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Linguistic & Comparative at University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY · 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 $27,449/yr (-1% vs median)

AI Risk Very High (56% exposed)

Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)

ROI 8.0x earnings multiple (3.2x out-of-state)

Ranked #54 of 79 Linguistic & Comparative programs

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	$416K	$425K	$411K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	7.9x	8.0x	7.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.1x	3.2x	3.1x
Probability of Field Employment	43%	38%	28%
DegreeOutlook Score	28	28	22

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$52,848

Out-of-state: $133,624 (3.2x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$68,872

-30% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$26,000

11.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $27,449/yr, Linguistic & Comparative graduates from University of Kentucky land near the $27,797 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

The earnings-to-cost ratio of 8.0x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.

Some AI exposure exists in Linguistic & Comparative's typical career paths, with 56% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 1% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $26,000 represents roughly 11 months of the $27,449 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

Ranked #54 of 79 Linguistic & Comparative programs, University of Kentucky falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About University of Kentucky

With 92% of applicants admitted, University of Kentucky prioritizes broad access, serving a student body of 23,189 in Lexington, KY.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Kentucky →

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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Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Linguistic & Comparative at University of Kentucky?

A score of 28/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Linguistic & Comparative. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.

Will AI replace Linguistic & Comparative careers?

With 56% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $410,934 in decade earnings vs $415,998 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

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