Linguistics at University of California-Berkeley

Berkeley, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
34 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
34
Optimistic
34
Base Case
29
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%

Program Analysis

A Berkeley degree in Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies is academically rigorous, fostering exceptional analytical and critical thinking skills. However, the initial earnings trajectory often reflects the nature of these highly specialized humanities fields, which frequently lead to careers in academia, teaching, or research requiring advanced degrees. While your foundational skills are invaluable, the Bay Area's high cost of living means entry-level roles in these areas, or even in related fields like technical writing or localization, may feel disproportionately modest compared to the region's tech-driven salaries. The "Very High" AI risk rating reflects how rapidly AI is advancing in language processing and generation, potentially impacting roles from translation to data annotation. To thrive in this evolving landscape, you'll need to proactively combine your profound understanding of language with complementary, in-demand skills. Consider internships or coursework in areas like data science, UX research, or specific regional studies to strategically position yourself in the competitive Bay Area market, ensuring your intellectual curiosity translates into robust career opportunities.

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 $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

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 34/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Linguistics at University of California-Berkeley?
At 34/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Linguistics programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Linguistics 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 →