Bilingual & Multilingual at Iowa State University

Ames, IA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
61 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
61
Optimistic
61
Base Case
64
Pessimistic
Earnings $48,052/yr (-10% vs median)
AI Risk High (29% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (303,500 openings/yr)
ROI 12.6x earnings multiple (4.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #2 of 3 Bilingual & Multilingual programs

Program Analysis

This specialized program at Iowa State addresses a vital, growing need within communities across the country, particularly in areas with increasing linguistic and cultural diversity. While the financial figures reflect the typical public sector salary structures for educators, especially in a Midwestern state like Iowa, your degree prepares you for a role that extends far beyond standard classroom instruction. You’ll be equipped to serve as a crucial bridge, supporting students and families in navigating new educational and cultural landscapes. Local school districts, community centers, and even some non-profits actively seek professionals with these nuanced skills. Your unique ability to foster inclusive learning environments and facilitate communication is a highly valued asset. To maximize your impact and financial outlook, focus on gaining practical experience in diverse settings and consider where demand for bilingual and multicultural educators is highest for your specific language competencies.

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $534K $531K $507K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.7x 12.6x 12.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.8x 4.8x 4.6x
Probability of Field Employment 70% 66% 57%
DegreeOutlook Score 61 61 64

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$41,988
Out-of-state: $110,732 (4.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$72,660
-73% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,500
5.9 months of Year 1 earnings

About Iowa State University

With 89% of applicants admitted, Iowa State University prioritizes broad access, one of the larger campuses at 25,033 students in Ames, IA.

See all programs and financial aid at Iowa State University →

Top Career Paths

Education teachers, postsecondary $72,090/yr
Teachers and instructors, all other $64,690/yr
Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education $64,580/yr
View all 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Bilingual & Multilingual at Other Schools

Other Majors at Iowa State 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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Bilingual & Multilingual at Iowa State University?
This program scores 61/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Bilingual & Multilingual programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
Will AI replace Bilingual & Multilingual careers?
With 29% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $506,742 in decade earnings vs $533,711 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →