Linguistics at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Carbondale, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
27
Optimistic
26
Base Case
22
Pessimistic
Earnings
$25,921/yr (-7% vs median)
AI Risk
Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market
Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI
7.9x earnings multiple
How AI Changes the Outlook
Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Linguistics graduates.
| Optimistic No Disruption |
Base Case Gradual AI |
Pessimistic Aggressive AI |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Year Earnings | $408K | $419K | $406K |
| Earnings Multiple | 7.7x | 7.9x | 7.7x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 43% | 38% | 28% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 27 | 26 | 22 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$52,976
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,625
10.9 months of Year 1 earnings
About Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale has a 90% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 8,116 in Carbondale, IL.
See all programs and financial aid at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale →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
Compare & Explore
Linguistics 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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Linguistics at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?
A score of 26/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Linguistics. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Linguistics careers?
With 56% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $406,087 in decade earnings vs $408,450 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →