Linguistics 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
28
Optimistic
28
Base Case
22
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)
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 | $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)
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
11.4 months of Year 1 earnings
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
Compare & Explore
Linguistics at Other Schools
Other Majors at University of Kentucky
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 Linguistics at University of Kentucky?
A score of 28/100 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 $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 →