Linguistics at University of California-Davis
Davis, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
23
Optimistic
23
Base Case
19
Pessimistic
Earnings
$22,965/yr (-17% vs median)
AI Risk
Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market
Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI
8.1x earnings multiple (2.7x out-of-state)
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 | $491K | $492K | $459K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 8.1x | 8.1x | 7.5x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 2.7x | 2.7x | 2.5x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 43% | 38% | 28% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 23 | 23 | 19 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$60,988
Out-of-state: $184,096 (2.7x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,798
7.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$41,582
81% growth from Year 1
About University of California-Davis
University of California-Davis's 42% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, serving a student body of 31,777 in Davis, CA.
See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Davis →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
Other Majors at University of California-Davis
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 23/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Linguistics at University of California-Davis?
At 23/100, 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-Davis?
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 University of California-Davis a good choice for Linguistics despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of California-Davis'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 →