Linguistics at Stephen F Austin State University

Nacogdoches, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
39 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
39
Optimistic
39
Base Case
30
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,375/yr (38% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI 11.1x earnings multiple (5.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #15 of 79 Linguistic & Comparative programs Top 25%

Program Analysis

The strong earnings performance of this program isn't about traditional language roles, but rather how graduates apply sophisticated analytical, critical thinking, and cross-cultural communication skills in unexpected, high-demand fields. While located in East Texas, SFA graduates often leverage their expertise in larger markets, potentially in Houston's international business sector, or within government agencies that require nuanced understanding of language and culture for intelligence or policy analysis. You'll find these graduates excel in roles demanding complex problem-solving, market research, or UX design, where understanding human language and behavior is paramount. The "related services" component likely emphasizes practical applications, preparing you for roles beyond academia, such as technical communication, localization project management, or even data analysis for companies dealing with diverse datasets. Given the very high AI risk for this field generally, your success hinges on actively seeking internships and developing complementary technical skills that allow you to translate your unique linguistic insights into tangible value for employers.

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 $470K $473K $446K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.1x 11.1x 10.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.7x 5.7x 5.4x
Probability of Field Employment 43% 38% 28%
DegreeOutlook Score 39 39 30

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$42,400
Out-of-state: $82,720 (5.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$60,608
-43% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,495
6.1 months of Year 1 earnings

About Stephen F Austin State University

With 88% of applicants admitted, Stephen F Austin State University prioritizes broad access, enrolling 8,746 students in Nacogdoches, TX.

See all programs and financial aid at Stephen F Austin 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

Linguistics at Other Schools

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Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Linguistics at Stephen F Austin State University?
A score of 39/100 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 $445,575 in decade earnings vs $469,978 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes Stephen F Austin State University's Linguistics program stand out?
Ranked #15 of 79 programs nationally, Stephen F Austin State University lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →