Linguistic & Comparative at University of California-Davis

Davis, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
23 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
23
Optimistic
23
Base Case
19
Pessimistic
Earnings $22,965/yr (-17% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 8.1x earnings multiple (2.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #71 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 $491K $492K $459K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.1x 8.1x 7.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 2.7x 2.7x 2.5x
Probability of Field Employment 43% 38% 28%
DegreeOutlook Score 23 23 19

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$60,988
Out-of-state: $184,096 (2.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$61,152
-0% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,798
7.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$41,582
81% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of California-Davis's Linguistic & Comparative graduates start at $22,965/yr, trailing the $27,797 national average by 17%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

A 8.1x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

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 $13,798 against $22,965/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #71 ranking among 79 Linguistic & Comparative programs places University of California-Davis in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $22,965-to-$41,582 earnings arc over five years reflects a 81% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of California-Davis

University of California-Davis's 42% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, serving a student body of 31,777 in Davis, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Davis →

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 University of California-Davis

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 23/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Linguistic & Comparative at University of California-Davis?
At 23/100, 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 of California-Davis?
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.
Is University of California-Davis a good choice for Linguistic & Comparative despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of California-Davis's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →