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Linguistic & Comparative at University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Amherst, MA · 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 $20,334/yr (-27% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 7.9x earnings multiple (3.5x out-of-state)

Ranked #72 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	$553K	$546K	$499K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	8.0x	7.9x	7.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.5x	3.5x	3.2x
Probability of Field Employment	43%	38%	28%
DegreeOutlook Score	24	23	21

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$69,428

Out-of-state: $157,172 (3.5x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$94,764

-36% less than sticker · See by income

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$47,529

134% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $20,334 per year, Linguistic & Comparative graduates from University of Massachusetts-Amherst earn below the $27,797 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

At 7.9x 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 10% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At #72 out of 79 programs, University of Massachusetts-Amherst's financial outcomes for Linguistic & Comparative trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $20,334 to $47,529 over five years (134% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About University of Massachusetts-Amherst

University of Massachusetts-Amherst accepts 58% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, one of the larger campuses at 23,694 students in Amherst, MA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Massachusetts-Amherst →

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

How does University of Massachusetts-Amherst's Linguistic & Comparative program score?

This program scores 23/100 — 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 are Linguistic & Comparative earnings lower at University of Massachusetts-Amherst?

Lower starting pay at University of Massachusetts-Amherst may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.

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