2026 Best Value Foreign Languages Linguistics Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Foreign Languages Linguistics master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 1295 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor evaluated 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
For return on investment, no school beat University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras this year in the United States. This public school is set in San Juan, PR. In-state tuition and fees average $5,324. Typical Foreign Languages Linguistics student debt is $5,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,723. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 55%. Get the full University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Minnesota State University Mankato earned it the #2 place in the United States. Based in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Minnesota State University Mankato Foreign Languages Linguistics students take on a median of $20,865 in debt. Minnesota State University Mankato alumni report median earnings of $56,922 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,865 median debt. Minnesota State University Mankato has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full Minnesota State University Mankato report
You'll get strong value at Brigham Young University Provo, which ranked #3 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. Students from in state pay about $6,688 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $9,668 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,790. Set against $9,668 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. See the full Brigham Young University Provo profile
Out of the 1295 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Illinois State University landed the #4 spot. Illinois State University is a public school based in Normal, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $14,410, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. Typical Foreign Languages Linguistics student debt is $22,375. Illinois State University alumni report median earnings of $62,117 a decade after entry. Set against $22,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Illinois State University admits about 88% of applicants. See the full Illinois State University profile
You'll get strong value at Northern Illinois University, which ranked #5 this year. Based in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,060. Northern Illinois University Foreign Languages Linguistics students take on a median of $21,250 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. Set against $21,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants. See the full Northern Illinois University profile
Southern Oregon University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Foreign Languages Linguistics schools. Based in Ashland, OR, Southern Oregon University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,762, while out-of-state students pay about $31,887. Graduates carry a median of $24,951 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,175. Set against $24,951 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. More on Southern Oregon University
University Of Nebraska At Kearney offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. This public school is set in Kearney, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,564, with out-of-state students paying around $16,484. The median Foreign Languages Linguistics program debt is $22,173. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,105. That is a strong return on a $22,173 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full University Of Nebraska At Kearney profile
Sam Houston State University offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Located in Huntsville, TX, Sam Houston State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,228, while out-of-state students pay about $19,068. Sam Houston State University Foreign Languages Linguistics students take on a median of $24,850 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,211. Set against $24,850 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Sam Houston State University
Gallaudet University offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Gallaudet University is a private not-for-profit school based in Washington, DC. In-state tuition and fees run about $19,654. Graduates carry a median of $30,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,101 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Gallaudet University has an acceptance rate of 58%. More on Gallaudet University
University Of Delaware placed #10 among the best-value Foreign Languages Linguistics schools in the United States. University Of Delaware is a public school based in Newark, DE. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,810, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. Graduates carry a median of $25,336 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,950. Set against $25,336 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Delaware has an acceptance rate of 71%. See the full University Of Delaware profile
University Of Nebraska At Omaha ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Foreign Languages Linguistics schools. Set in Omaha, NE, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,718, compared with $23,206 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,909 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. University Of Nebraska At Omaha has an acceptance rate of 87%. Get the full University Of Nebraska At Omaha report
Montclair State University offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Set in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,912 in tuition and fees, compared with $26,022 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,788 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,415. That is a strong return on a $25,788 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Montclair State University
Lamar University offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. This public school is set in Beaumont, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,905, compared with $18,745 for out-of-state students. Typical Foreign Languages Linguistics student debt is $24,262. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,652 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Lamar University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Get the full Lamar University report
Missouri State University Springfield placed #13 among the best-value Foreign Languages Linguistics schools in the United States. Set in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,502, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their Foreign Languages Linguistics program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,827. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Missouri State University Springfield admits about 90% of applicants. See the full Missouri State University Springfield profile
St Catherine University landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. St Catherine University is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. Students from in state pay about $38,428 in tuition and fees. The median Foreign Languages Linguistics program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,282. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 92%. Get the full St Catherine University report
Villanova University placed #16 among the best-value Foreign Languages Linguistics schools in the United States. Located in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,776. The median Foreign Languages Linguistics program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $100,423 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Villanova University has an acceptance rate of 27%. Read the full report on Villanova University
University Of Central Arkansas placed #17 among the best-value Foreign Languages Linguistics schools in the United States. Located in Conway, AR, University Of Central Arkansas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,523, compared with $18,023 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,920 to complete their Foreign Languages Linguistics program here. Median earnings reach $45,938 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,920 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. Get the full University Of Central Arkansas report
University Of Missouri Columbia came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Located in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,286 to complete their Foreign Languages Linguistics program here. Median earnings reach $63,403 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,286 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Missouri Columbia
University Of Nebraska Lincoln landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Located 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. University Of Nebraska Lincoln Foreign Languages Linguistics students take on a median of $21,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,887. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Grand Valley State University offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. This public school is set in Allendale, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $15,502, with out-of-state students paying around $21,894. Graduates carry a median of $28,740 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,118 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $28,740 median debt. Grand Valley State University has an acceptance rate of 83%. Read more about Grand Valley State University
Texas State University San Marcos placed #21 among the best-value Foreign Languages Linguistics schools in the United States. This public school is set in San Marcos, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $22,930. The median Foreign Languages Linguistics program debt is $22,133. Median earnings reach $56,906 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,133 median debt. Texas State University San Marcos has an acceptance rate of 89%. More on Texas State University San Marcos
The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Typical Foreign Languages Linguistics student debt is $20,220. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,121. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 27%. Read more about The University Of Texas At Austin
University Of Wyoming came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Set in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,768 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. Graduates carry a median of $20,283 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,880 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,283 median debt. The acceptance rate is 97%. Read the full report on University Of Wyoming
Marquette University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Foreign Languages Linguistics schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Milwaukee, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $51,170. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Marquette University alumni report median earnings of $78,257 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%. See the full Marquette University profile
University Of Nevada Las Vegas placed #25 among the best-value Foreign Languages Linguistics schools in the United States. Located in Las Vegas, NV, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,748, with out-of-state students paying around $27,411. The median Foreign Languages Linguistics program debt is $21,181. Median earnings reach $55,037 ten years out. Set against $21,181 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nevada Las Vegas has an acceptance rate of 96%. Get the full University Of Nevada Las Vegas report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Foreign Languages Linguistics Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Wichita State University placed #26 among the best-value Foreign Languages Linguistics schools in the United States. Located in Wichita, KS, Wichita State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,684, with out-of-state students paying around $19,869. Students borrow a median of $17,750 to complete their Foreign Languages Linguistics program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,532. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Wichita State University
Texas Tech University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. 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. That is a strong return on a $19,750 median debt. The acceptance rate is 73%. Get the full Texas Tech University report
San Francisco State University placed #28 among the best-value Foreign Languages Linguistics schools in the United States. Based in San Francisco, CA, San Francisco State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,846, while out-of-state students pay about $20,446. Typical Foreign Languages Linguistics student debt is $14,899. Median earnings reach $68,077 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. San Francisco State University has an acceptance rate of 96%. Read the full report on San Francisco State University
University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Foreign Languages Linguistics schools. This public school is set in Madison, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,792 ten years after entry. Set against $20,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Madison has an acceptance rate of 45%. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of California Los Angeles landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Typical Foreign Languages Linguistics student debt is $14,610. Median earnings reach $82,511 ten years out. Set against $14,610 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Los Angeles has an acceptance rate of 9%. See the full University Of California Los Angeles profile
Saint Louis University Main Campus landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Saint Louis, MO, Saint Louis University Main Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $55,760. Typical Foreign Languages Linguistics student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $70,783. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 75%. Get the full Saint Louis University Main Campus report
University Of California Berkeley landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. University Of California Berkeley Foreign Languages Linguistics students take on a median of $12,334 in debt. Median earnings reach $92,446 ten years out. Set against $12,334 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Berkeley admits about 11% of applicants. Get the full University Of California Berkeley report
Monterey Institute Of International Studies offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Located in Monterey, CA, Monterey Institute Of International Studies is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $48,654. Graduates go on to earn a median of $76,310 ten years after entry. More on Monterey Institute Of International Studies
University Of Virginia Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Set in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,118, while out-of-state students pay about $61,591. Graduates carry a median of $14,050 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $86,863. Set against $14,050 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Virginia Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 17%. Read the full report on University Of Virginia Main Campus
