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Linguistic & Comparative at San Diego State University

San Diego, CA · 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 $22,001/yr (-21% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 12.1x earnings multiple (5.0x out-of-state)

Ranked #67 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	$389K	$401K	$394K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.7x	12.1x	11.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.8x	5.0x	4.9x
Probability of Field Employment	43%	38%	28%
DegreeOutlook Score	26	25	22

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$33,160

Out-of-state: $80,680 (5.0x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$64,696

-95% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$11,000

6.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $22,001/yr fall 21% below the $27,797 national median for Linguistic & Comparative. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 12.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The -1% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Linguistic & Comparative career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $11,000 in median debt against $22,001 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #67 ranking among 79 Linguistic & Comparative programs places San Diego State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About San Diego State University

San Diego State University admits 34% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, one of the larger campuses at 33,654 students in San Diego, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at San Diego State 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

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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 25/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Linguistic & Comparative at San Diego State University?

At 25/100, 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 San Diego State 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.

Is San Diego State University a good choice for Linguistic & Comparative despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If San Diego State University'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 →