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Linguistic & Comparative at Rutgers University-New Brunswick

New Brunswick, NJ · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
26 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
26
Optimistic
26
Base Case
24
Pessimistic
Earnings $16,796/yr (-40% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 9.2x earnings multiple (4.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #65 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 $650K $631K $561K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.4x 9.2x 8.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.5x 4.4x 3.9x
Probability of Field Employment 43% 38% 28%
DegreeOutlook Score 26 26 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)
$68,956
Out-of-state: $144,004 (4.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$94,076
-36% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,345
16.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$53,565
219% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Rutgers University-New Brunswick's Linguistic & Comparative graduates start at $16,796/yr, trailing the $27,797 national average by 40%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

A 9.2x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 14% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Linguistic & Comparative career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.3x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #65 ranking among 79 Linguistic & Comparative programs places Rutgers University-New Brunswick in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $16,796-to-$53,565 earnings arc over five years reflects a 219% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Rutgers University-New Brunswick's 65% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, one of the larger campuses at 36,357 students in New Brunswick, NJ.

See all programs and financial aid at Rutgers University-New Brunswick →

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

Compare this program → View all 79 schools offering Linguistic & Comparative →

Linguistic & Comparative at Other Schools

James Madison University ($45,122) Virginia Military Institute ($43,923) George Mason University ($40,105) Stephen F Austin State University ($38,375) Northern Arizona University ($38,177) University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus ($37,859) Ashford University ($37,853) Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University ($37,389)

Other Majors at Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($87,594) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($82,598) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($80,448) Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions ($80,060) Industrial Engineering ($78,501) Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods ($78,177) Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions ($72,259) Mechanical Engineering ($71,569)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Linguistic & Comparative trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 26/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Linguistic & Comparative at Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
At 26/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Linguistic & Comparative programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Linguistic & Comparative degree from Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
At $22,345 in median debt, graduates carry 16 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Should I worry about AI if I study Linguistic & Comparative at Rutgers University-New Brunswick?
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 Rutgers University-New Brunswick a good choice for Linguistic & Comparative despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Rutgers University-New Brunswick'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 →