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Located in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,948, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University Foreign Languages Linguistics students take on a median of $22,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $81,698 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. About 55% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University profile
Loyola University Chicago came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Located in Chicago, IL, Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $53,710 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $22,698 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,530 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Loyola University Chicago
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Foreign Languages Linguistics schools. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public school based in Champaign, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign Foreign Languages Linguistics students take on a median of $21,092 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $81,054. Set against $21,092 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
University Of Nevada Reno placed #37 among the best-value Foreign Languages Linguistics schools in the United States. Based in Reno, NV, University Of Nevada Reno is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,578, while out-of-state students pay about $27,720. University Of Nevada Reno Foreign Languages Linguistics students take on a median of $14,139 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,614. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nevada Reno has an acceptance rate of 74%. More on University Of Nevada Reno
University Of Houston came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,717, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. The median Foreign Languages Linguistics program debt is $18,750. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,377. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Houston admits about 74% of applicants. Read more about University Of Houston
California State University Long Beach landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Long Beach, CA, California State University Long Beach is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,374, while out-of-state students pay about $19,974. Students borrow a median of $10,967 to complete their Foreign Languages Linguistics program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,403. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Long Beach admits about 46% of applicants. See the full California State University Long Beach profile
Kansas State University landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,221, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. Typical Foreign Languages Linguistics student debt is $23,091. Kansas State University alumni report median earnings of $57,262 a decade after entry. Set against $23,091 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kansas State University has an acceptance rate of 82%. See the full Kansas State University profile
George Washington University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. George Washington University is a private not-for-profit school based in Washington, DC. Students from in state pay about $67,710 in tuition and fees. Typical Foreign Languages Linguistics student debt is $22,910. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $90,873. That is a strong return on a $22,910 median debt. George Washington University has an acceptance rate of 47%. Read the full report on George Washington University
The University Of Texas Pan American placed #43 among the best-value Foreign Languages Linguistics schools in the United States. This public school is set in Edinburg, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,799, compared with $19,645 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,633 to complete their Foreign Languages Linguistics program here. Median earnings reach $49,620 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,633 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. See the full The University Of Texas Pan American profile
Sonoma State University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Foreign Languages Linguistics schools. Sonoma State University is a public school based in Rohnert Park, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $8,624, compared with $21,224 for out-of-state students. Typical Foreign Languages Linguistics student debt is $17,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,986. That is a strong return on a $17,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%. More on Sonoma State University
University Of South Florida Main Campus placed #45 among the best-value Foreign Languages Linguistics schools in the United States. Located in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,410, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. University Of South Florida Main Campus Foreign Languages Linguistics students take on a median of $16,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,743. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 43%. See the full University Of South Florida Main Campus profile
University Of Memphis came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Based in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,728, compared with $15,384 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,750 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,458. Set against $25,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Memphis
California State University Sacramento came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. California State University Sacramento is a public school based in Sacramento, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,018, with out-of-state students paying around $20,618. Graduates carry a median of $20,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,876 ten years after entry. Set against $20,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Sacramento has an acceptance rate of 94%. More on California State University Sacramento
University Of Utah came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Located in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,620, compared with $30,860 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,715 in student loans. 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 the full report on University Of Utah
Florida State University landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Florida State University is a public school based in Tallahassee, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,517, compared with $21,683 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,019 to complete their Foreign Languages Linguistics program here. 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. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Florida State University
East Carolina University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. This public school is set in Greenville, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $7,361, with out-of-state students paying around $23,638. The median Foreign Languages Linguistics program debt is $25,560. Median earnings reach $55,146 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,560 median debt. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. See the full East Carolina University profile
Related Foreign Languages Linguistics Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at 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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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).
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