Linguistics at University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Amherst, MA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
24
Optimistic
23
Base Case
21
Pessimistic
Earnings
$20,334/yr (-27% vs median)
AI Risk
Very High (56% exposed)
Job Market
Large (83,300 openings/yr)
ROI
7.9x earnings multiple (3.5x 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 | $553K | $546K | $499K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 8.0x | 7.9x | 7.2x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 3.5x | 3.5x | 3.2x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 43% | 38% | 28% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 24 | 23 | 21 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$69,428
Out-of-state: $157,172 (3.5x ROI)
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$47,529
134% growth from Year 1
About University of Massachusetts-Amherst
University of Massachusetts-Amherst accepts 58% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, one of the larger campuses at 23,694 students in Amherst, MA.
See all programs and financial aid at University of Massachusetts-Amherst →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 Massachusetts-Amherst
Explore the Trade Alternative
Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does University of Massachusetts-Amherst's Linguistics program score?
This program scores 23/100 — on the lower end for Linguistics. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Linguistics to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Linguistics careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 56% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Linguistics earnings lower at University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
Lower starting pay at University of Massachusetts-Amherst may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →