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Linguistic & Comparative at University of California-Berkeley

Berkeley, 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 $25,059/yr (-10% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 10.2x earnings multiple (3.3x out-of-state)

Ranked #33 of 79 Linguistic & Comparative programs Top 50%

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	$623K	$607K	$544K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.5x	10.2x	9.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.4x	3.3x	3.0x
Probability of Field Employment	43%	38%	28%
DegreeOutlook Score	34	34	29

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$59,400

Out-of-state: $182,508 (3.3x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$59,916

-1% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$14,000

6.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$59,312

137% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $25,059 track close to the $27,797 national median for Linguistic & Comparative programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 10.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 13% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Linguistic & Comparative career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $14,000 against $25,059/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #33 ranking among 79 Linguistic & Comparative programs places University of California-Berkeley in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $25,059-to-$59,312 earnings arc over five years reflects a 137% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of California-Berkeley

University of California-Berkeley admits 12% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, serving a student body of 33,073 in Berkeley, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Berkeley →

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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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 34/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Linguistic & Comparative at University of California-Berkeley?

At 34/100, 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 University of California-Berkeley?

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.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →