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Linguistic & Comparative at Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, VA · 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 $30,635/yr (10% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 7.8x earnings multiple (3.3x out-of-state)

Ranked #47 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	$517K	$514K	$476K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	7.9x	7.8x	7.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.3x	3.3x	3.0x
Probability of Field Employment	43%	38%	28%
DegreeOutlook Score	31	31	24

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$65,832

Out-of-state: $156,168 (3.3x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$77,808

-18% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$21,627

8.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$49,017

60% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $30,635 at Virginia Commonwealth University come in 10% above the national median of $27,797 for Linguistic & Comparative programs.

A 7.8x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Linguistic & Comparative career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $21,627 against $30,635/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #47 ranking among 79 Linguistic & Comparative programs places Virginia Commonwealth University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $30,635-to-$49,017 earnings arc over five years reflects a 60% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University accepts 93% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with 20,797 students enrolled in Richmond, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at Virginia Commonwealth 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 Virginia Commonwealth University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 31/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Linguistic & Comparative at Virginia Commonwealth University?

At 31/100, 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 Virginia Commonwealth University?

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 →