columbia University In The City Of New York has an acceptance rate of 4%. Get the full Columbia University In The City Of New York report
Stony Brook University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Located in Stony Brook, NY, Stony Brook University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,931, while out-of-state students pay about $32,741. Typical Foreign Languages Linguistics student debt is $19,147. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,502 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 49% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Stony Brook University
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,926, compared with $41,430 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,947 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $66,125. Set against $25,947 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 58%. More on University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus
Kent State University At Kent ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Foreign Languages Linguistics schools. This public school is set in Kent, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,220, compared with $21,575 for out-of-state students. Kent State University At Kent Foreign Languages Linguistics students take on a median of $30,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,388 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Kent State University At Kent admits about 86% of applicants. See the full Kent State University At Kent profile
Northern Arizona University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Northern Arizona University is a public school based in Flagstaff, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,619, while out-of-state students pay about $20,044. Typical Foreign Languages Linguistics student debt is $20,154. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,384. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern Arizona University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read the full report on Northern Arizona University
Suny At Binghamton placed #42 among the best-value Foreign Languages Linguistics schools in the United States. Located in Vestal, NY, Suny At Binghamton is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,567, while out-of-state students pay about $30,447. Students borrow a median of $20,346 to complete their Foreign Languages Linguistics program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $80,596 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,346 median debt. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted. More on Suny At Binghamton
Georgetown University offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Georgetown University is a private not-for-profit school based in Washington, DC. In-state tuition and fees average $68,089. Georgetown University Foreign Languages Linguistics students take on a median of $17,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $103,494. Set against $17,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 13%. More on Georgetown University
University Of Kentucky offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. University Of Kentucky is a public school based in Lexington, KY. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,502, with out-of-state students paying around $34,140. Typical Foreign Languages Linguistics student debt is $26,530. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,025. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Kentucky
University Of Iowa offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. This public school is set in Iowa City, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,283, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. Typical Foreign Languages Linguistics student debt is $24,717. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,762. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Iowa admits about 84% of applicants. See the full University Of Iowa profile
Vanderbilt University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Located in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,498. Typical Foreign Languages Linguistics student debt is $12,000. Median earnings reach $91,565 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 6% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Vanderbilt University report
Duke University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Located in Durham, NC, Duke University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,758. Students borrow a median of $13,296 to complete their Foreign Languages Linguistics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $97,800. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Duke University admits about 6% of applicants. More on Duke University
University Of California Irvine landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of California Irvine is a public school based in Irvine, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,752, with out-of-state students paying around $46,640. University Of California Irvine Foreign Languages Linguistics students take on a median of $9,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $80,735. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Irvine has an acceptance rate of 29%. Read more about University Of California Irvine
Indiana University Bloomington came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Based in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,144, while out-of-state students pay about $41,891. The median Foreign Languages Linguistics program debt is $17,465. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,742 ten years after entry. Set against $17,465 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana University Bloomington has an acceptance rate of 78%. See the full Indiana University Bloomington profile
Michigan State University came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Set in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,079, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. Typical Foreign Languages Linguistics student debt is $24,789. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,253. Set against $24,789 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Michigan State University
Related Foreign Languages Linguistics Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Foreign Languages Linguistics Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Foreign Languages Linguistics Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Foreign Languages Linguistics Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Foreign Languages Linguistics Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Foreign Languages Linguistics Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Foreign Languages Linguistics Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Foreign Languages Linguistics Master’s Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 1295 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).