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Linguistic & Comparative at Northern Arizona University

Flagstaff, AZ · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $38,177/yr (37% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 9.3x earnings multiple (4.1x out-of-state)

Ranked #17 of 79 Linguistic & Comparative programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Linguistic & Comparative graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$469K	$472K	$445K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	9.3x	9.3x	8.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.1x	4.1x	3.8x
Probability of Field Employment	43%	38%	28%
DegreeOutlook Score	38	38	29

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$50,608

Out-of-state: $115,600 (4.1x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$59,688

-18% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,500

6.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $38,177 per year, Linguistic & Comparative graduates from Northern Arizona University significantly outpace the $27,797 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

At 9.3x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 56% task exposure — and the 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $20,500 debt-to-$38,177 income ratio translates to about 6 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #17 out of 79 programs, Northern Arizona University's Linguistic & Comparative program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

About Northern Arizona University

With 91% of applicants admitted, Northern Arizona University prioritizes broad access, with 23,041 students enrolled in Flagstaff, AZ.

See all programs and financial aid at Northern Arizona University →

Top Career Paths

Social scientists and related workers, all other $100,340/yr

English language and literature teachers, postsecondary $78,270/yr

Foreign language and literature teachers, postsecondary $77,010/yr

View all 5 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Linguistic & Comparative at Other Schools

Other Majors at Northern Arizona University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Northern Arizona University's Linguistic & Comparative program score?

This program scores 38/100 — on the lower end for Linguistic & Comparative. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

How vulnerable is Linguistic & Comparative to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Linguistic & Comparative careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 56% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.

Why does Northern Arizona University rank so high for Linguistic & Comparative?

The #17 ranking out of 79 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →