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Linguistic & Comparative at University at Buffalo

Buffalo, NY · 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 $26,703/yr (-4% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 11.7x earnings multiple (4.1x out-of-state)

Ranked #48 of 79 Linguistic & Comparative programs

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	$507K	$505K	$469K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.7x	11.7x	10.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.1x	4.1x	3.8x
Probability of Field Employment	43%	38%	28%
DegreeOutlook Score	30	30	25

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$43,128

Out-of-state: $122,288 (4.1x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$81,880

-90% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$16,525

7.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$45,647

71% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University at Buffalo's Linguistic & Comparative program produces graduates earning $26,703/yr — within striking distance of the $27,797 national average for this field.

With a 11.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Linguistic & Comparative career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $16,525 against $26,703/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #48 ranking among 79 Linguistic & Comparative programs places University at Buffalo in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $26,703-to-$45,647 earnings arc over five years reflects a 71% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University at Buffalo

University at Buffalo's 69% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, with 20,284 students enrolled in Buffalo, NY.

See all programs and financial aid at University at Buffalo →

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

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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

What does a 30/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Linguistic & Comparative at University at Buffalo?

At 30/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Linguistic & Comparative programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study Linguistic & Comparative at University at Buffalo?

The 56% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

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